The economic and social welfare issues faced by our people in the new millennium are varied and complex. It is critical that no one be financially worse off under the proposed reforms, nor overburdened by an inflexible participation regime. Welfare reform cannot be isolated from other issues. There is little point in reforming welfare assistance to our peoples unless efforts are also made to address the underlying issues that force them onto welfare, and to address the basic questions of health, housing and employment.

These issues cannot be addressed by people, whether they be black or white, who are remote from what is actually taking place in our communities. The communities need to exercise control over programs and policies at the local level to ensure their needs and aspirations are met.