Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Antoine on February 17 regarding assistance to traditional harvesters.
The Department of Social Services' staff are aware of the problems raised by the honourable Member and have been working with the Department of Renewable Resources' officials, who have the lead role in developing strategies to assist traditional harvesters.
The Department of Renewable Resources is currently developing a fur strategy. Their consultant is expected to submit his report by the end of March. This report will include recommendations about price stabilization, which, together with other options also being considered will be carefully reviewed in order to develop alternatives for ensuring maximum benefits to traditional harvesters.
The Department of Social Services has the mandate to ensure that the basic financial needs of all NWT residents are met. This is done by providing social assistance to people in need regardless of their circumstances. The department also works with other departments, Education, Culture and Employment, and Canada Employment and Immigration, to develop job creation opportunities. The employment enhancement initiatives which were recently transferred to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment Programs and which is managed jointly by all departments, is a prime example. Education, Culture and Employment Programs, together with Social Services, is working on development enhancement of social assistance recipients, including those whose income is effected by the low fur yield.
The impact of this low yield on social assistance has not yet been analyzed, however, early in the next fiscal we will be undertaking a complete analysis of the recent increases in social assistance. This will include the review of the trends in the fur industry. Officials will continue to monitor any changes in social assistance and factors that impact on costs.