Province Plans to Reduce Poverty

The final forum on poverty is over, and the plan established is aiming to reduce income poverty by 25 per cent, and deep income poverty by 50 per cent by 2015.

Premier Shawn Graham says this plan has been put together by government, the business sector, and non profit groups, with an incalculable value.
Social Development Minister Kelly Lamrock says major changes are coming to the social assistance program, with a rate increase of almost 80 per cent for those earning less than $300 dollars a week. He says there is also a plan in motion for an affordable, universal prescription drug plan.

Province Reports Two Deaths Related to H1N1

The province has its first deaths related to the H1N1 virus, they are two men-one in his early 60's and the other in his 70's.

The Department of Health says testing confirmed that both men had the H1N1 virus. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eilish Cleary says both men had an underlying condition that increased their risk of complications from the flu.
Health Minister Mary Schryer offered sympathies to the men's famillies for their loss.
Schryer said the deaths highlight how important the need to be vigilant and protect ourselves and others.