David Krutko

I, for one, feel that we do have to do a better job in regards to how we look at the income thresholds, because it seems to be one of the barriers. Also, with regard to the requirements under the programs where you are disallowed if you’ve had previous programs with the Housing Corporation... I think a lot of people realize that most houses in the communities were put on the ground through the federal housing or aboriginal housing programs through the federal government. Because of that, you’re being disallowed. Is that something that will also be looked at in this review?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, housing is essential infrastructure in our communities to house our families, our friends and, more importantly, to sustain our communities. But, Mr. Speaker, from the latest report from the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, statistics on core needs shows that there is definitely a problem with the number of core units that are in core need, especially in my riding where 43 percent of the houses in Aklavik are in core need, 33 percent in Fort McPherson and 41 percent in Tsiigehtchic.

Mr. Speaker, this government provides programs and services to...

I also believe another area we have to look at is with regard to the delivery of those programs and services. I don’t see why we can’t have program officers in communities where we have over 100 units. Are you going to also look at the possibility of revamping the delivery system that we use to deliver programs and services wherever possible and put program officers in communities that can show there is a need by having enough houses on the ground? Will that also be looked at? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of the Housing Corporation regarding the latest core needs report. The 2009 report compared to the 2004 report, it seems like we haven’t seen any improvements in that area. We put forward new programs and services. At one point we used to have liaison officers in our communities to assist on program delivery. Are we going to review our programs that we do deliver in light of the dismal numbers we see in the report that was just tabled? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Welcome, witnesses. General comments on the bill.

Thank you, Minister. Welcome, witnesses. General comments in regard to Bill 3. Detail? Since we are dealing with a pretty hefty bill, I’ll be proceeding in regard to clause 1 to 10. Clause 1 to 10.

---Clauses 1 through 10 inclusive approved

Does committee agree that the Minister brings in his witnesses?

Does committee agree the Minister brings in her witnesses?

Thank you, Mr. Minister. At this time I’d like to call on the chair of the standing committee which reviewed the bill if he has any comments. Mr. Ramsay.

At this time I’d like to ask the chairperson of the standing committee which reviewed the bill if they have any comments. Mr. Beaulieu.