Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to follow up on my Member’s statement earlier, on a poverty eradication plan. I appreciate the Premier’s remarks earlier, in efforts to take the next steps there. Recognizing that there is overlap, once again, between ECE and the Department of Health and Social Services, I’d like to ask the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment some questions, really, on the opportunities we’ve got and what we’re doing to coordinate the approach to fighting poverty.
The first question I’m wondering about is what is assessed during a client’s interview for income assistance applicants. Does the process not only look at the financial eligibility of the applicants but does it also look at the context of need? For example, their educational history and opportunities for upgrading, personal and psychological support services, if there are mental health issues and other health issues and needs.