Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I must raise an issue brought to me by one of my constituents. In my riding of the Deh Cho there is a need for fuel subsidy for those with disabilities. For a bit of background, a program like this is already in place for elders and seniors. The Senior Home Heating Subsidy helps low-income seniors heat their homes, providing access to wood, oil, propane, gas, and/or electricity. But like many seniors, many people with disabilities live on fixed incomes. If they are approved by income assistance, they may be able to access a monthly disability allowance and incidental allowance. But in the cold winters that Northerners face every year that may not be enough. Other jurisdictions use similar heating programs to support their residents. In Nova Scotia, low-income individuals and families can access home heating rebate programs, while in British Columbia disabled residents can access a vehicle fuel tax refund. These jurisdictions have responded to the needs of their people. The Northwest Territories must do the same.
In the government's mandate, we have committed to ensuring effective supports and programs are in place for persons with disabilities, and when we met in this House in March we urged the government to create a five-year action plan to address the needs of the disabled community. Right now, the Department of Health and Social Services is working with other GNWT departments to make an inventory of all GNWT supports available to people with disabilities. I recommend that further review and discussion of this issue be part of that process. I will have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Nunakput.
