Debates of February 11, 2005 (day 34)

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Statements

Member’s Statement On Concerns With Market Housing Initiative

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, under the market housing initiative that we heard the Minister of Finance speak of yesterday, there’s supposed to be six housing units going to Rae-Edzo. We also know, Mr. Speaker, from the budget speech, that there will be a new three-person public health unit set up for the Tlicho region effective April 1, 2005. The problem is, Mr. Speaker, there are no places for any of these public health unit staff to stay, never mind any other new teachers, health care workers or government employees. I am not even sure the six units will be enough to meet this year’s demand, but at least it’s a start.

You can imagine my frustration, Mr. Speaker, when I find out that the NWT Housing Corporation has not even talked to Municipal and Community Affairs or even the Hamlet of Rae-Edzo on obtaining the necessary land to put these units on. As far as I am concerned, Mr. Speaker, the land acquisition issue should have been dealt with prior to now, so that a tender on a housing package could be issued for an April closing.

Mr. Speaker, I am getting questions from my constituents on the status of these units and will be asking them of the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation at the appropriate time. Mahsi.

---Applause