Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Ordinary Members' Caucus, it was noted that on November 29, in this House, the Minister of Social Services reported the increased expenditures her department has made in social assistance food rates. Most important was her reference to increases that were made this past October.
These increases resulted from changes in the food scales, based on the 1991 food price survey. In her words, and I quote, "For a family of four, the changes will mean increases of up to $280 per month." However, Mr. Speaker, what the Minister failed to mention was that the changes in the food scales did not result in increases for everyone. While total expenditures will go up, and while there are increases in many communities, many other communities saw their food rates stay, essentially, unchanged.
Some of these are the larger communities of Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith and Inuvik. A few communities, namely Holman, Gjoa Haven, Pelly Bay, and Taloyoak, actually saw food rates decreased. Mr. Speaker, the fact is, even after these adjustments to the food rates, the amount provided by Social Services to families on social assistance is not enough. The food rates in most communities only provide for 50 to 70 per cent of the cost of a nutritious food basket, as defined by the federal government.
Although this concern was expressed by the Special Committee on Health and Social Services, the government has not acted. The October adjustment in the food rate scales still means, that on average, a family on social assistance only receives enough to buy about two-thirds of a nutritious food basket, or less. The Minister told the House on March 18, 1993, that, and I quote, "The matter of food allowances remains a priority concern of our government. Members can be assured that they will receive serious review and consideration over the next few months."
Mr. Speaker, Members don't feel that the recent changes reflect a serious review. The issue is that the food rates are not enough to adequately feed families in the north. Members believe that a serious review would address that issue, and not just tinker with the system in place. Thank you.