by Glen Korstrom
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 20/98) - Though NWT welfare rates are still on the rise, GNWT changes, initiated in 1997, could begin to show more self-sufficiency and ultimately get more people off social assistance.

The National Council of Welfare, cites 4,900 NWT welfare cases servicing about 12,800 people as of March 1997.

Outlined in a profile of welfare in Canada, these figures show a rise of 300 cases and 1,000 people since March 1996.

But despite the council's findings, Dana Heide, director of income assistance for the GNWT says the department has implemented many changes since a seven-member income-support forum, convened in January 1995.

Changes that are already showing positive results.

NWT program changes in 1997 mean people must put together a plan for finding a job and be prepared to explain why they are on income support after three months, Heide said.

Another change means giving more control to local authorities -- something urged by people in several communities.

The 1995 GNWT forum heard many aboriginal people have lost their sense of pride and self-esteem because of a system that gives them no incentive to look after their own needs.

The proposed solution from communities was to give them the ability to make their own decisions based on the community's needs.

In the Dogrib region, the Income Support program has been adopted by the department of Culture, Education and Employment, Health and Social Services and even the school board for a more unified approach.

"We have a contract with the ministry for income support for the Dogrib communities," said Gerriann Donahue, executive director of the Dogrib Community Services Board. "Included in that contract is the use of surplus funding."

Because communities are funded based on the previous year's spending, the Dogrib board would get that amount to spend even if they handle income support cases slightly differently.

Heide said the department tries to strike a balance between supporting people adequately for food, clothing and shelter and not creating disincentives for people to work.

"Our big take-up both in terms of family size and in people being on assistance longer comes in the Eastern communities," Heide said.

"In places like Gjoa Haven and Grise Fiord it's just the job market, there's a need for developing an economic base."

The department supplies incentives such as continuing assistance to people who start working in low-paying jobs, allowing them to keep more of their paycheques.

"If you're a couple, you can earn $300 before any deductions come from income support."

There are additional benefits for seniors.

"The caseload and expenditures in the Nunavut area are increasing," Heide said.

But while "it's a concern in the sense that it's expensive...at the same time the take up of training programs, work experience programs and people dealing with their issues is increasing and is being supported through the income-support program."