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Concerns for those in poverty with Saskatchewan’s Plan for Growth

Oct 17, 2012 | 3:52 PM

The government has an economic plan for the province – they released the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth to a business crowd in Saskatoon on Tuesday.

But critics are already arguing it is severely lacking in the social aspect, just what help will be given in those years to those struggling with a lack of food, housing and poverty.

The growth plan includes the target provincial debt will be reduced by $400 million by 2017.

“How are we going to achieve that, are we looking at more social cuts”, said Danielle Goulden, executive director of the Carmichael Outreach in Regina.

Over the next several years there might be a more money in the pot to address social issues, but Goulden asks, how does that help anyone now?

The service providers are already taxed to the max, we are working on feeble budgets” she said.

Carmichael Outreach served a record over 3,600 meals in September alone and Goulden argues that will only get worse before it gets better. A vision for the economic future doesn't answer the here and now and the demands already placed on groups like hers and the people they are trying to help, she said.

The plan for growth states the government will continue to work with stakeholders to address things like affordable housing.

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