Madam Speaker, I have a number of returns. The first return is to an oral question asked by Mr. Pudlat on October 26, 1994 regarding increase to social assistance rates.

There has been an increase in the number of recipients who need social assistance. Figures comparing the last two fiscal years indicate that, for the total Northwest Territories, the number of heads of household receiving assistance increased from 8,580 in 1992-93 to 8,777 in 1993-94. That is a two per cent increase. Not every region has experienced an increase. In fact, the number of heads of household receiving assistance decreased in 1993-94 in the Fort Smith, Fort Simpson, Inuvik and Kitikmeot regions.

The social assistance food allowance was increased by eight per cent in April, 1991 and by another five per cent in October, 1992, in response to the increases in the food price index. Another review was conducted in October of 1993, which resulted in further increases for some families. For example, a family of four received an average increase of 10 per cent to food allowances.

The Department of Health and Social Services has not conducted any surveys on recipients of social assistance, but it does monitor the number of people receiving assistance on a monthly basis. As part of the income security reform initiative, a wider cross section of NWT residents, including social assistance recipients, will be asked for their views on the adequacy of the existing program and recommendations for change.