Frederick Blake Jr.

Mr. Speaker, that's great, but we also have a Rat River Corporation Band Limited and the Inuvik Native Band, I believe. Will the Minister and the department continue working with those two contractors as well?

That's spooky, that's just what I thought the --

---Laughter

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. 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.

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. 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...