Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We all know how essential services such as foster families provide the Northwest Territories. They are obviously critical to the care of those most vulnerable at certain times. It’s my understanding that only two territories and two provinces don’t offer support through insurance programs and legal support.
I wonder what the Minister of Health and Social Services can do to ensure foster families are protected and provided the right services so when they do step up to the plate to help this government deliver those essential services when necessary that they are supported as well.
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Minister of Health, Mr. Abernethy.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We work closely with the Foster Family Coalition. If that issue is brought to us by committee or by them, we will certainly look at it, Mr. Speaker.
So, a Member bringing it to the attention of the Minister means nothing? Thank you.
Of course not, but I’m seeing something come from committee with the full support of committee on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
So, when a Member of the Legislative Assembly stands up and cites a particular issue and tries to draw it to the attention of the Minister, is it because it’s this Member or is it because one Member is bringing an issue forward on behalf of an association it doesn’t matter? Is that the attitude we’re getting from this government that we have to have the whole Assembly agree that something matters? Thank you.
I appreciate the words the Member is putting in my mouth. The bottom line is obviously it will carry more weight if it comes from one of the standing committees, in this case the Standing Committee on Social Programs. I do hear the Member. I will look at it, but I would appreciate hearing something from the Standing Committee on Social Programs as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I feel terrible I had to waste three questions to ask for something to be looked at. If the Members would so oblige me… Or I should say not me; the heck with me. On behalf of the foster families, if you would also look upon the issue of the fact that since 1996 a per diem rate of $24 a day has not changed.
So, in 19 years, $24 a day for the children under their care has remained stagnant and it’s been a challenge. So don’t look at it for me. Would you be willing to look at this issue on behalf of the foster families? Thank you.
Of course this is something that has come up in our discussions around child and family services from standing committee as well as the public and is something we are already working on. I would be happy to share that information with the Member once we have concluded our review. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
