Jane Groenewegen

I call Committee of the Whole to order. We have a number of items on the agenda before us today. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask my questions to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, it seems to be the proverbial debate when it comes to housing; whether or not the mandate of the Housing Corporation is to deliver social housing and incentives, or whether it is to create economic activity and economic development. Over the years, we have, as many other Members have said, tried to hang a lot of extra things on the delivery of housing in the Northwest Territories. We’ve tried to hang on it things such as training, manufacturing, jobs…It has...

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Next on the list I have Mr. Menicoche.

Pages 9-20 and 9-21, grants and contributions continued, total contributions, $121.112 million, total grants and contributions, $121.164 million.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, just on the Apprenticeship Program. I have a constituent for whom I must ask a question. Mr. Chairman, the Apprenticeship Program is a lot of different trades in the Northwest Territories. Not all of the training for those trades is available here in the Northwest Territories, so obviously some of the theory training is acquired outside; probably in Alberta mostly, I would assume. Mr. Chairman, when the training that is required for certain trades is available in the Northwest Territories, could the Minister confirm that the apprentice has no option other...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, this has resulted in situations like seniors' complexes sitting empty or underutilized and then market housing mobile units sitting empty.

Much planning and consultation must go into these types of initiatives with the clients they are intended to serve, prior to investing. Capital investment should be approached with a business plan no less thorough than if we were investing our own private money.

Mr. Speaker, I am not suggesting that there are simple solutions to the housing needs. These needs require careful exploration from...

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Mr. Zoe.

I have never read such a big number. Agreed?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Then the Minister could confirm, through you, Mr. Chairman, that the other literacy funding has not been reduced for this upcoming fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Mr. Zoe.