This is page numbers 3449 – 3474 of the Hansard for the 17th Assembly, 5th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was income.

Topics

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

I know the rules of the House are clear in terms of me reading a long, detailed response chronology that lays out all the events, so in order to respect those rules of the House, I will take the question as notice.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions will be directed to the Premier, Bob McLeod. I have a question regarding some of the tabled documents that have not been tabled. What I’ll do is rather than asking two separate questions, I will put them together, because basically it’s the same issue, they haven’t been tabled.

The first question I’d like to point out is the fact that the ministerial travel reports have only been updated as of January to March 2013, and they were tabled in the House. Of course, they haven’t been tabled for three consecutive sessions after that and there’s supposed to be a three month tabling.

Furthermore, asking the questions all at once here, the report respecting benefits paid to Ministers under the Ministerial Benefits Policy has not been tabled in this House since March 31, 2011, and that, of course, officially was tabled in May 2011. In other words, there hasn’t been the tabling of these two particular reports, and in large part they are not fully being accounted for. I would ask the Premier, when can we expect the tabling of these reports in

this House to show accountability on our issues with our Cabinet?

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The ministerial travel, I did not realize there was a three-month requirement to table them, but if the Member indicates it is three months then I’m sure that’s correct. I will just find out where it’s at in the process. I don’t expect there is any reason for the delay, and I’m sure we’ll make sure it’s posted as soon as possible after the three months.

The ministerial benefits, that responsibility has been taken over by the Board of Management, so I will have to check with the board to see why that hasn’t been filed yet if there’s a requirement for it to be filed.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

I appreciate the quick response from the Premier and his willingness to address this. I would certainly hope that I’d get a response back and that he’d have this tabled within we’ll say 10 days. That seems reasonable, because I’ve had people inquire about this at my office.

My last question would be is that under the report respecting benefits paid to Ministers under the Ministerial Benefits Policy, reviewing old tablings, which goes up to March 31, 2011, not all information is there. For some reason there’s information highlighted out, and what I may point out are things like hospitality where Ministers, I believe, are paid $1,000 cash in order to, well, whatever hospitality equals.

I would ask the Premier to ensure that all things are fully accounted for in the tabling, and even if it is a Board of Management issue, I would ask him to show the leadership on this particular issue and table it anyway to demonstrate the transparency and accountability we all strive for.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

I think it’s on the public record how much hospitality is provided to the Members and there is no requirement for accountability in that regard. I will take your request and I will discuss it with the Board of Management.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 8, written questions. Mr. Dolynny.

Daryl Dolynny

Daryl Dolynny Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Finance. In relation to Tabled Document 110-17(3), GNWT Contracts over $5,000 Report for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2013, please provide the following

information reported in aggregate for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013:

1. the percentage and dollar amount of those

contracts that were negotiated versus total government contracts;

2. the percentage and dollar amount of those

contracts that were sole-sourced versus total government contracts;

3. the percentage and dollar amount of those

contracts that were awarded by request for proposal versus total government contracts; and

4. in relation to each of the above inquiries, please

indicate the percentage and dollar amount of change orders.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. Item 9, returns to written questions. Ms. Langlois.

Returns to Written Questions
Returns to Written Questions

Clerk Of The House (Ms. Langlois)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am in receipt of the following returns to written questions: Written Question 1-17(5), Written Question 2-17(5), Written Question 3-17(5), and Written Question 4-17(5).

Clerk Of The House (Ms. Langlois)

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Bromley on November 6, 2013, regarding calculating eligibility for income support.

1. When assessing a client’s need for income

support, what are the main factors (rent, income from various sources, number of children, et cetera) that are considered? In other words, how is the amount of income support determined?

The Income Assistance program helps people when they do not have enough money each month to meet their cost of living. The amount of financial support is determined by assessing an individual’s needs and their monthly income. Basic benefits include:

• the food allowance that varies depending on the

number of people in a given household and the community where they reside;

• shelter benefits whereby single clients receive a

maximum of $900 per month and families receive market rent; and

• utilities benefits that assist with the actual cost

of fuel, power, water and sewage services.

