Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I went home to attend a meeting to discuss the operation and opening of the new fish plant in Hay River. Discussion on the subject lasted for four hours and was very informative and positive. However, another topic that arose outside that discussion was that of the Evacuee Income Disruption Support Program.
Mr. Speaker, fishers, and other selfemployed business owners, have been affected by the evacuation order imposed by the Town of Hay River and K'atlodeeche. They have not only lost wages but lost business income as well and are unsure whether this program applies to them. I assured them it did and recommended they fill out an application if they wished to be considered for the $750 payment.
Mr. Speaker, the meeting about the fish plant ended around two in the afternoon at which time I went back to my office and found a lineup of evacuees, some with their children. They included both KFN and Hay River residents, some who were employed, some selfemployed, some unemployed, some on income assistance, and some were pensioners; all were there to fill out the application for the $750 support promised by this government.
Mr. Speaker, each shared with me their stories and reasons of why they needed that $750 and why it was important they receive it as quickly as possible. Most of the people I met with were very stressed and traumatized by this event. Some I met with were crying as there was no other financial support options available to them except for what this government is providing.
The reasons for needing immediate support included:
Limited savings and income;
The need to pay rent or a mortgage payment;
The need to put food on the table;
The need for basic necessities; and,
The need for temporary shelter.
Mr. Speaker, it is times such as this that we, as government, must show our compassion and go the extra mile to make sure people are listened to and supported in a fair and timely manner. And, Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what each of the evacuees are looking for when it comes to the Evacuee Income Disruption Support Program. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
