Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Ningark on November 18, 1992 on social assistance payments, cash versus vouchers. The payment of social assistance partially in cash and the rest in vouchers is a part of our policy options. It is not a general policy of the government throughout the territories. Social assistance may be paid by cheque to: the recipient or a dependent, as directed by the recipient; a vendor or supplier and the recipient as joint payees; a vendor or supplier on behalf of the recipient; or, a trustee.
Assistance may also be paid on behalf of the recipient by travel warrant, accommodation warrant or cheque requisition. Social workers are required to discuss the method and frequency of payment with the clients who are experiencing budgetary difficulties in managing their assistance. A decision is made on the preference of the client and the ability of the client to manage his or her money.
In many communities where the payments are made only to the supplier, this has been the request of the town or hamlet council. The reason cited most often by the local officials is the client's misuse of social assistance funds for things like gambling and alcohol. It is the policy of the department to support the request of the local officials in issuing social assistance payments.
In the case raised by the Member for Natilikmiot, in relation to Gjoa Haven and Pelly Bay, this method is being used throughout the Kitikmeot region at the request of the Kitikmeot Regional Council. In March, 1992, the Kitikmeot Regional Council passed a motion which came from Spence Bay. The concern raised was that social assistance was being used for gambling or alcohol and requested that the department change to a voucher system. Although a concern was later raised by the Mayor of Pelly Bay, in June, that clients did not have sufficient flexibility to pay for some needs, the decision to continue the method was reaffirmed in the July meeting of the Kitikmeot Regional Council. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.