Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, two groups in Hay River that I have been working closely with since being elected are the senior citizens and the persons with disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, December 3rd is a very important day. That being the International Day of Disabled Persons. It is indeed my sincere pleasure, Mr. Speaker, to publicly acknowledge this very important date. I must clarify, Mr. Speaker, that while this day should be recognized, we should be celebrating the accomplishments of persons with disabilities every day of the year.

Mr. Speaker, persons with disabilities have every right to participate fully in our society and partake in all that life has to offer. They are equal citizens and are entitled to equal access to all programs and services offered by this government. It is truly a tribute to the betterment of society, Mr. Speaker, when government accomplishes things with people instead of in isolation. Our government functions best when we as leaders work side by side with citizens who are in the best position to convey their needs and propose solutions.

Mr. Speaker, I have heard many times from constituents with disabilities in Hay River at the troubles and frustrations that they face when it comes to dealing with the bureaucracy that is government.

Mr. Speaker, the current provisions of the federal government disability pension are very prohibitive to persons with disabilities. The pension monies provided are very minimal, and often place a person with disabilities under a great deal of stress, especially when they are trying to maintain their own homes and an independent lifestyle.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Minister of Education for the excellent program his department provides by way of a fossil fuel subsidy for seniors. The new sliding scale for seniors income thresholds, introduced by the Department of Education, is welcome news for seniors.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the Minister that while I am very pleased with the fossil fuel subsidy for seniors, I believe it should also be supplied for persons with disabilities living on a very limited income. Persons with disabilities, Mr. Speaker, are often attempted to maintain their own homes on an average income of under $12,000 a year. Mr. Speaker, I know from documentation I received about the seniors fossil fuel subsidy that seniors can receive a subsidy of 100 percent of their fuel cost if their yearly household income is between $35,000...