FRANCAIS

June 01, 2004

Legislation creating a single system of income assistance in Manitoba and ensuring services are more consistent and effective becomes effective today, Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick has announced.

The Employment and Income Assistance Amendment Act makes the province responsible for administering all provincial income assistance in rural and northern Manitoba. The change to the single system was requested by the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) after the province began delivering all provincial income assistance in Winnipeg in 1999.

"We have been able to make improvements, eliminate duplication and will be able to provide benefits and employment supports more consistently," said Melnick. "I would like to acknowledge the AMM members for their co-operation in helping to create the new system. We are also pleased to recognize their continued financial contribution and their commitment to assist the provincial program in finding meaningful employment for participants in their communities."

In rural and northern Manitoba, municipalities were administering income assistance for non-disabled single persons, childless couples and two-parent families while the province was responsible for others in need including single parents and persons with a disability.

"The AMM is pleased to have been part of this collaborative, positive approach with the province. These improvements will not only relieve the burden on municipalities, but will result in a more efficient delivery system for those in need," said Stuart Briese, president of the AMM."

The new single system provides Manitobans with consistent benefits and uniform policies and programs administered by staff specifically trained for this type of work. Recipients of benefits will also have access to provincial training and employment readiness programs.

The AMM represents all 199 municipalities across Manitoba. There are about 185 municipalities that delivered municipal assistance with the majority of recipients located in Brandon, Thompson and Swan River. Across rural and northern Manitoba, approximately 1,100 households received municipal assistance.

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