Bob Bromley

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are a follow-up on my statement earlier today on public housing. First, I want to confirm this government’s philosophy towards housing. In face of the fact that renting or owning housing is beyond the means of most people in most communities, doesn’t the government agree that the government must meet this need by the progressive redistribution of public funds in recognition that this is a social need? Thank you.

I appreciate that correction too. Will the planning for the review take place in 2011-12? Is that when the terms of reference, for example, would be developed and so on, or is that anticipated to start in the current fiscal year? Thank you

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Lafferty.

Thank you very much for that commitment from the Minister. That’s good work. I want to state, too, that I realize that this has happened fairly suddenly without much notice on the part of the person in the position. I also understand that the recent incumbent, however, may have resigned because the workload was too much and the office couldn’t keep up with the demand. Given our special effort to attract new Canadians to our communities, we must, in good faith, give people the support they obviously need and want in order to become residents. Being a year now, will the Minister commit to...

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Minister Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Minister Lafferty.

I appreciate all that information. What I hear is a real need for additional child care out there and I am also aware that in some jurisdictions where they provide child care there is a real benefit to society in general. Has the department considered broadening our provision of child care? I realize that we are in crunchy financial times right now, but is that something the department has looked at through just their work with policy and potential for expansion? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government is working in concert with the federal government to attract new Canadians to Yellowknife. It’s not surprising that newcomers will need help in orientation and service to make a successful transition, settle down and hopefully become residents. Unfortunately, recently the ECE immigrant settlement coordinator position became vacant, leaving people at a loss. The federal government, though, has an immigration officer in Yellowknife who, funnily enough, will not accept inquiries from the public, again leaving immigrants without a source of guidance and...

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Mr. Lafferty.