In Unison: A Canadian Approach to Disability Issues Appendix F Social Policy Renewal In 1996, the provinces and territories put forward a number of principles in the Report to Premiers by the Provincial/Territorial Ministerial Council on Social Policy Reform and Renewal (see below). Discussions are continuing among federal and provincial/territorial governments on a mutually agreed set of principles in the context of the broader negotiation on a social union framework agreement initiated at the request of First Ministers in December 1997. First Ministers also agreed that these negotiations would include collaborative approaches to the use of the federal spending power, appropriate dispute settlement mechanisms, clarifying ground rules for intergovernmental cooperation and identifying processes for clarifying roles and responsibilities within social policy sectors. Principles put forward in the 1996 Report to Premiers by the Provincial/Territorial Ministerial Council on Social Policy Reform and Renewal: Social Programs Must Be Accessible and Serve the Basic Needs of All Canadians Social policy must assure reasonable access to health, education and training, income support and social services that meet Canadians' basic needs. Social policy must support and protect Canadians most in need. Social policy must promote social and economic conditions which enhance self-sufficiency and well-being, to assist all Canadians to actively participate in economic and social life. Social policy must promote active development of individuals' skills and capabilities as the foundation for social and economic development. Social policy must promote the well-being of children and families, as children are our future. It must ensure the protection and development of children and youth in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment. Social Programs Must Reflect Our Individual and Collective Responsibility Social policy must reflect our individual and collective responsibility for health, education and social security, and reinforce the commitment of Canadians to the dignity and independence of the individual. Partnerships among governments, communities, social organizations, business, labour, families and individuals are essential to the continued strength of our social system. There is a continuing and important role, to be defined, for both orders of government in the establishment, maintenance and interpretation of national principles for social programs. Social Programs Must be Affordable, Effective and Accountable The ability to fund social programs must be protected. Social programs must be affordable, sustainable, and designed to achieve intended and measurable results. The long-term benefits of prevention and early intervention must be reflected in the design of social programs. Federal constitutional, fiduciary, treaty and other historic responsibilities for assurance of Aboriginal health, income support, social services, housing, training and educational opportunities must be fulfilled. The federal government must recognize its financial responsibilities for Aboriginal Canadians, both on and off reserve. Governments must coordinate and integrate social programming and funding in order to ensure efficient and effective program delivery, and to reduce waste and duplication. Social Programs Must be Flexible, Responsive and Reasonably Comparable Across Canada Social policy must be flexible and responsive to changing social and economic conditions, regional/local priorities and individual circumstances. Governments must ensure that all Canadians have access to reasonably comparable basic social programming throughout Canada, and ensure that Canadians are treated with fairness and equity. Social policy must recognize and take into account the differential impact social programming can have on men and women.