The Income Assistance program also provides enhanced benefits for longer-term supports such as:

• the clothing allowance that varies depending on

the number of people in a household and the community where they reside;

• the disabled allowance of $300 per month for

each adult with a disability;

• the aged allowance of $300 per month for each

client over the age of 60;

• the incidental allowance that assists with the

personal care costs of clients who are in receipt of the disabled or aged allowance. The amount varies dependent on the community where they reside;

• the child care allowance that assists with the

cost of child care for clients who are in school or working. The amount varies depending on the age of the child and whether the facility is licensed;

• the

furnishings

allowance, an annual benefit that

varies depending on the number of people in a household and the community where they reside;

• expenses for primary, secondary and post-

secondary education, which assists with the actual costs of transportation, textbooks and supplies, annual school fees and tuition;

• record suspension application fees that helps

clients pay for criminal record suspensions;

• security deposits to assist with the actual cost of

utility and damage deposits; and

• an emergency allowance of up to $500 for a

single client and $1,000 for a family to assist with emergency expenses such as the loss of a home.

2. When assessing a client’s need for income

support, what is the level of monthly income below which a client is considered in need of income support for:

a) an 18-year-old living on their own in

Yellowknife?

Only persons who have attained 19 years of age are eligible to apply for income assistance. Persons aged 16 to 18 years are not eligible to receive income assistance; however, they are directed to the Department of Health and Social Services, which may provide benefits under a social services program.

b) a single parent with three children in

Yellowknife?

c) an unemployed couple with two children in

Yellowknife?

d) a senior living on their own in Yellowknife?

The Income Assistance program does not have an income threshold for determining the amount of assistance a client is eligible to receive. Eligibility

for income assistance is determined based on a financial needs test that is calculated by adding together total needs for food, shelter and utilities, and deducting a client’s monthly household income. Amounts for basic benefits such as food, shelter and utilities are based on a client’s home community and family size as determined by the Income Assistance Regulations. Additional enhanced needs may be included in the assessment based on unique circumstances such as for incidentals, clothing, child care, educational expenses, furniture, security deposits, emergency allowance, and record suspension fees as well as the disability or aged allowances.

Each household has unique circumstances and expenses that dictate their need independent of total monthly income. Additionally, monthly household income is adjusted using earned or unearned income exemptions based on the type of income declared.

Later today, at the appropriate time, I will table “Standard Income Assistance Benefits by Household Composition,” which details the standard benefits that a 19-year-old, rather than an 18-year-old, living on their own, a single parent with three children, an unemployed couple with three children and a single senior would receive in Yellowknife.

3. Are income support needs calculated differently

in each NWT community? If so, for the same four examples listed above, what is the level of monthly income below which a client is considered in need of income support in each NWT community?

Yes, the amount of income assistance benefits vary based on the client’s community of residence, family size and financial need. Later today, at the appropriate time, I will table “Standard Income Assistance Benefits by Household Composition,” which details the standard benefits that a 19-year-old, rather than an 18-year old, living on their own, a single parent with three children, an unemployed couple with three children and a single senior would receive in all NWT communities.

4. In the most recent year that has complete data,

how many individuals received income support in each individual NWT community?

Statistical information collected on the number of Northerners who receive income assistance is grouped by a distinct case, which counts a family as one unit. Later today, at the appropriate time, I will table “Income Assistance Distinct Cases and Payments in 2012-13,” which provides information on how many distinct cases received income assistance by NWT community.

5. For that same period of time, what was the total

income support payments made in the NWT community?

The “Income Assistance Distinct Cases and Payments in 2012-13” document also provides information on total income assistance payments by NWT community in 2012-13.

Clerk Of The House (Ms. Langlois)

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Bromley on November 6, 2013, regarding calculating eligibility for public housing rental subsidies.

1. When assessing a client’s rental payment, what

are the main factors (income from various sources, number of children, et cetera) that are considered? In other words, how is the amount of rent determined?

The objective of the Public Housing Program is to provide suitable, adequate and affordable housing to low and modest income residents. The program is based on a rent geared to income approach.

The unit allocation is based on the required size to ensure tenants are suitably accommodated, while rent is assessed on the total monthly income of all residents of the household. All sources of income are included in calculating monthly rent. Seniors who live alone or with other seniors receive a $1,000 monthly income exemption for their rent calculation.

Rent for public housing tenants ranges from approximately 19 percent of income for tenants earning $100,000 or more annually to approximately 4.5 percent of income for tenants earning $20,000 or less annually. The national standard for affordability is shelter costs exceeding 30 percent of income.

