Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to echo what my colleague from the Mackenzie Delta said yesterday about the income assistance program. Bmany people in Tlicho region receive income assistance. Almost one quarter of residents in Behchoko rely on it. That's more than 400 people.
Mr. Speaker, we must ask if the government is supporting the people the right way. I know constituents with permanent disabilities who lost income support last year because a family member briefly worked part-time. Income assistance is intended to provide financial assistance to residents to help meet their basic needs so that they are able to participate fully in community life and take part in the opportunities available to them.
Mr. Speaker, we cannot expect to build up our workforce if families who rely on assistance lose that financial security when they work part-time to make ends meet.
Income exemptions under the new regulations will help. The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment said her department provided an additional $5 million last year and launched a new income assistance program for seniors and people with disabilities in July. The department removed requirements to seek and maintain employment. But will this help our youth hoping to retrain and work?
Mr. Speaker, Tlicho people are very hardworking. When we rely totally on the land, we did not wait for the caribou to come to us. I want to motivate our young people to find work. I will have question for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.
