Michael McLeod

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't have an answer to how much was spent in the manufacturing industry over our history. However, Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that we are looking at and we are meeting with developers that have come forward. We have talked to the Construction Association that is willing to look at this as an opportunity to look at a made-in-the-north solution.

We have a number of different ways we can attempt to deal with it. The bottom line, however, does not change; that we have to have units in the communities that we can provide at affordable market rate, competitive...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, March 21st, 2004, Edward Fabien, a former chief of the Katlodeeche First Nation, passed away. Edward Fabien was a resident of the Hay River Reserve and throughout his life was an active member of that community. Edward had a long, distinguished career as the chief of the Katlodeeche First Nation. He was first appointed in 1965 by the elders and served as a chief until 1971. He was also one of the founding chiefs of the NWT Indian Brotherhood, which later became the Dene Nation. Mr. Fabien continued to be involved in local politics and helped...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I already made the commitment that I would go back to my officials and get that information. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm not aware of anybody in the south who has been contacted. There may have been some contacts made in terms of assessing what the average cost of these units would be, but I have not seen any information in that regard. We are quite comfortable that there are many, many people picking up the tenders, including northern people interested in bidding on these things. But in response to the Member's question, no, I am not aware of any companies that were contacted, at least not any that have been brought to my attention. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I would like to make the Members aware that if I go through the request that the Member is making, to stop this process, that would mean no units in the communities for this year. We have huge pressure from the different organizations, from the different communities, to do something and do it quick. I would also like to point out that the tender process is open to northern bidders, and if it comes down to me saying whether or not I would defer these units, these modular homes into the communities, I would have to say no. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the initiative for market rent housing in the communities has been around for some time, as the Member has answered in response to his question.

---Laughter

The issue has been raised in a number of different reports, and the Special Joint Committee on Non-Tax-Based Community Affairs had heard this concern in their consultations in the different communities, also the Members of the Social Programs committee of the 14th Assembly raised it and stressed that something had to be done. So the issue is not a new one. It is something that we are finally attempting...

Mr. Speaker, we have done a considerable amount of work already. We have looked at some preliminary drawings and we have some designs that maybe at this point we would be able to share. I certainly will commit to keep the Member informed of our progress. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the second part of the question is fairly easy to answer. Difficulty identifying funding and sources is always a concern. However, we have been working on a fairly detailed, comprehensive plan for the Yellowknife Airport. As the Member knows, the Yellowknife Airport is a very important airport in the Northwest Territories because of its location and its operational capacity and capability. We have had discussions regarding the desire to extend the road from Highway No. 3 to Kam Lake, which would go through the Yellowknife Airport reserve that we have in...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’ve not had the opportunity to talk about the possibility of establishing or designing a road outside our reserve. I will commit to talking to my colleague, the honourable Minister of MACA. We’re also, I should point out, having discussions with the city as to responsibility of the city and what their role is in this. I can provide that information. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is referring, I believe, to a submission to the previous Minister. I don’t have that level of detail. I have not seen the document. I will have to take it as notice, Mr. Speaker.