Debates of May 17, 2007 (day 9)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. During my two terms here as MLA, I have been approached on many occasions by constituents dealing with disability challenges in their families. This can range from parents dealing with dementia, adults with housing accessibility issues, children suffering from mental capacity issues, and caregivers desperate for financial and program support as they cope with their family’s disability.

Mr. Speaker, most disabled persons don’t want to be wards of the state. They want to remain free and independent. They are very proud of being on their own. In most instances, this also requires great family sacrifice and perseverance. Here is where government can and, in many cases, Mr. Speaker, does step in. For instance, in housing and in program supports, we have made some considerable advances. But it is in the area of income support that causes probably the most strain and stress on these families, Mr. Speaker. Under our current income support system where clients whose income or value is above a certain threshold, essentially our system forces them to liquidate their own assets and, in effect, perhaps even impoverish themselves before they can become eligible for income support. We force them into even further poverty through sometimes punitive policies that lend persons with long-term and perhaps lifetime disabilities along with those who the Income Support Program is truly designed for, those who need temporary assistance in order to get back up and back into society.

Mr. Speaker, our current system makes it easier, perhaps even unavoidable sometimes, for families and caregivers to walk away from disabled ones, loved ones, and have the GNWT assume responsibility for institutional care. The cost of this, of course, can be enormous compared to the cost of the well thought out reasonable program that would assist family members and caregivers to maintain their independence, keep loved ones at home and look after them in that very safe and supportive environment. So, Mr. Speaker, we have a long way to go to close some policy gaps in our support systems for persons with disabilities. Thank you.

---Applause