Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ensuring that all children have a good start in life is critical to the future of the north and to the future of Canada. The federal government has announced a new program called the National Child Benefit which will start in July of 1998. The program is an important step in tackling child poverty. It will help northerners move into and stay in the workforce and help build a better future for children and our society. Since the program is built on a partnership between the federal government and the territorial and provincial governments, I would like to bring the Members of this Assembly up-to-date on this initiative in the Northwest Territories.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment estimates that one-third of Northwest Territories' families will qualify for the benefit. This is in line with the national average. Under the new program, the federal government will make payments directly to low-income families with children. Canada, the provinces and territories have all agreed that the implementation of the program will not result in an overall reduction in income support for those on assistance. However, Mr. Speaker, since the federal government will be paying more to low-income families, the Northwest Territories' share of payments will be reduced. The department estimates that $2.3 million will be freed up for reinvestment in programs that improve work incentives, benefits and services for low-income families with children. As well, parents will continue to receive the National Child Benefit for their children while working at low-wage jobs. This approach should give low-income parents the extra support they need to stay in the work force and be self-sufficient, rather than having no option but to depend on income support.

The Government of the Northwest Territories and Canada will begin negotiations on the implementation of this program over the next few months. Through negotiation, we will confirm our approach to reinvestment and the administrative procedure associated with the implementation of the National Child Benefit.

Mr. Speaker, I have distributed pamphlets and booklets on the National Child Benefit to Members of this Assembly, and the department has mailed the same information to stakeholders. This program will have a significant benefit for low-income families in the Northwest Territories by helping them to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.