Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the government is very aware of the importance of proper housing in the Northwest Territories. Our severe climate makes it essential that everyone have an adequate place to live. Inadequate housing is often a contributing factor in poor health, failure of children at school, family violence and problems on the job.
As Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, I am fully committed to continuing and expanding the efforts of our government to meet the North's housing needs.
The government is strongly committed to encouraging home-ownership to foster pride and personal responsibility for the operation and maintenance of housing and reduce the dependency on government associated with public rental housing.
The HAP, home-ownership assistance program, has been positively received by most northern residents. There are, however, many residents who do not qualify because their incomes are either above or below the current income criteria. The government is committed to exploring ways and means to expand eligibility for HAP housing and to develop new programs if necessary to address the needs of those not covered by existing policies and programs.
As new housing must continue to be provided in every community of the NWT for many years to come, there are excellent business, employment and training opportunities available to our residents. To provide these opportunities will require close coordination and cooperation between the NWT Housing Corporation and the various government departments. The government is committed to having the construction and maintenance of housing carried out in a manner which maximizes employment and job creation opportunities for the local residents of every community.
Mr. Speaker, the government is totally committed to make northern community government, in the broadest sense, a reality. The people at the community level must assume greater responsibility and accountability for meeting housing needs. Decision-making must be at the local level if communities are to control their own destiny. Communities, too, must be allowed to establish priorities among the various services and programs which they are responsible for.
Mr. Speaker, I believe the support and strengthening of community government, the government closest to the people being served, must be given the highest priority. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.