Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in recent years, ECE had adjusted the income support assistance program which, according to the Minister, is intended to provide better services for residents who need it the most and acknowledge that incredible value that elders, seniors, and persons with disabilities bring to our communities. Many of my constituents who rely on the income assistance program are elders struggling during a cost of living crisis, youth striving to overcome challenges like disability and addictions, and others facing extraordinary circumstances where reported income does not reflect their daily reality.

I am glad to see the Minister recognizing the values of elders bring into our communities. They are the keepers of knowledge, culture, and language. That is why it is concerning that income they earn from contributing to culture programming or providing translation services can result in reductions or disqualification of their income assistance when that income is minimal and often reinvested into the services they provide.

Before the holidays, several constituents were denied income assistance because their band had provided funds for travel to treatment and aftercare services. Even though they returned home with no money, eligibility was assessed based on bank statements, leaving them without support at a time when many NGOs had already run out of funding. I am also concerned where the constituents' income is garnished for various reasons yet they receive no support from income assistance because eligibility does not account for how much of their income is taken from them each paycheque.

I see this happen too often to parents struggling to care for their families. Recent changes to the income support assistant program are helpful but they are nowhere near enough. These policies are being enforced on to our communities without consultation or accommodation. I will be asking the Minister of ECE questions later on this afternoon to address the shortcomings and calls for real policies that work for our people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker