Thank you, Madam Speaker. This question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Given that people with disabilities need to support the GNWT and already experience considerable difficulties and financial strain, what criteria do we use to identify those who are disabled and want to access government programs? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The NWT

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, there are a number of departments involved in this area that would depend on the disability in question and what the circumstances of the request were and what service they were trying to access. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The NWT

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have had a bunch of questions with regard to the definition of a disability. That’s the same problem that constituents are having in Wrigley, Fort Liard or Fort Simpson. They are saying that I believe I am disabled and the government doesn’t believe it, so how do I get them to believe that I am disabled. What is the definition of a disabled person? Could the Minister answer that for me?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Minister Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The NWT

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. There is no one definition in terms of a disability, or what constitutes a disability. If the Member has specific issues that his constituents are having trouble accessing programs for disabled, as the Minister responsible for the disabled, I would be happy to get that information from the Member. I will ensure that we get in touch with the proper agency and we take the steps necessary to be responsive to the request that’s being brought forward. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The NWT

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is how does this government recognize who is disabled? That is what the people are asking me. Could the Minister answer that, Madam Speaker?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Minister Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The NWT

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we have a very close working relationship with the NWT Society for the Disabled. We work with them on a disability framework, which is a framework of strategy that was worked on collectively with many, many partners, including many of the government departments like Health and Social Services, Justice, Housing and Education. In there, we attempt to deal with the various service issues that relate to the disabled. Once again, it depends on what the disability is that the person is talking about and what service they are trying to access, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The NWT

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Above all, there was a disability framework being worked on and I don’t know how much of it was implemented by this government. Will the GNWT help reduce administrative barriers for assistance for disability and develop a standard criteria that is accessible and equitable for all, Madam Speaker? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Minister Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 84-15(4): Criteria For Identifying Disabled Persons In The NWT

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Madam Speaker, we are very interested in trying to remove administrative barriers to access to services, especially by people with disabilities. There has been discussion in this House about access or people who are going to be permanently disabled having to still apply on a monthly basis, for example, for income support. There are other issues that pertain to the federal government and the funding that they release. So yes, Madam Speaker, we are willing to work on that. That’s one of the goals of the disability framework, to try to collectively improve our services. Thank you.