Budget Bulletin: Focus on Families in Need

MORE SUPPORT FOR NOVA SCOTIANS
Providing support for low-income families continues to be a priority. An additional $32 million will be invested in programs and supports, bringing the total budget for Community Services to $748 million. This investment in Nova Scotians is helping people achieve their goals, and many are returning to work through enhanced employment support services. In fact, the number of people receiving income assistance has steadily declined, from 38,000 in 2000 to 31,000 today.

INCREASING ASSISTANCE
For the third consecutive year, income assistance rates will be increased. Effective Oct. 1, 2006, all income assistance clients will receive a personal allowance increase of $10 per month. Shelter allowance rates will be raised by $15 a month for single renters and $20 a month for households.

PHARMACARE
Children of low-income working families (with an income under $20,921 and in receipt of the Nova Scotia Child Benefit) will benefit from extended prescription drug coverage. More than 33,000 children under the age of 18 will benefit from Pharmacare, through a $1-million investment by the province this year, increasing to $2 million next year.

HELP FOR FOSTER FAMILIES
Nova Scotia's foster families provide a valuable service for children who need a home. Foster parents ensure that children are living in safe family environments that promote their physical, mental, and emotional well-being and social development. The province will increase base rates by 5 per cent for foster families to $14.46 per day for children under the age of 10 and $21.02 per day for children 10 years and older.

PROVIDING MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Homes that are safe, affordable, and sustainable help to create healthy communities. In 2002, the province signed the Affordable Housing Agreement with the federal government, committing $56.18 million to create affordable housing by 2008. As of March 31, 2006, $37.3 million has been committed for the construction or renovation of more than 900 units. In the years ahead, another $18.9 million will be invested in this program. As well, the province will invest an additional $3.4 million in housing repair programs.

Note: For further 2006-07 budget information, see the Department of Finance website at <a href="http://www.gov.ns.ca/finance">www.gov.ns.ca/finance<a/>