Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to Question O231-12(2), asked by Mr. Nerysoo on March 3, 1992. The Canada/Northwest Territories Accord, currently under negotiation for a five-year extension, has been in place in the Northwest Territories on a year-to-year basis since 1987. The accord was designed to redirect money previously spent on social assistance, for the development of new training and work experience programs. These programs are directed to social assistance recipients to enhance their employment opportunities.
The new agreement proposes that both the federal government, through the Canada Employment and Immigration Commission, and the territorial government, through the Department of Social Services, will continue to provide $750,000 from each government, for a total of $1.5 million toward funding employment enhancement projects. The Department of Education is a partner to the agreement, as is Health and Welfare Canada.
The Department of Social Services retains the responsibility for referral of clients to the projects. During the first three years of the agreement the Government of the Northwest Territories' funding of $750,000 was transferred to Canada Employment and Immigration Commission for administration along with the federal portion under their Canadian job strategy program.
During the last two years, approximately half of the Government of the Northwest Territories' portion was administered by the Department of Education through their training-on-the-job program, and half by Arctic College through their upgrading and specialized skill development programs. Canada Employment and Immigration Commission will continue to administer their portion through their Canadian job strategy program. The Department of Social Services retained the client referral responsibility to all administrative bodies.
The new agreement proposes to continue the current arrangement for five years, from 1991 to 1996. The five year extension will allow more time for planning projects and allow clients to embark on career paths from upgrading, to training on the job, to job placement.
The agreement recognizes that the Government of the Northwest Territories will administer the accord by utilizing two committee structures: regional committees made up of representatives from Canada Employment and Immigration, Social Services and Education, who will approve projects submitted by community groups; 2) a management committee in Yellowknife made up of similar representation which will provide policy guidelines and administrative procedures.
Mr. Speaker, approximately 250 social assistance recipients per year have participated in the accord projects in the past. Some participants may remain on from year to year to accommodate their upgrading, training and job placement needs.
The five-year agreement is in the final draft process and is expected to be finalized and signed in early spring of 1992. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.