My second return to oral question was asked by Mr. Ng on February 28, 1994 regarding the evaluation of food allowances for social assistance clients.

When the social assistance food allowances were first established in the early 1970s, they were set lower than the actual cost of food. This was done deliberately, on the assumption that social assistance recipients would supplement the allowance with country food.

This assumption may be less valid today because of a decreased usage of country foods.

The Department of Social Services, in cooperation with other departments, is undertaking a review of income support programs, including social assistance. As part of this initiative, it is our intention to review not just the food allowances, but all of the benefits currently paid through social assistance. This review will determine what the actual costs of living are in each community, so that social assistance and other support programs can be adjusted to provide a fair level of income.

I expect this review to be completed in the fall. Thank you, Madam Speaker.