Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, Members of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, as Members of the Accountability and Oversight committee, were involved in the new pre-budget consultation process with the people of the Northwest Territories in late August of 2005. Hearings were held north and south of the lake, and gave northerners and non-governmental organizations the opportunity to provide input to MLAs on the priorities that the budget should focus on.

The committee then met with the Minister and his officials on Friday, September 23, 2005, to review the draft business plan of the Department of Health and Social Services.

Members also received a briefing from the Minister of Finance on January 17, 2006, outlining the changes to the budget of the Department of Health and Social Services since the committee reviewed the business plan in September.

Committee members made note that the department is proposing to spend $265.186 million in operations expense and $9.301 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2006-2007.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2006-2007 Draft Main Estimates and budget planning cycle.

Pre-Budget Consultations

During the community visits, several common themes became apparent to committee members. People want to see health services delivered at a local or regional level.

There is a general recognition that existing addiction programs are not close enough to the community and require a holistic approach that involves the addict's family and reintegration into community life.

Many comments were also received on the need to support the non-governmental organizations that deliver health and social programs on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Services, with stable, multi-year funding agreements.