The Government of the Northwest Territories has joined the group of provinces and territories who are progressively backing the full exemption of RDSPs from affecting their provincial disability income assistance.   The Honourable Jackson Lafferty announced that the NWT Government will fully support the implementation of this program.

“Withdrawals from RDSPs will not affect federal income-tested benefits and credits, such as the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the Goods and Services Tax Credit and Old Age Security benefits.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to confirm today that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment will fully exempt both the RDSP asset and RDSP withdrawals from consideration in the assessment process for all ECE Income Security Programs.

The Government of the Northwest Territories supports the Federal Government’s plan for persons with disabilities. This program supports our vision to give NWT residents the opportunity to become self-reliant as individual capacity allows, to participate fully in community life, and to share in opportunities available to them in their communities.”

To view the announcement in its entirety visit:  http://www.exec.gov.nt.ca/currentnews/speechDetails.asp?varStatement_ID=773