Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight supports the government in its approach to resource revenue sharing and the work of the Intergovernmental Forum. The committee will continue to participate and represent the public interest in future discussions.
To Maximize the Benefits of Recreational Activities and to Foster the Possible Effect That Recreation has on Community Health and Well-being
Mr. Speaker, committee members investigated the distribution of lottery profits and the effectiveness and coordination of sports organizations in contributing positively to the social problems in communities. Through a series of briefings and presentations by various sports organizations, committee members became better acquainted with the roles of each of the organizations.
Although members of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight remain interested in this issue, the Standing Committee on Social Programs assumes the lead.
Other Activities
Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight dealt with several other issues as they arose and urged the government to take action accordingly. Here are a few of the highlights of these activities:
The committee lobbied the Minster responsible for Education, Culture and Employment to overturn the decision to assess federal fuel rebates as income for social assistance recipients.
- • The Minister reversed the decision and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment issues rebates to approximately 320 families.
The committee urged the Executive Council to improve literacy levels in the Northwest Territories and introduced a motion adopted by the Legislative Assembly to develop a comprehensive literacy strategy.
- • The government responded with Towards Literacy, A Strategy Framework which proposes to provide $2.4 million annually.
The committee urged the Premier to set the example for prudent financial management by reducing the interim budget for the Department of Executive by $100,000 in fiscal year 2000-01.
- • The Premier instructed the Minister of Finance to bring forward the appropriate motion to reduce the amount of the interim appropriation by $100,000.
The committee worked to have the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment reinvest $1 million identified in departmental savings and income support programs in fiscal year 2000-01.
- • Seven-hundred thousand dollars was reinvested in the program.
The committee advocated on behalf of surviving spouses who remarried prior to April 17, 1985, by urging the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board to negotiate a lump sum settlement.
- • Mr. Speaker, a negotiated settlement was reached with five identified surviving spouses and the Minister brought forward the necessary legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I would now like to seek your consent to have the deputy chair of the committee, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, continue with the reading of the committee report.