Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have an interim report from the Special Committee on Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, this report outlines our initial plans, both as to focus and to the process we will use in gathering information. As we begin our work, we are mindful of those aspects of the broader environment which have significant impact on our task.
Mr. Speaker, constituents continually remind us that our major social and health problems are still very much with us, and current efforts do not always seem to be having a significant impact on them. As Members of this Assembly know, we must find ways to do more with less at a time when health costs are growing, and the state of the economy places greater pressure than ever on our social programs. At the same time, government structures and processes are being reviewed in an attempt to streamline services and bring their control closer to the people that they serve.
As we go, we will be listening to all ideas and concerns brought to us, whether or not they fall neatly into the above areas. For example, we take note of the concerns on various social issues raised on June 23 in the Assembly by the Member for Nahendeh on behalf of the interagency group. Looking at program delivery, we will look at our health care system. We have questions about rising costs and the longterm implications of this trend. We want to compare models of service delivery and their effectiveness in meeting people's needs. In all services which seek to help people meet their needs, the people who work directly with the recipients are crucial to the success of the venture. We want to listen to their experiences and hear their ideas about making things better.
We are also concerned about how we take care of these dedicated workers. What do they need in terms of training, skills and personal support if they are to effectively carry on this important work.
In many cases, the best ideas for positive change to services in health and social services are thwarted by external forces such as lack of funds, political support or appropriate legislation and policy. We want to look at the key pieces of legislation to see where changes most need to be made.
Mr. Speaker, we want to base our recommendations to the Legislative Assembly on accurate information gathered from the people who are most involved in the area of social and health needs. We want to hear from those who are in need and from those who strive to help people meet their needs. We want to learn from people who are trying different approaches in helping people. In order to do this, we will start by informing ourselves about what work has already been done in our areas of interest. In some areas where available data is lacking, we may launch special projects or studies. At the same time, we will be refining our plans for a series of community workshops; one to be held in each region. These regional workshops will begin either very late in 1992 or in the spring of 1993 due to the full legislative timetable over the next six months.
We want to approach the process of public participation differently. We want to use a more interactive style than perhaps has been used in the past. We want to hear ideas and concerns from people, especially those who have not always been heard. We want to encourage discussion about the ideas we hear among those in attendance. T hat way, what will emerge will be a consensus view of both the problems and possible solutions for that region. We will take these collective thoughts along to community visits when individual committee Members will, in consultation with the local MLA, visit one community in each constituency. Here we will visit people and services, meet with groups and hear their ideas and responses to the ideas and concerns from the regional workshops.
Mr. Speaker, when this committee was established, there was significant interest by Members who made a commitment to assist the vital work of this committee. We, therefore, hope to hear feedback from Members as to our work plan and focus of attention, and I would ask Members to please pass on comments to either of the committee co-chairman.
Mr. Speaker, that concludes Interim Report, No. 1, of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services.
Motion To Accept Committee Report 14-12(2), Carried
Therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for High Arctic, that Interim Report, No. 1, be received by the Assembly.