Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Unfortunately, I must return to an unpleasant topic which has already received considerable air play in this House this year. That topic is the rude treatment of income assistance clients from government officers who administer the program.
The March 2013 Auditor General’s report contained shocking confirmation of service delivery failures. We heard Education, Culture and Employment is inconsistent in its treatment of clients. We heard that front-line workers don’t receive enough guidance or training. Income assistance officers were also found to be overburdened with case files and were found to perform too many of their duties without adequate supervision from managers.
I represent the Hay River Reserve and I’ve heard numerous recent accounts about rude behaviour from income assistance officials. There seems to be a culture of condescension towards people who rely on this government service. There are no checks and balances when allegations and decisions are made by government officers. There are also reported disparities in payments from one client to the next.
The Hay River Reserve is an economically depressed area. There aren’t a lot of job opportunities. For many of my constituents who live there, the Income Assistance program is the last line of defence against the line regarding poverty.
Income security programs were designed to assist our most vulnerable citizens. When these clients are treated rudely and with contempt, that’s just plain unacceptable. I must reiterate statements already made in this House. Treating clients with respect and dignity should be a non-negotiable principle of public service. To treat clients with rudeness and contempt is to violate a sacred trust. It is painful enough for people to have to rely on the Income Security Program. It is simply unbearable when they have to endure rude and stigmatizing treatment.
During oral questions I will have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
