Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly recently received a report from the Northwest Territories Council of Persons with Disabilities entitled the draft disability framework and action plan. From this framework, an action plan will now be developed.
Mr. Speaker, the framework document was accompanied by a report from focus group meetings held in December, both in Inuvik and Yellowknife, to talk about the framework. This framework is the result of much hard work and dedication to the cause of persons with disabilities and a remarkable partnership including government and non-government organizations monitored by Aboriginal organizations. They were asked to take on this task by the Premier in 2001.
Mr. Speaker it looks like this hard work will see real results. The framework document calls for an integrated collaborative approach between the Government of the Northwest Territories, NGOs and Aboriginal organizations in setting strategic direction for programs and services. The vision of the framework is full citizenship; it was guided by the values of quality, inclusion, accessibility and participation. It outlines the major needs, current status, the goals, priorities and promising practices for each priority area. The priority areas are set out very clearly. They are called building blocks and they are education, employment, income, disability supports and housing.
The framework document points out a number of solutions, Mr. Speaker, some of which will need funding and others that will need only changes in policy or legislation. For example, among the recommendations to address issues related to income, they recommend separating entitlements for income supports from entitlement for health and disability related supports. As well, Mr. Speaker, we need to see the income support program re-examine the income exemption limits. Many persons with disabilities are employed but they should not be penalized because they are not consistently able to work. To improve employability, the government should negotiate with the federal government to get cost-shared funding for employment support. Respite care is needed for the families of persons with disabilities. So is training for families, caregivers and school staff who work with them. Mr. Speaker, a coordinated client-centred case management system must be put into place so that we meet the needs of individuals. The NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities needs to be involved as we move toward that goal. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Premier for having appointed a Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities. Persons with disabilities are not asking for a living standard above any one else, just the ability to have one that is fair. The Minister must now continue to work with the partners to make this all happen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
