Michael Miltenberger

It will be a challenge.

Mr. Chairman, we’re in the final year — actually, the final months — of the current needs survey that was done in 2004. Granted, it’s in its last year, and as the Member suggested, the information is somewhat dated. We are looking at moving forward in January to March of ’09 to look at redoing the needs survey, working in conjunction with the Executive as well. We’re also using, where it’s applicable, the 2006 census data, which gives us some information that’s more current.

The move and consolidation of 14 programs into four was done after a process of consultation. One of the big concerns...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There’s been an arrangement made with the Mine Training Society. After the first three months, part of the getting-started agreement is going to be covered by us. But after three months they will be covering all the O&M and mortgage costs. We’ve been paying the mortgage to CMHC.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The issue of housing for professionals is clearly a source of concern. As the Member indicated, we travelled around Nunakput, and it was raised in almost every community. We’ve offered up a couple of things. If there’s market housing units that are there that are available, we’re prepared to look at those. We’re also looking at the issue of loan guarantees so that we can work with hamlets or development corporations or businesses, to look at putting some houses in for professionals that are basically a business opportunity for the community. We’ve started working with...

Clearly, we’ve evolved and matured as a jurisdiction over the years. We’ve built up our capability in the North. We work closely with industry, but we also work closely with Indian Affairs and the federal government, as well as the aboriginal governments. I believe — all the complaints about timeliness aside — that we have that ability.

Under the CARE program seniors are a priority. That’s where the money for those types of initiatives would be housed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’re involved with the processes directly on the land. Yes, there are comprehensive plans. There’s a very rigorous regulatory process that has to be followed.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know there is a committee of social envelope Ministers. The committee that looks after the fund for small communities is currently working on their terms of reference and looking at moving forward to deal with the broader scope to address some of the issues that the Member has raised.

We have, as the one indication of the work we do with folks with disabilities, about 267 barrier-free units across the North. There are 51 in Yellowknife Housing Authority, for example. Then we start at the top with Aklavik; there are 14. I’d be happy to share this list with the Members if they wish.

I appreciate the Member’s concern, and what I will commit to is to get a listing of all the projects that are to be delivered this summer and over the course of this building season. If the Member would share with me the name of these two clients, I’ll make sure that update is provided to him as well.