Provincial-Territorial Council on Social Policy Renewal

October 27, 1999 -- The Provincial-Territorial Council on Social Policy Renewal, now chaired by the Honourable Tim Sale, Manitoba's Minister Responsible for Family Services and Housing, met today in Calgary.

Minister Sale noted that "this was an important meeting for Ministers to discuss next steps on the implementation of the Social Union Framework Agreement, and plan how the Council will make progress on a number of other important social policy issues".

Ministers emphasized that their ongoing work to improve and strengthen social programs will respect the diversity of provinces and territories and that a flexible approach to social policies and programs is critical to meet the diverse needs and circumstances of Canadians. Ministers emphasized that full restoration of the CHST is a critical element to strengthening social policy and programs in Canada. *

Ministers discussed the major social policy priorities identified by Premiers at their 1999 Annual Premiers' Conference held in Quebec City in August. Ministers agreed that they want to work collaboratively with each other, and their federal colleague, to make significant progress on such key issues as the full restoration of the CHST, the National Children's Agenda and the implementation of the Social Union Framework Agreement. Ministers look forward to the meeting of the FPT Council on Social Policy Renewal, Ministers Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, and the National Aboriginal Leaders to discuss how Ministers and Leaders can work collaboratively on implementation of the Social Union Framework Agreement wherever implementation affects Aboriginal peoples and the process for reviewing the Agreement.

Ministers stressed the urgent need for action on children's issues. Building on the leadership taken by provinces and territories, and the cooperative work with the federal government, Ministers emphasized the need to move forward on the National Children's Agenda.

Ministers discussed a number of issues related to the implementation of the Social Union Framework Agreement including reporting requirements, accountability, interpreting the Agreement, receiving reports and dispute avoidance and resolution. Ministers emphasized the important role that the Provincial-Territorial Council and the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Council on Social Policy Renewal must play to ensure the effective implementation of the Agreement.

Minister Sale, on behalf of his Provincial-Territorial colleagues, emphasized the commitment of all Ministers to work collaboratively with the federal government, on behalf of all Canadians, to strengthen Canada's Social Union.

*Quebec did not sign the Social Union Framework Agreement and is not an active member of the Ministerial Council of Social Policy Renewal. However, the Quebec Government supports the provincial-territorial position on the full restoration of CHST transfer payments as a top priority. Quebec considers that this top priority should be met rather than launching any new Canada-wide social programs.

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For more information contact:

Diane Gray
Manitoba Federal-Provincial Relations
Telephone: (204) 945-3757