94.7EM International Social Service Canada (ISS Canada)
Whereas, In the world today, there is considerable movement of people from one country to another, often resulting in family problems that spread across national boundaries, creating an escalating need for reciprocal social services between countries.
ISS Canada is part of the network developed through ISS in Geneva to meet this need. Because of its work that crosses international boundaries, ISS Canada also provides expertise in policy development and conventions on subjects such as Children’s Rights, International Adoption, and Child Adoption.
On March 31, 1994, the federal government, through the Department of Human Resources Development Canada, terminated its sustaining grant. This meant that ongoing service funding was only based on case-by-case service agreements with six provinces and two government departments. However, this did not cover the cost of reciprocal work done in response to social service agency inquiries from abroad, nor the work done in cases from the four provinces and two territories where no contract existed.
ISS Canada has now announced the closing of its office on October 31, 1994. However, the need for coordination of social services across national boundaries will not disappear. The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to find an alternative funding arrangement that will allow this service to continue.
Resolved, The National Council of Women of Canada urges the Government of Canada to establish a new funding arrangement for ISS Canada.