Bob Bromley

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister’s response there. I think we do need to look for progressive solutions, perhaps setting collectable rents at 5 or 10 percent more than the previous year’s actual rather than 100 percent, building in incentives that reward success. I’m hoping that the Minister... I guess I ask if the Minister will come to us soon with some of the specifics to respond to this dilemma.

Obviously this is very imminent and we’re into that fiscal year with this planning here. Has the department confirmed that it’s possible to extend that lease at least for the window of time we think we need to decide what we’re going to do on the infrastructure side? Thank you.

Thank you, Minister. Thank you, committee. Mr. Yakeleya.

Mr. Chair, if I could get your support to turn back to 10-24 for one question.

Well said to the Minister. The second fact is this: no matter how much rent an LHO collects or doesn’t, people still need housing. Piling up these annual funding penalties does nothing but reduce LHOs’ ability to meet that need. Since housing is a basic social need, how does the Minister propose to meet reality and close the gap between what LHOs should and can collect so that service to all doesn’t suffer? Mahsi.

I want to touch base with an ongoing perennial topic of interest the Minister has heard me and the Standing Committee on Social Program bring to his attention on several occasions and that’s the development of these programs for renewable energy technicians and sustainable community administrators. At one point I was interviewed by a contractor doing a study on that and that was probably six months or more ago, but I’m wondering where things are at, if there’s some action being taken to develop those programs. I think the Minister’s aware that we have $60 million slotted for energy concerns...

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty, and I noticed this is mentioned too on the bottom of page 10-17. Sorry, continuing on, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Yakeleya.

My last question. I just want to confirm that the $400,000, all of that went to Food First Foundation for administration and delivery this year. Is that correct?

I’m very glad to hear that. I think the Minister has heard me speak numerous times on the important opportunity and key opportunity we have during early years of a life, to really provide the essential support to that person developing to their full potential. I think having qualified people working in our child development system is an important aspect of that.

The other thing I just want confirmation on, the Minister said in his response to general comments that he will consult with various parties involved. I’m wondering if he could just give me a little bit more information on who that...