Mr. Chairman, committee members were very disappointed in the lack of apparent cohesion between the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment in early childhood development and children and youth programs. In examining the business plans of the two departments, it appeared that there were two different programs with two different agendas and terminology.

It was not apparent to committee members, through an examination of the business plans and main estimates, that there was any joint planning on these issues. It only became apparent that there was meaningful co-operation taking place when the Department of Health and Social Services provided a draft copy of the Children and Youth Agenda. This information was provided subsequent to the committee's discussion with the Minister and her officials on the business plans and main estimates.

Mr. Chairman, Members expect to see clear co-operation on these important initiatives in the next business plans for the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. It should be clear to anyone reading the document that the two departments are partners in the programs.

Members are also aware that there may be significant amounts of funding available from the federal government in the near future. It should be stated again by the committee that all service providers, government and NGO, need to co-operate to ensure that programs are not duplicated and that the children and youth of the Northwest Territories get the maximum use out of the available funding.

It was not clear to the members of the standing committee what role the Minister responsible for Youth has in the planning and future implementation of the Children and Youth Agenda. Committee members believe that the role of the Minister should be clarified for the public.