May 29, 2000

THOMPSON, Man.--In recognition of the higher cost of food in Northern Manitoba, effective July 1 the amount of money available for the food component of the basic maintenance foster rate will be increased, Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson announced here today on behalf of Family Services and Housing Minister Tim Sale.

"Due to transportation costs, the prices for food in the North are significantly higher than the cost of these same goods in the south," said Robinson. "As a result, many foster families find it challenging to provide the most nutritional foods. Today’s announcement is intended to provide support for these northern families."

The additional specific increase in the food component represents a 10 per cent increase for communities served by an all- weather road and an approximate 45 per cent increase for communities without road access. Foster care rates paid on behalf of children in Northern Manitoba have historically been set higher than the rest of the province to account for higher living costs.

"Our government recognizes the specific social and economic challenges facing northern residents," said Sale. "We also recognize that adequate nutrition is a key element in the development of healthy children and this increase will help foster families to provide a better diet for the youngsters living with them."

The North is generally defined as the region of Manitoba north of the 53^rd parallel and certain northerly sections of the Interlake and Eastman regions.

- 30 -