Another thing I wanted to say for the record, Mr. Chairman, is I want the Minister to know, regarding family members living in one household, the Inuit culture is not like southern cultures where, more than likely if Mr. Morin or the deputy minister have relatives living with them, they would charge them rent. Whereas, for the Inuit, it is unlikely for a grandfather, having two grandchildren living with him in public housing, to charge them rent.
I am concerned about that cultural difference where the household income is to include family members who are working. There's a potential for tension to build where there is already tension. Because in the first place, these grandchildren are sometimes living with grandparents because the lack of housing in communities. That's one of the reasons family members live together, whether they are working or not. Housing associations and authorities have only been addressing those most in need in the community so a lot of the time, single adult family members end up living with their family because there are no houses, even private rental units, available in the communities.
I think we should look very closely at including family members' income in assessable income. In the three communities I represent, I know this is the reality and it is of concern to me and I think it is also the concern of Nunavut communities that don't have a private market for homes. I think the rental scale should be continually monitored to see what kinds of negative impacts it will have in the communities. For instance, I know that when rents are increased, it will mean less money being spent on the few private companies that exist in the communities. It might have direct impacts on local businesses as well.
It's not just the families who are affected. It's going to affect local businesses as well when people's disposable income is reduced as a result of increased rent. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.