Last November, the Ministry of Social Services announced a new Saskatchewan Employment Incentive which is launching early this year. Minister Gene Makowsky says by helping parents enter and stay in the workforce, he believes this program will have lasting, positive impacts on the quality of life for families with lower incomes.

The Employment Incentive will be available to parents leaving income assistance programs for employment and will also assist others to remain in the workforce.
Working parents who have employment of $500 per month may be eligible for a monthly benefit of $400, $500 or $600, depending on the number of children in the family.

Makowsky understands that paying for the costs that come with being at work, like transportation and childcare can be difficult. The idea for this program is to support families to manage those extra pressures so they are better off working, rather than being on income assistance. More information will be announced at the program launch.