Debates of October 15, 2004 (day 21)

Mr. Speaker, I would just like to follow up on the honourable Member for Great Slave Member’s statement with regard to income support. Part of the current public debate over health care in this country is the provision of homecare services to the sick and elderly. There is widespread agreement that homecare services are a necessary part of a health care plan. It is my understanding that plans are being made that are considered to increase the amount of money available for homecare services. In light of that, I wonder why we in the Northwest Territories are not following suit. In fact, Mr. Speaker, it appears that we are penalizing certain citizens who are trying to take care of their elders at their home. People who can afford to pay for homecare services can deduct those expenses from their taxes, but people on income support who attempt to secure the same services for themselves through family members are being penalized by this government by having their social assistance cut off. Will the Minister rectify this situation and allow families to help their elders without being penalized?

Hear! Hear!

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 231-15(3): Income Support For Elders

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe that our system does allow families to support seniors to a much greater extent than what you would find in other jurisdictions, but I would be happy to review the situation with the Member and take a look at his specific recommendations and consider them. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 231-15(3): Income Support For Elders

Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. I would like to take the Minister up on that invitation as I am unaware of that guideline. Speaking of guidelines, does the Minister have any plans to review the current guidelines with respect to this issue?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 231-15(3): Income Support For Elders

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said in response to Mr. Braden earlier, the issue of reviewing guidelines for the program is one that is open at all times. If a Member comes to me and says here is what I see as a problem, I will take a look at it, I will discuss it with personnel in the department and we will get back to the Member as to whether or not we will consider revising the guidelines. I will also discuss them with the standing committee. It’s this House that has to ultimately agree to any changes in guidelines, because when I change the guidelines, or when we change the guidelines, that changes the cost of the program. That means I then have to get a change in the budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 231-15(3): Income Support For Elders

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In light of that, will the Minister also look at helping people on a fixed income at increasing their requests for fuel subsidy for this winter as the cost of living promises to be even harsher in this particular year?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 231-15(3): Income Support For Elders

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our standards for all programs are adjusted regularly, based on the cost of living. The cost of food is surveyed on a regular basis. The amount that is included in income support for food allowance is adjusted regularly. The same happens with the levels for the fuel subsidy. So I think that’s already being accomplished. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 231-15(3): Income Support For Elders

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would be just as interested to partake in those discussions, as well. In fact, there is thinking out there that our current guidelines will be below the standard of other jurisdictions. Is the Minister willing to sit down with Members on this side of the House? When will he be discussing changes to guidelines? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 231-15(3): Income Support For Elders

Mr. Speaker, that is, in fact, not right. Our guidelines and policies are more generous than any other jurisdiction in Canada. I have sat down with the Standing Committee on Social Programs and have run through our program in considerable detail to show just that. I would be happy to continue my work with the Standing Committee on Social Programs. They have had this presentation. I would be happy to offer it to other standing committees, if they are interested, and would certainly be prepared to demonstrate that we have a good program in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.