Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are to the Minister of Lands. As people might be aware in this House, the very fundamental questions on the ownership and jurisdictions in the sovereignty of the Deh Cho hands is being negotiated. My question is to the Minister of Lands. Why is the government requiring Dene elders to lease the land they live on, now designated as Commissioner's lands? Mahsi.
Minister of Lands.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Currently on Commissioner's lands, lessees are charged 10 per cent of the assessed value of the land. As was mentioned previously by the Member opposite, we are looking at reducing that to a more reasonable amount of 5 per cent. Currently, those leases are still charged and assessed.
Mr. Speaker, you know, despite the modest decrease in terms of the rates, the bills are still piling up for elders and has put them in a very stressful situation. What will the Minister do to remedy this injustice?
As I mentioned earlier, we're contemplating lowering the rate we charge from 10 per cent to 5 per cent. In addition, seniors do receive a 50 per cent discount. We have made efforts to make life easier for our senior citizens.
Mr. Speaker, I think there are a few elders that would be more likely categorized in a very stressful situation where their bills have piled up to the point where they're more likely pondering the idea, if they're aware of the option, of bankruptcy. Could the Minister and his department consider an interim arrangement? How long would it take for the Minister to remedy this injustice?
Mr. Speaker, once the leases are in arrears, the matter goes to the Department of Finance, who will then send out letters. I know they try to work with individuals to see if they can repay the amounts that they owe. I do also understand that, under Section 3 of the Income Assistance Policy Manual, applicants who reside on Commissioner's land from the Department of Lands or the NWTHC may qualify for a monthly allowance to assist with the cost of the land lease. There are various ways that seniors could be assisted.
As I mentioned earlier, apart from reducing the proposal is to reduce the current leases from 10 to 5 per cent. In addition, of course, there is the seniors’ discount. We are doing things for senior citizens, and there are other programs that appear that they could access. Thank you.
Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to thank the Minister of Lands. Will the Minister come to Deh Cho communities to speak with our elders and leaders to explain his position on this and what is he doing about it? Mahsi.
Yes. I certainly could consider such a visit. As I mentioned, we are rolling out a new proposal to reduce the rents from 10 per cent to 5 per cent of appraised value. Now, that's the appraised value of the land itself, so, even if a very nice house is built on that land, that doesn't affect the 5 or 10 per cent that we have been charging on the land itself. I think we are going to try to be in touch with people who are in a situation and make them realize or give them the information that we are reducing the lease fees from 10 to 5 per cent. After that, I would certainly consider such a visit. Perhaps it could be combined with some other activities. Thank you.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North.
