Frederick Blake Jr.

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?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a follow-up to my Member's statement. As I mentioned, the department is doing brush cutting to the Dempster Highway which is much needed. As I travel through all the different highways, whether it's to the Yukon or even from here, Mr. Speaker, it makes a huge difference; much more safe for drivers. I'd just like to ask the Minister: is the Minister and the department planning to continue brush cutting next year? 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...

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.

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. Mr. Speaker, in my riding, two young women recently graduated from Aurora College's Early Childhood development Program, along with another of their colleagues who graduated from Yukon College. These women are a northern success story. Gwich'in women who studied and trained in the Northwest Territories and Yukon; then took their skills home to our small community to care for the next generation through the Aboriginal Head Start program. But Mr. Speaker, the government's plans for junior kindergarten has left these Northerners concerned about both the children in their...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too of course am in support of this motion, as I second it. Mr. Speaker, there's growing concerns in the community of Fort McPherson; it has been for the last couple of years with the roll out of junior kindergarten. One thing for sure is the effect it will have on the Aboriginal Head Start program. As I mentioned earlier, we have three young ladies that recently received their certificates in early childhood development, and, Mr. Speaker, now as they start their career here they've been put in a three-month contract, whereas before it's never been like...