Debates of October 19, 2006 (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me whether all income support workers in the NWT are now trained to do rent calculations, and how are communities without permanent income support workers, how is the rent being calculated in those communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Two questions there. The Minister may answer one or both. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 135-15(5): Social Housing Rent Calculations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Because of turnover, I can't say that today every single employee has complete training. We may have some new employees who may not have completed training, but there is regular and ongoing training. There was a training session for income support workers just last week, and we do ensure that our supervisors work with new people to provide training in the regions where necessary. I believe that all of our employees are up to date. We work to ensure that happens. In most communities where we do not have a full-time or part-time worker, the service is provided by visits that workers may make to the community, and through the provision of 1-800 services. We're also trying to work very closely with the local housing authorities and are discussing whether or not we could work with one of their offices to perhaps deliver the programs in those communities. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.,

Supplementary To Question 135-15(5): Social Housing Rent Calculations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, Mr. Speaker, I think that people are very interested in being timely in paying their rent. They don't want to have a bad record of rent payment, but I think we are making it somewhat difficult for them and I will certainly look forward to any report of streamlining or enhancing the system that would help this group of tenants in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. I don't know if I heard a question there, but, Mr. Dent, you may have heard a question.

Further Return To Question 135-15(5): Social Housing Rent Calculations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As part of the Income Security Program, we are, in fact, trying to streamline all of our processes for delivering subsidy services to our citizens. I have committed to reporting to the Standing Committee on Social Programs as we work through that process. I'd be happy to commit to delivering the same information in this House.