Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the harmonization initiative was undertaken because there was a need to make changes in how this government assessed income and set the rental rates for public housing and income support clients. The public housing program, administered by the NWT Housing Corporation, and the Income Assistance Program, administered by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, assessed financial needs in different ways.
There is also a need to ensure that the people with the greatest need receive assistance. The harmonization initiative brochure tells us that harmonization will ensure that eligibility for government support is determined in a fair and equitable manner. As I understand this, Mr. Speaker, this means that benefits to income support clients and low-income families will be improved, and I understand that it will also mean fairer public rent scales and, Mr. Speaker, I understand that there will not be disincentives to employment.
Mr. Speaker, in Hay River, there are over 100 public housing units. People occupying these units include students, single parents, seniors and low-income families. If, in the implementation of the harmonization, we see that there is in fact more equity, fairness and affordability, then I believe the positive benefits to those most in need will be welcomed.
During question period, I will be asking questions related to the positive results we can expect to see under harmonization. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause