Mr. Speaker, we all agree that a strong economy is critical in terms of providing productive choices for Northerners. However, the economic opportunities that lie ahead will do little to improve the quality of life in northern communities unless our people are able to participate fully.
Towards a Better Tomorrow affirms that this government is committed to doing our part to make the North a better place to live for everyone. We are, however, only one player and cannot do it alone. We need to partner with other governments, communities, stakeholders and individuals in realizing our vision.
The Premier indicated in his January address to the people of the Northwest Territories that our government is committed to developing a social agenda and, Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to affirm that work on this important initiative is underway. The agenda will identify concrete actions intended to enhance health and wellness in our communities. It will identify areas where we need to do more or to do things differently to ensure that our social programs are meeting the needs of people and our communities.
Mr. Speaker, we recognize the merits of involving from the very onset other governments, program clients, community leaders, practitioners and non-government organizations in the development of a social agenda. To this end, we are planning on hosting a social agenda conference in order to continue the dialogue. We will share ideas and collaborate on how we can address our challenges, build on our successes and learn from the past.
Specifically, I am looking for concrete suggestions about how we can work in partnership to:
- • enhance our awareness of the issues and encourage collaboration in working to find the solutions;
- • prepare Northerners for our bright economic future;
- • encourage a greater sense of ownership over personal and community wellness;
- • reaffirm our mutually respectful relationships with other governments, community leaders, service providers and above all, clients;
- • improve the design and delivery of social programs, including better integration and coordination of programs; and
- • collaborate with aboriginal governments in building their capacity to successfully assume much of the decision-making authority for social programming through self-government.
To support our work, I am pleased to announce that the Ministerial Committee on Social Agenda is establishing a Council of Grandmothers. In establishing this council, we are looking for advice and guidance from women who are respected in their communities and regions, passionate about personal and community wellness and interested in working for positive change. Grandmothers are strong matriarchs who have raised their families, who have a history of caring deeply about social issues and who bring the wisdom of their years and experience to all that they do. A Council of Grandmothers will help us ensure that positive social change is practical, workable, based on community realities and more importantly, connected to the people. This council will be involved in the social agenda conference and will hopefully enhance the continuity and momentum of the conference well into the future.
I will be pleased to routinely update this House on the progress made towards developing a social agenda and the conference itself. I look to the invaluable experience and knowledge of all Members to help make this very important initiative a success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause