The director of the Income Support Program in Education, Culture and Employment visited Tuktoyaktuk recently to announce that her department will start using a voucher system for their clients. She was apparently responding to the question of the local hamlet. Mr. Speaker, at the time I would support anything that the Hamlet of Tuk does, so I supported it as well.
Mr. Speaker, going over it, I want to air some questions to share with many community members about the program change. First of all, how are the people going to pay for babysitters, taxes, buy groceries and emergency telephone services.
Secondly, what consultation has been done with the community? At this time there was only the one meeting. We have to do proper consultation.
Thirdly, the voucher system hasn’t worked in any northern community. Can I have these questions answered simply? People won’t be able to pay babysitters, taxes or telephone services to get the vouchers, and no cash. There was no consultation with income support clients to tell them what was going to happen.
As for a voucher system, to my knowledge it has never worked for a long time in northern communities. Education, Culture and Employment has four main goals in their vision statement of income security: encourage self-reliance, treat individuals with respect and dignity, have clear policies and procedures, and target benefits to those most in need. Mr. Speaker I don’t see the goals of having a voucher system for income support. I see that takes away people’s ability to make choices in their own responsibility of money.
I have said to people in this House before, I have never been one to tell people how to spend their money. The benefits will go to businesses where they can be used, such as the Northern Store, Stanton, and the community or food mail.
Hardly a day goes by that I am told in this House that the policy is under review. These things take time. As a Member, be patient. But this time, income support in Tuktoyaktuk seems to be a new breed. Mr. Speaker, we have to deal with this.
I will ask questions to the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.
