November 29, 1996
(Social Services)

The following statement was issued today by Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Social Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Ministerial Council on Social Policy Renewal

Yesterday, I represented Newfoundland and Labrador at the first meeting of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministerial Council on Social Policy Renewal, in Toronto. This council was formed after the 1996 Annual Premiers' Conference to build upon the provincial/territorial Ministerial Council Report on Social Policy Reform and Renewal presented to the Prime Minister by Premier Tobin, on behalf of premiers, for discussion at the First Ministers' Meeting last June. Through the council, governments are working together in a new partnership to renew Canada's social safety net.

The Ministerial Council is co-chaired by the Honourable Stockwell Day, Alberta's Minister of Family and Social Services, and the Honourable Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada. In addition to the federal minister, the council includes ministers representing nine provinces and the two territories. Although the Province of Quebec has chosen not to join the council, there are observers from Quebec present at all meetings.

I am pleased to report to Honourable Members that this first meeting of the council took place in a spirit of trust, openness and mutual respect. I am confident that the cooperative, partnership approach evident yesterday will allow our national social programs to be renewed in a way that better meets the needs of all Canadians, in all regions of the country.

Canadians value their social safety net. It is a defining feature of our nation. First Ministers attach great importance to the renewal of Canada's social programs. They are looking to the council to coordinate an approach that supports and enhances the efforts of sectoral ministers, in such areas as social services, health, and labour market matters, to develop practical solutions in specific areas of priority. Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers in these and other sectors are preparing proposals to bring forward to First Ministers, with the help of the council.

At our meeting yesterday we reviewed the progress of work done by federal/provincial/territorial working groups on two of the First Ministers' highest priorities: the development of a national child benefit; and, the harmonization of programs for persons with disabilities, including income support.

As Minister of Social Services, and this year's Chair of the Provincial/Territorial Forum of Social Services Ministers, I take particular interest in the progress of these efforts.

Child poverty is a serious problem in this country, and together governments must ensure a bright future for all Canadian children. To help make that possible, Social Services Ministers will, within the next several weeks, review program and delivery options for integrating and enhancing child benefits. The council noted that tackling child poverty will require an approach that involves both income support and child development services.

Both orders of government offer a variety of services to disabled persons. I look forward to the response of the federal government to the recommendations of the Scott Task Force, and I am hopeful that together we can improve the ability of disabled persons to participate more fully in society.

The Ministerial Council also heard reports yesterday on issues related to health, labour market matters, services to Aboriginal Peoples, financial arrangements, and options for intergovernmental mechanisms and processes to develop and promote adherence to national pinciples and standards.

By continuing the spirit of effective cooperation shown in yesterday's meeting of the Ministerial Council, I believe we can design and deliver renewed social programs that meet the needs of all Canadians.

Each government on the council brings to the table unique perspectives and experience. Each government has an important role to play.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador believes that all provinces should have the flexibility, and the capacity, to meet provincially determined needs and priorities, within the context of national principles and standards.

The Government of Canada has a key role in making that possible. The Government of Canada is uniquely positioned to ensure that all provinces have the resources to provide all Canadians in need with equal opportunity, and equitable access to national quality social programs.

We are not there yet. But I sense that it is the will of the council to take us in the right direction.