Echoes of Inner City Voices (in PDF) is a follow up report to a series of stories that ran in the Winnipeg Free Press between 1997 and 1999. The series tried to give a voice to inner city people. The recent report looks at how the inner city and the lives of inner city people have changed, as well as providing statistics on the inner city and commentary on the effectiveness of policies and programs.

As Manitoba gets set to vote at the end of May, an article in Canadian Dimension, says poverty is the missing issue in Manitoba's election, despite the fact that Manitoba continues to have one of the highest rates of child and family poverty in the country.

Manitoba has announced a four year program called "Rewarding Work" for welfare recipients. Read more in the CBC article, "Manitoba initiatives aim to break down 'welfare wall'" and in the Manitoba Government Rewarding Work backgrounder. Here are some details of the plan:

• Manitoba Child Benefit - Benefits of $35/month per a child to families with annual incomes up to $20,000. For people receiving income assistance, this benefit will replace part of the benefits they receive through welfare. (i.e. welfare recipients will not receive any more benefit.)
• Child Care Fees - Fees for subsidized child care will be reduced from $2.40 per day per child to $2. Amount parents can earn will be increased by 13%.
• Job Seekers Allowance - $300/year for single adults and couples who are actively looking for work.
• Employment Stipend - Up to $1200/year for work clothing and transportation.
• Enhanced Training and Education - Up to 24 months available for skills training.
• Single Parents keep up to $115, and 25% above this amount from work each month.
• Income Assistance for Persons with Disabilities will increase by $300 to $1260/month in January 2008.