[English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to speak to you today about the shortage of housing for our teachers in our small and remote communities.
On two occasions this year and every fall in my riding I have at least one or two teachers who are affected by the shortage of housing, by issues with housing.
Our North, our communities really do welcome the professionals willing to come up to our small, remote communities and into the North. I know government has been working on solutions, and they have indicated there's a program to assist businesses to build and provide these homes. But right now the program that's designed will work in the larger communities but not in the small communities. Even if they did, in a small community like Jean Marie or Nahanni Butte, if a private homeowner built a home for rent, the rent would be so far out of reach, because it's very expensive.
I know that these barriers and these limitations are something we've got to work with, and I do believe that government still has to be involved here.
The stability of our teachers will benefit our children, our communities and our North. There are studies to show and prove that as the teachers remain in the community and become members of that community, there's a direct relationship to the children and to them graduating and learning.
I know that government doesn't want to circumvent the no-housing policy of 1992, but we must face the reality that maintaining this status quo affects our children and the quality of our education. So I, too, add my voice. Government must revisit the no staff housing policy and consider that our essential professional staff must be treated equitably and provided with fair living quarters. This must be resolved soon, Mr. Speaker.
Mahsi cho.
