Over the past several years, northerners have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the social assistance program. In 1993, the Special Committee on Health and Social Services recommended that the program should do more to encourage pride, a desire to work, and a sense of initiative. The Minister's Forum on Income Support Reform received a similar message in 1995. After consulting with northerners, the forum recommended the program be linked to jobs and training in the wage and traditional economies, encourage people to make responsible choices and make the best possible use of the money available. I am pleased to announce that a new income support program which follows these principles will be launched in January of 1997. Income support will be largely a transitional program designed to assist people who need help while they develop new skills to become more independent.
Community based workers will help those receiving income support develop careers plans and identify productive choices such as hunting, education, training and community service work. Elders and those who are unable to work will receive additional support. Changed administration of the program also means that those involved in productive choices may no longer have to visit the income support worker once a month to receive their cheques.
We feel that income support can be best delivered by the local community. Local control and delivery would allow each community to set their own definitions of productive choices. This means the program will meet local priorities and use available resources in the best way possible to help people in need. Staff are prepared to work with interested communities on plans for training and transfer of responsibility as communities are ready. We hope to see transfers starting in the next few months.
The new income support program will provide basic benefits for people in transition who need financial help for a short time. Extended benefits will be available to people who need help over a longer period, if they are involved in activities that contribute to their personal or community growth. For example, productive choices may include training, academic upgrading or participation in healing programs. The individual and the income support worker will work together to develop an individual plan and then choose a productive activity that will help that person progress towards future goals. The new income support program will bring together community resources to help people in need. By linking benefits to productive choices, it will help people develop the skills they need to become more independent.
The new program should be an important step in helping individuals and communities reach their goals. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause