Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Seeing as this is our last day I'd like to raise the issue facing our income support residents of the Northwest Territories and more specifically the disabled residents of the Northwest Territories one more time. That issue is the clawback of certain dollars in the support system that are intended for the disabled.
Mr. Speaker, these individuals currently have a program called the community living benefit program to assist in meeting their daily needs. This entitles them to income support, including $300 for their disability needs. Like any other income assistance recipients, all other income is deducted from their monthly payments. With the high cost of living in the North and after all the deductions, this leaves these people in a financial situation of poverty that's difficult to work your way out of.
Under the income support program, the allowable income without interference is $200 for singles and $400 for families on a monthly basis. Everyone has debts and other essential needs and these debts are not considered as basic need expenses. Consequently, these expenses are deducted from their monthly payments.
Mr. Speaker, also, all other federal and territorial funded programs are deducted from the recipients. Many of these programs are intended to address child poverty or career development. These programs become meaningless if they're not received by the very people they're targeted for. After reviewing an Alberta government guide for assured income for the severely handicapped, also known as the AISH program, which entitles the handicapped to medical and financial benefits, I see that in that province these benefits are assured if your disability impairs your ability to earn a living and is modified based on the severity of the disability.
Mr. Speaker, the Alberta government enables those in poverty to better their lifestyles by exempting certain incomes, such as Canada child tax benefit under the Canadian Income Tax Act; death benefits under the Canadian Pension Plan; land claim settlement payments; grants intended to enhance employability; and also allows an income of $400 for each child receiving maintenance.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.