Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Extended Health Benefits

The government’s attempts to modify and expand supplementary health benefits resulted in only minor policy changes, but the Supplementary Health Benefits Policy was rescinded, with program delivery falling back under Extended Health Benefits and Metis Health Benefits. The government deferred including residents who lacked coverage through their employer or other programs. A plan for accomplishing this has not yet been presented.

The Department of Health and Social Services is also developing a Pharmaceutical Strategy to include generic drugs, drug pricing and efficiencies, and cost containment of pharmaceuticals, procurement, distribution, and access. These changes were to be made during the 16th Assembly; a progress update is overdue.

Addiction Services

The need for addiction services figured prominently in the committee’s recommendations in its review of the Child and Family Services Act. Recommendations in this area were conditionally accepted by the government, subject to the availability of resources. There have also been motions in the House supporting on-the-land treatment programs, and discussion of a territorial assessment and treatment facility. It is the committee’s view that there is a wide, general public recognition of the need for improved addiction services. More work is required to determine the best way to deliver these services. There should be a multi-departmental approach to supporting and promoting them. As resources will be required, advancing this work will likely be a critical issue for the 17th Assembly early in its

mandate.

Department of Education, Culture and Employment

Early Childhood Development Review

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is reviewing its early childhood development programs, and plans to incorporate the results into the Aboriginal Achievement Initiative. This is due to be set out in the 2012-2013 business plan. The Early Childhood Development Framework for Action is due in September 2011 and should be presented to committee early in the 17th Assembly.

Auditor General’s Recommendations on Education

The Office of the Auditor General reviewed the Department of Education in 2009, making nine significant recommendations for improvements in a report presented to the Standing Committee on Government Operations in 2010. It was agreed between the standing committees on Government Operations and Social Programs that the latter would monitor the department’s progress in acting on the Auditor General’s advice. The Minister of Education provided the first seven-page update in August 2011.

Student Financial Assistance Review

The Assembly has passed several motions on student financial assistance, calling for expansion of the program, and increases in allowances unaltered since 2000. The Minister has stated that the program is under review, which is expected to continue throughout 2011-2012. Any proposed changes are to be implemented in 2012-2013.

I’d like now to pass the feather to committee chair, Mr. Beaulieu, to complete the report.