Mr.
Chair, committee members
recognized that MACA’s primary mandate is to
support community governments in the delivery of central services to every resident of the NWT.
The committee was pleased that the department's 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates did not include any reductions in community government operations and maintenance funding, water and sewer service funding, or capital formula funding. However, the committee is concerned with the level of reductions in contribution programs in support of community development, capacity building, community emergency response and the impact those cuts may have on communities successfully taking on the new responsibility under the New Deal.
Proposed reductions in this area are significant, and the overall effect is diminished support to community governments.
In Sport, Recreation and Youth and Volunteers, the committee is pleased to see that the regional recreation coordinator position will be maintained. Sport and recreation programs provide an effective vehicle through which personal and social development of young people can be positively affected. The regional recreation coordinators are an integral part of how government encourages youth and youth services and effective means to the support as part of the broad youth strategy.
Committee members were very disappointed by the lack of support to the volunteer sector. Members noted that the government reduced spending, particularly in the areas of health, justice, social services, youth services and community development. Communities rely more on volunteer efforts to weather the storm. Unfortunately, they have less capacity than ever to respond to the needs of our communities. There is a real need for more direct support in this sector. The committee recommends that the department, as part of the business planning process, identify actions including the necessary investments to provide meaningful support to the volunteer sector.
Mr. Chair, at this time, I pass it back to the Chair of the committee, Mr. Ramsay.