Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 10/01) - Nunavummiut are one step closer to improved income support.

That's good news for the more than 50 per cent of the territory's population who make do on some form of social assistance.

Following an in-depth review of the income-support legislation adopted from the GNWT following division, Peter Kilabuk -- the minister responsible for the program -- recently tabled a comprehensive report detailing changes Nunavummiut want to see.

Kilabuk said the public presentation of the forthcoming changes was significant because it means first reading of the new, more appropriate legislation could get under way during the spring session.

Politicians and bureaucrats aside, the progress means residents will soon have access to more training opportunities while receiving income support.

"The biggest goal with the whole review is to Nunavutize, to customize it to fit Nunavut needs," said Kilabuk.

"The big direction we want to go with this income-support program is to allow more opportunities where we support people who want to get into training so they can be self-reliant."

Covering 46 recommendations made by various stakeholders, the review was tabled in the House Nov. 22.