Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I listened with interest last Thursday to the Minister of Health and Social Services speak of the International Day of Disabled Persons. I would have spoken to that issue that day, Mr. Speaker, but as you know other events were crowding our agenda. Mr. Speaker, this support for the International Day of Disabled Persons by the government perhaps paints a slightly rosier picture than disabled persons actually live under in the Northwest Territories. This government has income support programs and subsidies for seniors so that they can maintain their independence in their own homes, but has no similar programs for people of working age who cannot work because of disability.

I am aware of one case in Hay River where a disabled homeowner is having trouble making ends meet on his federal disability pension. This person has a shortfall in income of approximately $200 per month. When he tried to access income support he was made to feel that there should be no need for him to do so, considering he received a disability pension. In any event, he was denied. Mr. Speaker, I have seen this person's monthly budget and it is not extravagant. It is barely enough for him to live in dignity and maintain his independence in his own home. Mr. Speaker, where does this leave us? We have a disabled person under great stress and in fear of losing his home. For what, Mr. Speaker, $200 a month or $2,400 a year? The logic of government policies escapes me sometimes. If this disabled person loses his home, he will probably end up in social housing at a significantly higher cost to this government.

Mr. Speaker, this government talks the talk when it comes to supporting disabled persons. It is time to take action and develop streamlined policies and programs between ECE and Health and Social services that deal with the needs of disabled persons in the Northwest Territories instead of foisting the problem off on volunteer agencies. I will be following up on this important matter in question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.