Michael Miltenberger

Once we conclude this budget process, we’re going to be moving almost immediately into the business planning process for 2009–2010. We’d be willing and interested to come forward in the business plan. We could discuss those issues as well, sit down with the Chair of the Social Programs and the other Members to look at how we can make changes to the program delivery to better reflect the needs and issues raised by the Member.

Mr. Speaker, we’re in the final year of the fiscal year we’re currently in of the Affordable Housing Initiative. I don’t have, off the top of my head, the configuration of what’s actually been planned for the city of Yellowknife, but I’ll commit, once again, to get that information, and I’ll provide it to the Chair of the Social Programs Committee so he can share that information.

Mr. Speaker, every effort would be made to accommodate the hypothetical scenario put forward by my colleague. I’d need a bit more of the specifics to be able to look at exactly what may be available not just for those particular units; there may be other options as well in Yellowknife.

There are a number of possibilities that are being considered. In other communities we have rented the units to professionals, those who want to rent it at market rent. We’re possibly looking at replacing some of the older units, those that aren’t worth fixing, with public housing, because O&M money is a significant issue. We have to keep our portfolio in check. We’re prepared, in some cases, to sell the units if there’s interest in the community as well. So there are a number of options that are available.

I as well have the honour to be able to recognize two constituents from Fort Smith, members of the Seniors’ Society, Mrs. Bea Campbell and Mr. Leon Peterson. Welcome.

Mr. Speaker, the Member has raised another good point. In the case that he’s referring to, there has been contact made with the community, and I believe the three-month residency has been waived in that particular instance.

Mr. Speaker, we intend to follow the same process in all communities where there is an identified need. As we are working with communities to look at the housing configuration as to what is most appropriate, I do agree with the government that there are some things that should probably become standard design for all houses — things like three-foot doorways and access for an event, if something happens if an individual is in the house. So the Member has raised some good points.

Mr. Speaker, if the Member would give me the particulars outside this House, I would be happy to check into those issues she’s raised. I can’t answer specifically in this House. She’s referring to some folks who are clearly in need, but it’s an issue for which I need particulars I could track down. It’s not appropriate to talk about those particular issues in this House.

Mr. Speaker, I will commit to provide to the Chair of the Social Programs Committee a brief note that lays out the plan for the units in Fort Resolution.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are a number of criteria. Availability of clients would be one, of course. Another key piece is the whole issue of land and the interest by the community.