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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Tom Beaulieu, MLA for Tu Nedhe, said government policies in his constituency are costing the government money.

He said families need $90,000 to remain self-sufficient in the NWT, while the average family income in the territory is $96,000. Beaulieu said the average family income in his riding is $46,000.

"This means the government, on average, needs to subsidize Tu Nedhe families almost $44,000 to offset the impacts of the higher cost of living in Lutsel k'e and Fort Resolution," he said.

He suggested the government change policies to offset higher costs of living, to get people off the government system.

Beaulieu gave the example of a constituent landing a job at the mine and returning on their first turnaround to see their rent skyrocket, because they no longer qualify for housing subsidies.

"This all too often results in individuals quitting their job and going back to $32-a-month rent," he said.

"As a matter of fact, it makes it easier for one to make the choice of unemployment to receive government assistance and to provide for their family's needs," said Beaulieu.