Supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When the Minister was talking to workers in Hay River -- and I don't have the minutes with me here -- the Minister did state the money would be there to bring the hospital workers in Hay River to parity with the UNW workers. That was a commitment. I am wondering if the Minister could commit that the money is still there on the table to bring parity with the UNW for the workers under the community health board in Hay River. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I indicated that I was aware that I knew parity would be an issue in negotiations given the difference in terms of benefits and pay. We are at the table in good faith and we would honour whatever collective agreement is finally reached .Thank you.

Final supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As well, it was noted that in order to bring the hospital workers in Hay River and the Hay River Health Board under the government, there will have to be legislation in place to allow that to happen. I haven't seen that legislation yet, Mr. Speaker. I have seen it on a list that was supposed to come forward. I would like to ask the Minister where is this legislation? When can we expect to see it? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was checking on that today as well and the intention is to have it before Cabinet and this House by early next week.

Thank you. Item 7, oral questions. Mr. Bell.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It would apply based on income threshold, Mr. Speaker. On an annual basis, there would be a $50 increase in rent until a maximum of $400 would be reached and it would be income tested, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am sorry, I should have been more clear. What I meant to ask was whether or not that graduated scale applied to everybody or just to seniors and students. For instance, will it apply to a single parent living in a housing unit who is neither a senior nor a student? Thank you.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it would apply to all individuals and it's income tested. It would apply to all individuals.

Supplementary, Mr. Bell.

Well, I am impressed because I have had constituents call me with huge concerns about $300 and $400 increases that's way over the cap. When I looked into it, I discovered that it seemed to be those caps that I thought would apply only if you were a student or a senior. So that's great. I will pass on the news. The other question I have is about grandfathering. If we are going to do this, it may mean that people living side by side in equal circumstances, but having been in the units only days apart would have different rents. We could have a senior in a unit right beside another senior in a unit paying much different rents in ideal circumstances. Is that not the case?

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Because they are public housing units, Mr. Speaker, we have a responsibility to ensure that there are rules in place based on income and it is income tested. Therefore, an individual who is in a unit who earns a lot more money is in a position to pay more and is in a position to possibly access private housing. For that reason, that particular issue is in place. Thank you.

Final supplementary, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Here is an example. We have a senior living in a house who makes $10,000 and has been living in that house for five years. Their rent is going to be capped. After the initiation date of the program, the senior moves in next door, same circumstances, makes $10,000 a year. He's going to pay a much higher rent. Isn't that the case?

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

I have a hard time following the analogy here, Mr. Speaker, in terms of $10,000. I am not sure what the Member means by that.