Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, winter has come to the Delta. At this time of year and throughout the coldest months, people struggle with deteriorating homes. Things that are falling into disrepair become bigger problems. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT offers assistance to many residents to find adequate, affordable, and suitable places to live. Housing is crucial to a person's overall well-being. In the past, governments have encouraged people to build their own homes or even given homes to people in communities. Programs are available to subsidize the cost of home heating and repairs. Many...

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Committee, a motion to report the progress is in order. Motion is carried. Committee will now rise and report the progress. Thank you.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, many of my constituents do not quality for these programs, so are we making home energy efficiency improvements available to people in the smaller communities? Mahsi.

I realize the department is doing their census through the communities, but I'd like to ask the Minister, what is the plan to help people in the remote communities maintain and repair their homes?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, we need to look at the whole picture, from keeping the roof over people's heads to home ownership, ongoing maintenance to energy efficiency. It is too easy to sit in our warm, brightly lit offices in Yellowknife without considering the reality of our small communities communities. Mr. Speaker, we need to find a solution that works for people trying to make ends meet in places that are remote, cold, and where the cost-of-living is highest. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll have questions for the Minister later today.

Thank you, Mr. Testart. Minister Moses.

Thank you, Minister Cochrane. Mr. Beaulieu.

Thank you, committee. That brings us back to page 63, Municipal and Community Affairs, total capital estimates, $28,002,000. Are we agreed?

You know, in the future, it's very important that we have a set date. I noticed the last couple of years we've been waiting for the ice conditions. The ferry is almost shut down on the side of Tsiigehtchic before the nurse is actually put in place. So just for the future, maybe we could set a date, whether it's October 15th, for example. Will the Minister please pass this on to the Health Authority?

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Next we have Mr. Beaulieu.