2. When assessing a client’s need for public

housing, what is the level of monthly income below which a client is considered in need of subsidized rent for:

a) an 18-year-old living on their own in

Yellowknife?

b) a single parent with three children in

Yellowknife?

c) an unemployed couple with two children in

Yellowknife?

d) a senior living on their own in Yellowknife?

There are a number of factors that are considered in relation to someone applying for the Public Housing Program.

In terms of income eligibility, in Yellowknife it would range from income less than $50,500 total income for a tenant that could be suitably accommodated in a bachelor suite up to $103,000 for a family that would require a four-bedroom unit.

3. Are rent subsidy needs calculated differently in

each NWT community? If so, for the same four examples listed above, what is the level of monthly income below which a client is considered in need of rental subsidies in each NWT community?

These are two quite distinct questions.

As noted, the amount of rent charged each tenant is related to their total income. The new scale classifies communities into three zones that are based on Statistic Canada’s Living Cost Differentials. For example, public housing rents range from $70 per month in a small community such as Paulatuk for a tenant with a low income up to a monthly rent of $1,625 in Inuvik for a tenant with an annual income exceeding $100,000.

The amount of operating subsidy that a household would effectively receive is dependent on the operating cost for that unit and the amount of rent paid by residents of that unit. As such, more information on the family structure and income of the examples you provide would be needed.

The second question relates to the income eligibility for accessing public housing. In the larger market communities (Yellowknife, Hay River, Inuvik) we are able to base that on the size of the unit that is required as there is a large enough base of market rentals to complete that calculation. In smaller communities an average value for the community is used due to lack of private market comparators. This is the rental Core Need Income Threshold (CNIT) used in each community.

4. In the most recent year that has complete data,

how many individuals received a rental subsidy in each NWT community?

As of December 10, 2013, there were 5,835 tenants in public housing across the NWT.

5. For that same period of time, what were the

total value of rental subsidies (compared to what the client would have paid at “market rates”) made in each NWT community?

With approximately 2,400 public housing units across the NWT, approximately $42.5 million is estimated to be provided in net rental subsidies in 2014-15 compared to operating expenditures of just under $48 million. The expected rental revenue assumes a 90 percent collection rate at just over $5.5 million.

Later today I will table an information package that explains how public housing rents are calculated in our three zones, the rental Core Need Income Threshold (CNIT) used in each community, the number of tenants by community and the estimated operating subsidy for public housing by community in the 2014-15 budget.

Clerk Of The House (Ms. Langlois)

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question 3-17(5) asked by Mr. Bromley on November 7, 2013, regarding the cost of income support and related income security programs.

1. What is the current annual cost to administer

each of the 16 income assistance and other income security programs mentioned in point 2 on page 5 of the recent Auditor General’s Income Security Program Review? For the purposes of this question, “cost to administer” is defined as GNWT salaries, overhead for office space, travel, per diems and other program delivery-related expenses.

2. What are the current total annual payments

made to clients under each of the 16 income assistance and other income security programs mentioned in the recent Auditor General’s program review?

3. How many clients do each of the 16 income

assistance and other income security programs mentioned in the recent Auditor General’s program review assist annually?

Income Assistance

Income Assistance (IA) provides financial assistance to help people meet their basic needs, including child care costs. There were 3,188 distinct cases in 2012-13 and the total payments made that year amounted to $16.2 million. IA distinct cases refer to family units that consist of one head of household and any number of dependents. The cost to administer IA, and the integrated child care user subsidy and seniors home heating subsidy, which includes wages, travel expenses, per diems and lease costs for space in small and remote communities, was $3.465 million. Specific office costs for regional service centres are not available as the centres deliver multiple programs and services.

Child Care User Subsidy

The child care user subsidy (CCUS) is a benefit under Income Assistance and no longer a separate income security program. The cost to administer the CCUS and payments to clients are integrated into Income Assistance.

Student Financial Assistance

Student Financial Assistance (SFA) provides financial assistance to post-secondary NWT students through a combination of grants and loans. There were 1,508 students that received a total of $15.9 million in SFA in 2012-13. The cost to administer SFA, including wages, travel expenses and per diems but not the cost of office space, was $661,000 in 2012-13.

