Similar to the previous set of findings, the second area relates to the geographic location in which the EC lives and works. The rural and northern work–life conditions chart that was introduced in chapter two is also helpful in presenting the findings (see Table 2).
Participants mentioned many times the poor quality of life and lack of basic resources available at the level of the current client needs. Participant F quoted from organizational research that “sixty percent of eighteen to twenty-nine-year-olds tested, scored below a high school (grade 9) level,”
even though all had been to high school, and some had completed grade 12. Literacy has been linked to poverty, and ECs talked with emotion about the lack of resources some of the clients suffer. Participant B summed it up:
We just don’t have what is needed. We have [a shelter and addiction facility] … but it is always full.… It comes out they have an addictions problem, what are you going to do? Where are you going to send them…you’re going to send them away from their family?
Participant B went on to say, “I try to not get involved in that other stuff, because I just don’t think I’m qualified.”
Participant E shared statistics from a current workplace preparation program: “One hundred percent of the participants say they have alcohol and drug addictions that are their priority.”
Participant B added statistics from previous assessments where, “out of 10 people 6 or 8 had learning disabilities … there are so many that have nothing.”
The planning and programming for labour market development is not being addressed in a cooperative manner. Participants presented that local leaders in rural and northern Manitoba frequently change because of the political structure on reserves. They feel there is a lack of cohesion in the Band organizations and programs, and services could be working better together.