Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The answer is yes, I have discussed this with my northern counterparts and with some of the provincial Premiers, and the Member is correct that this is a national program. It would mean having to make changes not just in the northern zone, but in what we call the intermediate zone, as well. Mr. Speaker, in looking at this with the Premiers from the Yukon and Nunavut, it was our decision to put this one on the back burner until we had made more progress through the expert panel on our territorial financing formula and also on resource revenue sharing. Mr. Speaker, the reason we did that is any increase or decrease, sorry, increase in the northern allowance residence deduction would also cost our government money. That was an issue not just to our territory, but the other territories. For example, if we raised it from the current $5,475 to $8,500 per year, that would mean over a $3 million loss for us. Collectively we determined that it was best to keep our eye on the ball on the resource revenue sharing and financing formula. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Joe Handley on Question 65-15(5): Northern Residence Income Tax Deduction
In the Legislative Assembly on June 6th, 2006. See this statement in context.
Return To Question 65-15(5): Northern Residence Income Tax Deduction
Question 65-15(5): Northern Residence Income Tax Deduction
Item 6: Oral Questions
June 5th, 2006
Page 165
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