Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Up until last September the social assistance regulations specifically exempted the value of any monies or goods received in accordance with the Inuvialuit Final Agreement from being clawed back from Income Support clients. This changed last year when payments from the land claim agreements were suddenly reclassified as unearned income. According to regulations any unearned income over $1,200 a year will be clawed back. Clients who receive a dividend cheque from their community corporation can easily go over the $1,200 limit if they receive a GST rebate, federal child benefits or small gifts from relatives.
This change to the regulations is not in keeping with the good spirit and the intent of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. The government specifically exempts payments to the Inuvialuit from taxation by any level of government. Although the government might argue that technically Income Support clawbacks are not taxes, they have the same impact as taxes for those clients who are affected.
Benefits the Inuvialuit receive under the land claim are the result of traditional rights and the final agreement we negotiated in good faith with the Government of Canada. They cannot be put into the same category as gifts or federal programs that all Canadians receive and that can be stopped at any time.
Later today I'll be asking the Minister if he is prepared to honour the spirit of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement and reinstate the exemption for any land claim payments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.