The provincial government has created a new Income Assistance Advisory Group to aid with income assistance programming for social services.
The group, consisting of seven members, will offer feedback and advice for the development of income assistance policies, programs and services to best serve vulnerable people in the province.
Members appointed by the government to the advisory group are:
- Steve Compton – CEO, YMCA of Regina
- Andy Livingston – Past President of the Board of Directors for SaskAbilities
- Kelly Delmage – Executive Director, Pipestone Kin-Ability Centre Inc.
- Keith Pratt – Employment Development Officer, FHQ Developments Ltd.
- Bill Powalinsky – CEO, Prince Albert Community Service Centre
- Michelle Busch – Self-advocate, lived experience of visual disability
- Charlene Eger – Self-advocate, lived experience of physical disability
Compton, who has been in the charitable sector for many years, said this will be a wonderful opportunity for him to contribute, volunteer and get perspective from people who require supports.
“I’m really excited to be a part of the process,” he said. “[YMCA Regina] is here to serve people as a community and organization. I think we have lots of opportunities to talk about impacts, programs and experiences as we consider the re-design for some of the systems currently in place.”
According to a media release from the Government of Saskatchewan, topics that will be covered by the group could include:
- Better alignment of ministry and community services for clients and beneficiaries;
- How to build on the Program Implementation Advisory Team to allow people with disabilities to continue receiving quality services and support; and
- How social services programs and services can be made more client friendly.
Twitter: @MoisesCanalesJr
