Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, to begin today I would like to respond to the answers the Minister of Housing NWT gave me during the question period yesterday.
Overall, the Minister did not give me actual answers to my questions. She told me that her department is examining the constituent housing files I referenced in my statement yesterday. She said there are many complex issues within my constituents' situations and that Housing NWT needs to be fair in their treatment to all clients. The Minister said she needed more time to get the facts straight.
Well, Madam Speaker, it's easy for any of us here in this building to say we need more time to accrue the relevant information. However, some of the people whom we were put here to serve don't have the luxury of time. Plus, there are so many channels and barriers for ordinary people obtaining assistance with government programs and services here in the NWT.
Sometimes I feel, as an elected official in this House, there are a couple on the executive side who use every excuse in the book to say no. Madam Speaker, it is very frustrating to see a lack of compassion given towards the suffering of people. I strongly feel that everything that is done by this government should be based on need, not means tested. We are such a small population base. Everybody knows everybody, so we ought be helping our constituents however we can whenever we can.
On another note, Madam Speaker, to end this session week, I'd like to recognize and thank all the leadership and constituents of Thebacha for their continued support in my work as their MLA. I thank them for all their feedback, ideas, and trust they have given me as their MLA. I'd also like to thank all the chiefs who called, that do not belong to my riding, and approached me this week to say hi or hello. I also appreciate remaining connected to my old colleagues and friends as a Member of this House. I seek unanimous consent to finish my statement, please.
Unanimous consent granted
In addition, Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you and I would like to thank Speaker Blake for making this Chamber lighthearted and fun at times as we go along. That type of attitude is much needed in this building sometimes, since we work through some tough, heavy, and challenging issues. I'd also like to thank all of the staff of this Assembly for their help through this term. I would also like to thank any CA Pascal for all the help and support he gives to me. Lastly, Madam Speaker, I want to wish all my constituents, along with all the people of the NWT, a safe and Happy Halloween. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
