Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to commend the Department of Transportation. After two years of working, trying to get the department to cut brush along Highway No. 8, the Dempster Highway, over the last few months the department has been doing this along the Dempster Highway, both near Tsiigehtchic and Inuvik and also near Fort McPherson. Mr. Speaker, this makes a huge difference in the riding, both as safety and creating work in the communities. I think it's only appropriate to recognize the work that department is doing, and I'd just like to thank them on behalf of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. All I heard there was blah, blah, blah.

---Laughter

You know, Mr. Speaker, as winter is coming along here even though there's not much snow I'm hoping that, for example, in Tsiigehtchic that they can finish their contract. But, you know, if by chance we get too much snow and the work can't be done, will the Minister be willing to extend that work into next year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Minister might say. No, that's great, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned, I noticed a big difference in driving that highway over the last couple of years. I'd just like to ask the Minister: is the department going to continue working with the contractors as we move into next year?

I would also like to ask the Minister: how will an amended policy affect current clients and family members of the clients?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister, in follow-up to my Member's statement I have a few questions for the Minister of Housing. I'd like to ask the Minister, what is the current Housing Corporation's policy for NWT residents who inherit a family member's outstanding loan under the CARE program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I understand that the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is currently examining its policies on this matter. When can residents expect to see these changes implemented?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation runs a program called CARE, Contributing Assistance for Repairs and Enhancements. When residents use the CARE program they can access up to a hundred thousand in a forgivable loan to help them make major repairs and renovations to their homes. Access of these funds helps Northerners make sure that their homes can be safe and healthy residences and that their homes can be maintained for the full lifespan of the building. The Housing Corporation also offers additional assistance to help people with disabilities...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, just a few comments. I usually have almost the same ones every year. As I always say, the department does do well replacing units, but the main concern in the communities is actually adding to stock. A good example is in Fort McPherson and Aklavik we have in the neighbourhood of a threeyear waiting list, in Aklavik especially.

We have younger people that want to get their own place and possibly start a family, but, you know, they are having to wait in the neighbourhood of three years for a unit. It's very discouraging for them, and I know their parents, too, are...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you colleagues. Mr. Speaker, and in my riding where AHS has helped Aboriginal children learn and grow - to get that essential "head start" - for two decades, we are not assured that immediate entry into the school system through junior kindergarten will serve our children better.

The department says participation in junior kindergarten will be optional, but Mr. Speaker, that choice won't be meaningful if other community-based programs are driven into a different operations model - or out of operations altogether. The government's mandate commits to supporting...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department has said that the goal of our entire school system is to strive to be as culturally-appropriate as possible. How will junior kindergarten achieve this and how can the department be confident it'll do a better job than the Aboriginal Head Start? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.