Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (June 03/02) - The Nunavut government is beefing up its Income Support Program to the tune of $740,000.

Most of that money will be pay for training initiatives and skills development, which is just what Nunavummiut interviewed for a recent survey said they wanted.

The survey's results came in a report filed recently by a government review panel that made 46 recommendations for changes to social programs. Suggestions focused on self-reliance and better training opportunities.

"We received $100,000 for training income support workers," said Sandy Teiman, the director of income support in Nunavut.

Teiman said the panel's report makes it clear that Nunavummiut want more career counselling in their communities. Because the service is offered on a fly-in basis, Teiman said hamlet income-support staff would undergo cross-training as career development officers.

An additional $250,000 will be used to help recipients take various courses including pre-trades math and science, pre-employment cooking, small-engine repair, recreation and guide training. Teiman said it is the first time funds have been dedicated specifically to training recipients.

"Over the years, we've been able to find a bit of surplus to throw at training, but this year there will be a more concentrated effort," she said.

As dictated by the policy review, $50,000 will go towards providing recipients involved in training with a $10-a-day incentive bonus.

Teiman said clients spoke about the difficulties they face when moving from income support to the labour force. An additional $220,000 in transition benefits will be used to "ease people into the work world," said Teiman.

The cap on income exemptions is also rising significantly -- a move that cost the government $120,000. Teiman said a single, childless recipient can now earn up to $200 (it was $150) per month before it will affect the amount of money they receive in income support. Married recipients or recipients with children can now earn as much as $400 per month (up from $300).

"We're also working on changing the regulations so these should be in effect for the July assessment (of clients)," said Teiman.