Yellowknife (Sep 05/03) - The GNWT hould stop clawing back, says federal Minister of Human Resources and Development Jane Stewart.

She made the comment came after being pressed by social activists on the issue of child welfare Aug. 26, following a meeting of provincial and territorial ministers in Yellowknife.

Stewart encouraged the territory to allow families on welfare to keep the National Child Benefit Supplement.

NWT Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jake Ootes, however, feels Stewart is not informed about how the funding is being spent.

"Our program is the healthiest in Canada," said Ootes.

He explained the money is actually being re-invested into two programs for low income families. The first is the NWT Child Benefit, which addresses the territorial workers supplement, and the other is the Healthy Children Initiative.

Arlene Hache, director at the Centre for Northern Families, was among the activists pressing the issue of child welfare, and said she was "horrified" with the lack of response to Stewart's request.

"Jake Ootes was there when the question was addressed and he disappeared quickly," said Hache.

Hache explained that families should be able to decide where the money goes.

"If parents had a choice between money in their pockets and a clawback, they would pick the money," she said. "Parents should be able to decide."

Although the ministers recognized the success of the National Child Benefits, they re-affirmed that a balanced approach of income support is necessary for future success.

Investments in the National Child Benefit Supplement announced in the 2003 federal budget, suggested funds will reach $965 million annually by 2007. Combined with the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the amount exceeds $2,500 per child annually.

Meanwhile, ministers also re-affirmed their commitment to work towards ensuring persons with disabilities can participate successfully in the labour market.

"Today's meeting marks a step forward in how we work together as governments to address the labour market issues facing Canadians with disabilities," said Stewart.

After reaching an agreement in principle, ministers agreed to resolve outstanding technical issues related to the required funding.