Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a two-phased approach to this, if I might. One would be somewhat broader and then I will narrow it down. This particular initiative has been deferred for a year. It was considered a new initiative for the third year and given the constraints, fiscal constraints we were under, new initiatives weren't considered. Forced growth had priority, so we intend to resubmit under the upcoming business plan process. I would also like to point out though, Mr. Chairman, that social workers and child protection workers don't work in isolation and as a system, we have put in about $26 million. We are adding money to long-term care. We are adding six new mental health workers. We are putting in six clinical supervisors to work with the mental health workers, the alcohol and drug workers. As we move towards an integrated service delivery model, the plan and assumption is that, although services at the community level will be working more closely and effectively together, we've attempted to supplement and bolster the services we have in a broad spectrum of areas. So I appreciate the Member's concern. It is still on our list. Unfortunately, the fiscal realities being what they are, preclude us from being able to go ahead with it at this point. Thank you.
Michael Miltenberger on Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
In the Legislative Assembly on February 17th, 2003. See this statement in context.
general Comments
Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 16th, 2003
Page 112
See context to find out what was said next.