Michael Miltenberger

I am here to present Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures) No. 5, 2014-2015. This document provides for a net increase of $4.133 million to the 2014-15 capital budget.

The most significant items in this supplementary estimates are:

$2.0 million for the Department of Health and Social Services to advance the cash flow of the Hay River Health Centre Project because construction is ahead of schedule;

a total of $1.6 million for the Department of Transportation for the costs associated

with the Trout Lake Airport Relocation Project, permafrost research along sections of the...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Over the years the capacity of the Northwest Territories has increased in terms of the complexity of presenting problems and cases that you can work with, families and individuals who are very challenging. But there are still many that are beyond us.

It requires a regular review and oversight by Health and Social Services. As Mr. Bromley pointed out, for example, he had a constituent who they managed to get appropriate placement for. I’ve had experiences in my constituency, as well, and they’ve worked out very well. The case I have in mind is of an individual who was...

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following documented, entitled “Return to Written Question 23-17(5), Decentralization Analysis.” Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In the past, there have been cases where it’s been a permanent placement where over time they become… In one case I can recollect in my time, they became a resident of Ontario. It depends on the length of the stay, but most jurisdictions now you have to have an understanding that this is a very specialized service that’s being purchased for our citizens, our residents. On that basis, you enter into those agreements. Otherwise it would be problematic for the receiving jurisdictions in terms of pressure on their system over time.

We raised it from 1 to 2 percent. To go to 5 percent would be problematic just because of the cost to administer it and the value to us in the long run and the fact that Canada Revenue Agency looks very carefully at payroll taxes and has a fairly jaundiced view of their appropriateness. Thank you.

Our matching dollars were in the capital plan that was approved in November. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Finance and Health will be working together on this issue. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The payroll tax is administered under the Payroll Tax Act and is levied at the rate of 2 percent of employment earnings. The low-income earners get back the tax when they file. The question is in earners; as well, the answer is that the payroll tax is non-refundable. Although the refundable cost of living tax credit was introduced at the same time as a payroll tax, it is viewed as an offset to the payroll tax. The cost of living tax credit is calculated on the basis of net income and can be claimed by tax filers regardless of whether payroll tax is paid. Thank you.

The Member is correct, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would assume yes, but I would ask the Minister of Education if he could clarify that fact. Thank you.