Cost of Living Tax Credit

The refundable cost of living tax credit reduces the amount of tax individuals have to pay and is available to all territorial income tax filers. In 2012-13 this tax reduction amounted to $21.551 million. All personal income tax payers in the NWT receive this benefit. The annual cost to administer this tax expenditure program is not available.

NWT Child Benefit and Territorial Worker Supplement

The NWT Child Benefit and Territorial Worker Supplement programs both provide low-income families with monthly cash payments to assist with the costs of raising children. The Government of Canada administers these benefits on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). A total of $1.5 million was paid out to 1,911 clients in 2012-13. The annual administrative cost for the NWT Child Benefit and Territorial Worker Supplement programs is not available.

Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit

The senior citizen supplementary benefit provides financial assistance to help low-income seniors pay for living costs. The Government of Canada administers this support on behalf of the GNWT. A total of $2.1 million was paid out to 1,081 individual seniors. The annual administrative cost for this program is not available.

Senior Home Heating Subsidy

The senior home heating subsidy provides financial assistance to low-income seniors to help them with the cost of heating their homes. Support is granted either as a direct payment to heating fuel supplier or as reimbursement of heating fuel expenses. A total of $1.3 million was provided to 442 senior households in 2012-13. The administration cost for this program is included in the administration cost for Income Assistance.

Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief

The senior citizens’ and disabled persons’ property tax relief helps seniors and people with disabilities pay less or no property tax. In 2013 a total of $531,421 was paid out in property tax rebates to 547 recipients in the municipal taxation area communities of Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, Inuvik, Norman Wells and Yellowknife. As well, 170 recipients elsewhere in the territory got paid a total of $70,087 in property tax rebates in 2012-13. The annual administrative cost for this program is not available.

Supplementary Health Benefits

Supplementary health benefits are provided to eligible territorial residents. Benefits include eligible prescription drugs, appliances, supplies, prostheses, and certain medical travel expenses. In 2012-13 a total of $10.1 million was granted to

eligible territorial residents in supplementary health benefits. Between January 1 and December 31, 2013, 488 clients received indigent health benefits, 1,354 clients received Metis health benefits, 2,083 clients received extended benefits for seniors and 1,354 clients received extended health benefits for specified diseases. Some of these clients legitimately received benefits under more than one program. Some of the supplementary health benefits are administered directly by the GNWT and some by a contractor on behalf of the GNWT. In 2012-13 medical travel benefits, after recoveries from third parties, amounted to $8.2 million. The number of medical travel clients, other than air ambulance, in 2012-13 was 5,093. Medical travel benefits are administered by the health authorities. The general operating cost for the medical travel office, which excludes office costs and overhead, amounted to $1.3 million in 2012-13. Details on annual administrative cost for other supplementary health benefits is not available.

Territorial Power Subsidy

The territorial power subsidy is automatically factored into regular billings for eligible general service customers of the NWT Power Corporation. In 2012-13 the GNWT provided $5.813 million in subsidies for territorial ratepayers. Information on the number of ratepayers in NWT and the cost to administer the territorial power subsidy is not available. No direct payment is made to clients.

Public Housing Program

The total operating cost of the Public Housing Program was $44.955 million in 2012-13. Tenants paid $5.646 million in rent, which reflects an operating subsidy of $39.309 million. Local housing organizations are funded to administer and maintain 2,379 public housing units. The cost of administration and tenant relations was $6.977 million in 2012-13. No direct payment is made to clients.

Providing Assistance for Territorial Homeownership (PATH)

PATH is a homeownership subsidy program that is provided in the form of forgivable loans. A total of $530,000 was provided in assistance to 10 PATH clients in 2012-13. The program is administered primarily by NWTHC district staff and it is not possible to report the specific amount of time spent on this program.

Contributing Assistance for Repairs and Enhancements (CARE)

CARE is a homeownership repair subsidy program that is provided in the form of forgivable loans. A total of $4.872 million was provided in assistance to 232 CARE clients in 2012.13. The program is administered primarily by NWTHC district staff and it is not possible to report the specific amount of time spent on this program.

Homeownership Entry Level Program (HELP)

HELP is a subsidized rental program that provides residents with the opportunity to transition towards homeownership. There were 172 HELP clients in 2012-13. The total operating cost of HELP was $1.114 million in 2012-13. Tenants paid $1.094 million in rent, which reflects an operating subsidy of $20,000. The program is administered primarily by LHOs, although district staff complete and assess initial program applications. LHOs were provided $28,000 for administration associated with these units in 2012-13. No direct payment is made to clients.

Legal Aid

Legal aid provides support in the form of legal advice and representation for eligible applicants. Legal aid is funded by both the GNWT and the Government of Canada. A total of 1,177 applications for legal aid were approved in 2012-13. Total general operating expenses for legal aid services, excluding office rent and overhead administration, amounted to $5,263,062. No direct payments are made to clients.

4. Could the Minister provide a copy of the latest

Market Basket Measure of poverty for each NWT community or, if not available, a commitment on when this will be available?

5. Prior to the Income Support Program reviews

associated with the Auditor General’s report over the last few years, when was the last comprehensive review of income support programs and what was the title of the report produced on that review?

In the GNWT’s response to the Auditor General’s report on Northwest Territories Income Security programs, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) committed to developing a Northern Basket Measure, in cooperation with the federal government and the NWT Bureau of Statistics, in 2015-16.

The most recent comprehensive review of Income Security programs, prior to the Auditor General’s report, was a multi-stage review conducted by ECE that began in 2004 and concluded in 2006. Three reports were released as a result of the review: the “Income Security Policy Framework” (September 2005), “Community Voices: A Report on the Income Security Consultations in the NWT” (April 2006), and “Income Security: Breaking Down the Barriers of Poverty, Promoting Self-Reliance” (July 2007).

Clerk Of The House (Ms. Langlois)

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Bromley on November 7, 2013,

regarding cost effectiveness of greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.

Within the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the environment division supports a climate change unit that is dedicated to supporting the actions listed in Appendix 1 of the 2011 to 2015 Greenhouse Gas Strategy. In fiscal year 2012 to 2013, the climate change unit received $3.9 million for programs, salaries, travel and overhead for this purpose, including $1.9 million to support programs and activities delivered by the Arctic Energy Alliance.

Total reductions in greenhouse gas emissions estimated to result over the lifetimes of projects initiated in 2012 to 2013 are 3.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. These reductions are the result of projects undertaken by governments, residents, communities and industry, including Diavik Diamond Mines’ wind project, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Bluefish Hydro Dam Project, biomass and energy efficiency projects undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Services as well as those supported by the climate change unit and the Arctic Energy Alliance. The full cost to project proponents to implement all of these actions was $77 million, resulting in an overall cost effectiveness of $22 per tonne.

The cost effectiveness for rebates provided under the Energy Efficiency Incentive Program was $41 per tonne.

The Commercial Energy Conservation and Efficiency Program had a cost effectiveness of $19 per tonne.

The Energy Conservation Program had a cost effectiveness of $19 per tonne.

Biomass projects funded through the Alternative Energy Technologies Program had a cost effectiveness of $18 per tonne, and the solar projects had a cost effectiveness of $163 per tonne.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you Ms. Langlois. Item 10, replies to opening address. Item 11, petitions. Item 12, reports of standing and special committees. Item 13, reports of committees on the review of bills. Mr. Moses.

Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Medical Care Act
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to report to the Assembly that the Standing Committee on Social Programs has reviewed Bill 6, An Act to Amend the Medical Care Act, and wishes to report

to the Assembly that Bill 6 is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 6: An Act To Amend The Medical Care Act
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses. Item 14, tabling of documents. Mr. Lafferty.

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Further to my Return to Written Question 1-17(5), I wish to table the following two documents, entitled “Standard Income Assistance Benefits by Household Composition” and “Income Assistance Distinct Cases and Payments in 2012-2013.” Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table a letter I wrote on January 27, 2014, to the chair of the Board of Governors, Ms. Sydney O’Sullivan. It is regarding some of the concerns about accessibility and accountability that I see with the governors in relating to their students. Of course, part of the letter is to encourage them to hold a public meeting. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to my Return to Written Question 2-17(5), I wish to table the following document, entitled “Detailed Information Package on Calculating Eligibility for Public Housing Rental Subsidies.” Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 15, notices of motion. Item 16, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 17, motions. Item 18, first reading of bills. Item 19, second reading of bills. Item 20, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters, with Mrs. Groenewegen in the chair.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair Jane Groenewegen

Can I call the committee to order. We have one item on the agenda today. What is the wish of the committee? Ms. Bisaro.