In the Legislative Assembly on May 16th, 1996. See this topic in context.

Difficulties Experienced In Accessing Social Assistance Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

May 15th, 1996

Page 410

John Ningark Natilikmiot

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many of us in the Northwest Territories make money. Many of us are provided with housing in our communities. We eat good, nutritious food. However, we have many concerns to deal with. If our pay level is going to be reduced, then we will have many problems. We have complained many times. We have expressed our concerns on TV and through the radio. We have also expressed our concerns through the newspapers. Many of us have expressed our concerns through forums such as meetings like this.

Mr. Speaker, the Inuit have their own concerns as well and have desires like us. They have relatives and children they have to take care of in their own communities. The Status of Women stated that women who have returned back to the Northwest Territories, as well as the band members in communities and Metis local members who have travelled outside of the Northwest Territories who apply for social assistance, have to wait for three months before they can get their application approved, even though they have children and need housing.

Mr. Speaker, may I have unanimous consent to conclude my Members' statement?

Difficulties Experienced In Accessing Social Assistance Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 410

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Natilikmiot is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Ningark.

Difficulties Experienced In Accessing Social Assistance Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 410

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Mr. Speaker, the NWT is a very generous community. Most of us, Mr. Speaker, are fortunate to have jobs, a roof over our heads and able to have three square meals a day. There are those of us who have moved out of the NWT and come back after three months or more to be denied the social assistance and can't find accommodation for their families. Mr. Speaker, I am speaking for people who live here all their lives and move back from the South: Inuit; band members; Metis.

Mr. Speaker, I have received information from the Yellowknife Women's Centre about five cases of aboriginal people who have lived down south for three months or more. Having come back to the NWT, they try to get social assistance from the system and are told they have to live here for at least three months or more in order to be eligible for social assistance. These people come back to their home land only to be denied the rights to feed their families and find a roof over their head for their families. Mr. Speaker, in this day and age where most of us fight over the spoils of this government, surely there should be enough money to go around for those people in need.

At the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister of Social Services about the policy of this government in the area of social assistance programs. Thank you.

Difficulties Experienced In Accessing Social Assistance Programs
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 410

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.