Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It is good for us in Tsiigehtchic because we get all this driftwood in all the communities, we don't usually get that in the spring, but it always makes everybody wonder. As to early part of June, we get the breakup and high waters. People are always wondering why we don't see barges along the river until, like, towards the end of July. That question always comes up.

It seems like it is a little later than what it used to be, but I am sure, to rebuild all these barges, old stock, can we see major improvements once we get these new barges that are supposed to be on order...

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Minister Schumann.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister actually come on a tour in the first week of December, with Minister Schumann and I, along with whoever else is available? Will the Minister commit to that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Minister Schumann.

Mr. Speaker, the number of income assistance cases and the number of income assistance beneficiaries in Tsiigehtchic has increased over time. We are also hearing from community leadership that a local dedicated staff person is necessary for practical purposes. What other information does the department need to build a business case to re-introduce this position into the community?

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Minister Schumann.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, people who are not familiar with this government's program might think "income support" just means one program. Not so, Mr. Speaker. In the Northwest Territories, our income security programs include regular income assistance, as well as NWT Child Benefit, a seniors' supplementary benefit and home heating subsidiary, and student financial assistance.

For clients, the administrative burden of these programs can be very intimidating. Take income assistance as an example.

After their initial applications, clients must regularly stay on top of their reporting...

Thank you. Next on the list, we have Mr. Vanthuyne.

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Minister Schumann.

Thank you, Mr. Simpson. Minister Schumann.