Committee members acknowledge the trend in self-government negotiations for First Nations and their partners to want responsibility for the social service delivery component and preferring to leave the medical responsibility with the boards. The major consideration being that, all participants in self-government negotiations realize that they have to work together to ensure continued service delivery to the residents that we all serve.

It will be a time of major change in the structure of how we deliver programs and services and there is a need for extensive consultation on the part of the department and other service providers.

Committee members believe that we have to do this right. Everyone's primary concern should be the health and safety of our residents. The change must not be allowed to jeopardize the health and safety of our residents.

It is noted that some regions have indicated a preference for a community services board model. Whichever model of health and social service delivery that is chosen by each community or region, it is important that there is an audit function within the system to ensure that program dollars are being spent correctly and that the health and well-being of residents are not being compromised.

In particular, it will be important for the departments that are funding community or regional service boards to provide monitoring and program advice to the boards and for these departments to co-operate with each other.

Committee members also believe that it is important that there be full and adequate consultation between all parties as the process evolves.