Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about people who are unable to work because of a disability. I have constituents in my riding who have progressive deteriorating conditions. For these people, it becomes even more difficult to work as they age.
Mr. Speaker, as you are aware many families in the NWT, especially in small communities, are very large. Many households in small communities are multigenerational families with children, grandchildren, or nieces and nephews.
Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the government created a new income assistance for seniors and persons with disabilities program that is intended to reduce barriers to accessing income assistance. But, unfortunately, even with the new program in place, constituents in my riding are still unable to access support. Mr. Speaker, in many cases, we know that people with disabilities can be at risk of abuse. Luckily for the constituent in my riding, there is a loving and supportive spouse that provides care; however, as people age and grandchildren become part of the family that is cared for, it is more difficult to make ends meet on a single income. Yet this constituent who is aging with a progressive disability and caring for many children and grandchildren is ineligible to access support through income assistance.
Mr. Speaker, there needs to be a more holistic approach to delivering income assistance for people with disabilities. We know these people are more challenged to complete paperwork and also are some of the most vulnerable people in communities. How are we protecting and supporting seniors with disabilities? I will have questions for ECE Minister. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from the Deh Cho.
