Conference will draw 200 leaders, service providers to Hub
Jack Danylchuk
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (May 18/01) - Every hotel room in Hay River will be full June 18-20 when territorial political leaders meet social service providers to talk about the social impact of the anticipated resource boom.
The gathering is expected to draw 200 persons to the Hub including Premier Stephen Kakfwi, Assembly of First Nations national chief Matthew Coon Come and Bill Mussel, chair of the Native Mental Health Association of Canada.
"Economic development is coming, we need to talk about the social agenda as well," said Sharla Carroll, co-ordinator of the conference.
It will give service providers a chance to meet face-to-face with decision-makers instead of having their message filtered through bureaucrats, Carroll said.
Deputy premier Jane Groenewegen, chair of the ministers' committee on social agenda, said development will bring more jobs, business and prosperity.
"The conference is designed to sharpen the focus on social issues and form partnerships to strengthen individuals, families and communities," she said.
Carroll said the conference will develop an action plan to deal with increased pressure on services that will come with economic prosperity.
"One of the final items on the agenda is an action plan that will set out what the next steps will be," Carroll said.
"This is the beginning of a process, not the end."
Carroll declined to estimate how much the gathering will cost taxpayers, but said the budget for the event will be presented to cabinet next week.
