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TORONTO - January 29, 1997: The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Council on Social Policy Renewal met today and demonstrated remarkable cooperation. They had a productive meeting, discussing work on a National Child Benefit and Integrated Income Support for Persons with Disabilities. There was also discussion of new ways for the two orders of governments to work together in cooperation and partnership to find solutions to the challenges facing Canada's health system. Quebec didn't participate in the discussions, but was represented by observers. The Council received a report on the National Child Benefit from Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers of Social Services. In presenting this report, Minister Aylward of Newfoundland said "following consultation with their respective governments, Provincial/Territorial Ministers are pleased to announce that there is consensus from all provinces to proceed with development options for a National Child Benefit in partnership with the federal government". All members of the Council recognized that an effective National Child Benefit program will require significant, incremental and permanent federal investment, combined with appropriate and complementary provincial investments benefitting children in low-income families. Council co-chairs Day and Pettigrew said "This is a good day for kids. Today's discussions represent a significant step forward in developing a national approach to addressing the needs of children in low-income families. We are making substantial progress on this and a number of fronts for all Canadians". At today's meeting, Council also reviewed an interim report on an Integrated Income Support for Persons with Disabilities. This report identified short term objectives related to improving the effectiveness of current service delivery approaches in immediate and practical ways and establishes a long-term objective of developing options for a more integrated income support benefit. Council concurred with the proposal that public information sharing should be included in the action plan. Council discussed preliminary plans for co-ordination of work by social services and health ministries towards a National Children's Agenda promoting the well-being of children. Minister Dingwall said that "We should pursue together a National Children's Agenda, to enhance healthy child development." Ministers also discussed and agreed on an interim Report to First Ministers addressing all issues on their agenda.
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