Michelle DaCruz
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 27/02) - Stable funding and programs based on need rather than community size, are among the recommendations of a group struck to evaluate the territories' social problems.

It's about 'quality of life' "Social Agenda: A Draft for People of the NWT" lists 10 recommendations public and aboriginal governments, as well as non-government agencies should follow to improve the quality of life of NWT residents: Use the social agenda as a policy framework All departments and groups should work together Governments should provide multi-year funding for social programs GNWT should establish a minimum service level for all communities based on need, not size Conduct research in the NWT to deliver more programs and rely less on the South Monitoring quality of life All research reports should become public Establishment of legislation, policies and standards for programs Everyone should make a personal commitment to improve social conditions in the North Emphasis on prevention

The Social Agenda Working Group published three reports this week.

They detail proposed changes to the social service system, by governments, private organizations and even individuals.

"Social Agenda: A Draft for People of the NWT" lists 10 measures, and ways to implement them.

Included in the suggestions is the need for multi-year government funding for programs, said Margaret Thom, Deh Cho First Nations representative for the committee.

"Alcohol and drug programs only receive one year of funding at a time. How can they do any long-term planning when they don't know whether they will get funding at all or how much it will be," said Thom.

Another recommendation is the need for basic social programs in all communities across the NWT.

"Some have nothing, not even basic services for grieving, or self esteem, or even parenting," said Thom.

The "NWT Recommendations on Social Issues, 1988-2002" records at least 100 suggestions from both territorial and federal governments, social organizations on ways to improve the system.

"We did not want to duplicate any recommendations from other reports," said Thom. "The committee wanted to avoid this becoming another load of paper that doesn't materialize."

"NWT Social Programs and Services: A Living History," is a 200-page reference book listing all programs, services and support functions available across the NWT.

The 20-member working group was struck at a Social Agenda Conference held at the Hay River Dene Reserve last summer. Composed of representatives from social service organizations, the territorial, federal and aboriginal governments, the group has met monthly since then.

"We proved that we can all work together," said Thom. "All of us had one vision at the beginning, but different ways of doing things. At the end we all gelled together for a common vision."

Neither Premier Stephen Kakfwi nor Health and Social Services Minister Michael Miltenberger could be reached for comment by press time.

In a statement, both Miltenberger and Kakfwi said they are committed to implementing the recommendations.