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Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Human Resources and Western Development, is asking the national for input into the rebuilding of Canada's social security system.
A copy of the government's new discussion paper, Improving Social Security in Canada, is available free of charge by dialing 1-800-735-3551.
Also available are background documents and question-and-answer workbook for those individuals who want to contribute their ideas to the minister. Response will be analyzed and submitted to the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development.
The Aboriginal component of the reform will be co-ordinated through the office of Secretary of State, Ethel Blondin-Andrew.
Aboriginal people have never been consulted before, she said. "We want to know how we can best do things, with their advice. We look to them in this process of consultation."
In the past, she said, if Aboriginal people required social assistance they would receive help to go on the land, because thy were not living in a wage-based society. People were given food and supplies, and the people would go on the land, a legitimate form of help.
"To assist people to just be dependent is not the way to do it."
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