Thank you, Mr. Chairman. One of the concerns that was expressed in the committee, outside of the capital expenditures, is the way in which the Housing Corporation approached capital expenditures. In the past it is some of our belief that the Housing Corporation's concern was singularly to build houses at the cheapest and most effective way. The fact of the matter is that the Housing Corporation should be viewed the same way as we view other capital expenditures, and that is as an economic instrument in effecting employment and business opportunities throughout the NWT.
We think it is essential in the future, that in this idea of looking beyond just building houses, which is the priority, no question, there has to be a parallel train of thought that you have responsibilities outside of that, particularly in the smaller communities. It is our contention that there is a preoccupation with being a policeman rather than being a development officer. These are difficult times and we do not need any more policemen; we need people who will look at things from a developmental point of view and -- certainly from my point of view in my prior career -- and ensure maximum exposure for northern businesses. It is certainly not acceptable to me personally, and I think I can speak for the standing committee on finance, if we continue to give jobs and opportunities to outside firms that lead to little or no economic benefits in the Northwest Territories, never mind hire our people. It is essential, and I am encouraged by the Minister's commitment to work towards that goal. I hope his new president will also impart that belief down through the operation with the rest of the corporation employees. I am not as confident that they necessarily agree with that point of view. Thank you.