Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a reply to a question asked by Mrs. Groenewegen on June 2nd. Mr. Speaker, it is not the Department's role to assume responsibility for the payment of income support Program clients' bills. The income support Program promotes financial responsibility and financial accountability, and provides support and training for clients to help them become financially responsible and accountable.
There are three circumstances in which service providers are given a client's income support cheque directly. In the case where there has been a demonstrated and severe money management problem, the worker may directly pay the local supplier. Secondly, a community, through a hamlet or band resolution, may direct the income support worker to pay the supplier for all clients. Also, the department can pay a guardian on behalf of a person with a disability that prevents their informed decision-making. In addition, there is an appeal process for income support clients if they feel mistreated by this process.
Mr. Speaker, three manuals related to the Income Support Program have been developed which provide extensive support for field and management personnel. These manuals were jointly developed by the Departments of Education, Culture and Employment, Justice, and Health and Social Services. They provide income support staff with the information they need to complete their tasks. The training manuals are competency-based, self-directed and community-oriented and will soon be available through the Internet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.