Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has successfully established the social assistance appeal committees to serve all Northwest Territories communities. The committees hear appeals for income assistance and child care user subsidy programs. Getting these local appeal committees now ensures that Northerners have access to a fair and impartial appeals process within their home communities.
To date we have appointed 87 committee members to hear appeals. There are still spaces available for more committee members in some communities. I encourage the public and my fellow Members to support residents in applying and participating on the social assistance appeal committees.
This was not a small task. In three short months, staff were able to solicit nominations to appoint and train committee members. This involved the development of a train the trainer appeal committee manual and to travel to communities to deliver the training sessions. I also want to thank the departments of Human Resources and Justice for their assistance with processing the appointments. This ensures that department clients receive local and quick access to a fair and equitable appeals process.
I encourage Members to reassure their constituents that the community appeals process is available to review their claims in their home communities.
Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bob McLeod.
