“This budget speaks to Government’s commitment to the changing needs of children, families, our growing seniors population and and those in need of affordable housing, disability support or financial assistance,” said Minister Gillan.

As one of several investments in early interventions for young Island children and their families, the Minister cited $600,000 in funding to the Brackley Group Home. The community-based facility plans to expand their support and treatment services for families with children, aged 6 to 12, whose needs cannot be met through existing programs.

The budget accounts for several changes to social assistance rates including a seven per cent increase in shelter rates effective July 1. Additionally, families will be afforded a 25 per cent increase for funeral allowances and an increase in optical and travel allowances.

The Minister acknowledged that government has a responsibility to address issues associated with an aging population in PEI. He pointed out the strength of the PEI Seniors’ Federation and the value of their initiatives to PEI seniors including their monthly newspaper - Voice for Island Seniors. Funding to the Seniors Federation will increase by $13,000 to $50,000.

Housing was also highlighted in the budget. Effective April 1, the per diem rate provided to subsidized clients in community care facilities has increased from $45 to $49 a day, an increase of $578,000. Also, beginning this year, $666,000 will be allocated annually for capital repairs to Senior Citizens Housing for next five years.

The Department of Social Services and Seniors is responsible for pharmacy and dental programs, child and family services, social programs, as well as seniors issues. In total, the 2006-2007 provincial budget will contribute more than $7 million in new spending for these provisions.

In his concluding remarks to the Legislature, Minister Gillan recognized the contributions of department staff. “In our new organization, staff are working collaboratively with other departments and levels of government, community sectors and local interest groups to advance progressive social policy and strengthen Prince Edward Island families and communities.”

BACKGROUNDER

SOCIAL SERVICES AND SENIORS BUDGET 2006-2007:

The 2006-2007 operating budget is $115,899,200 which is 7.6 per cent more than the 2005/06 budget of $107,657,700. The mandate of the Department of Social Services and Seniors is to provide Islanders with social programs and services, to support and protect children and families, and to respond to the needs of our growing seniors population.

SOCIAL SERVICES AND SENIORS BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

Children:

• Increasing the Province’s overall Investments to over $8 million in the regulated early learning and child care sector.

• $600,000 to the Brackley Group Home to expand services for families and high needs children, aged 6 to 12.

• $15,000 to Kids Sport to ensure all youth have the opportunity to participate in organized sports.

• Funding increase of $237,000 for the Best Start program for a total of $957,000.

Families:

• The PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre will receive a grant increase of $50,000 to $207,800.

• Several increases to social assistance rates including a seven per cent increase in shelter rates effective July 1, 2006, a 25 per cent increase for funeral allowances as well as an increase in optical and travel allowances.

Seniors:

• Members of the Seniors’ Secretariat will complete a two-year business plan this spring.

• Increased funding to the PEI Seniors’ Federation by $13,600 to $50,000.

• Effective April 1, 2006, an increase in the community care facility per diem rate from $45 to $49 per day.

• An annual allocation of $666,000 for capital repairs to Senior Citizens Housing for the next five years.

• The addition of seven new drugs to the Prince Edward Island Drug Programs at a cost of $669,000.

Persons with Disabilities:

• Increased grant funding of $850,000 to community-based organizations that support persons with disabilities for a total of almost $6 million.