IQALUIT
Nunavummiut have no shortage of suggestions on how to improve the territory's social assistance program.

The Department of Family Services has been touring the territory seeking input for reforms. In a stop in Iqaluit Nov. 24, food security and housing topped the most-mentioned list.

"It's very, very clear to me, it's crystal clear, that people who come from all of these communities on Baffin Island are so hungry," said Caroline Anawak, referencing her experience as manager of the Pairijait Tigumivik Society.

"It is not uncommon, in fact it is normal, to see people absolutely gorging on food, taking food, hoarding food, trying to take food back home. People are so very, very food insecure that they demonstrate all of these behaviours."

She advocated shifting the emphasis to creating a solid foundation for growth - full stomachs.

Well-fed people will be able to concentrate better, have more energy and more ability to focus on their education and improving their state in life, she said.

"We need to look at all the basics first," she said.

Anawak also criticized the current social assistance rates, saying they are not enough for people to survive.

"This is so serious, these rates."

During the forum, which was attended by a few dozen people, audience members wrote suggestions for how the government could improve its social assistance program. Housing and food dominated the list, but also included were the high cost of living, lack of daycare access and inter-generational cycle of families on welfare.

Brandon Grant, executive director of the Department of Family Services, acknowledged that many families fear earning more income with a job if it means they will have to pay higher rent.

He pledged serious reforms to the system.

"We can't guarantee employment," said Grant. "That's not our role. We don't create jobs."

Instead, the department aims to provide training on a spectrum of areas to help prepare people for jobs that are available.

"We know that we need to provide two things - one is the benefit structure needs to be looked at to support people better," said Grant. "We heard that loud and clear in every single community. That's one piece of the reforms we need to make."

The other is a focus on youth, making them aware of the opportunities they have for career development and programming.

Grant admitted that it's a long, frustrating process and said he couldn't talk about all the reforms that will be coming, but said the department would be informed by these community forums.

"There are changes coming," he said. "What I can say is that we're listening to what was said today and across the territory for the last two months."

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