Social programs get boosted
Northern News Services
Published Friday, February 6, 2015
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Nearly three quarters of the $24 million being reallocated to new initiatives under the 2015-16 budget will be used to support social programs.
Of particular note is $1.75 million which will go toward increasing the monthly allowance for food under the government's income assistance program.
The government will also be spending an additional $1.1 million to continue its support for a wellness court. The court, which started off as a pilot project last year, diverts people accused of minor crimes from the jail.
Another $1.4 million will be spent on supporting energy conservation efforts throughout the territory with $325,000 earmarked to complete a liquefied natural gas feasibility study in Yellowknife and one other NWT community.
David Wasylciw, chair of the NWT Montessori Society, expressed dismay that Finance Minister Michael Miltenberger talked about supporting programs without committing any news funds to them.
"He talked about education but there was no new funding for education," he said.
Although the government is planning on spending $1.12 million on wages for daycare workers, he said the government hasn't raised its subsidy to daycares in eight years.
"It doesn't help daycares stay open or keep fees low."
