Thank you, Mr. Chairman. One of the discussions that the Minister indicated was with regard to the unique circumstances of the North. I guess one of the other things about the uniqueness of the North is also the way that the federal government treats the aboriginal housing program; that is, it differs where the Department of Indian Affairs gives money directly to reserves. In the North, it is all put under one pot and everybody benefits from it.
One of the things that Mr. Morin is aware of, and before Mr. Morin, Mr. Butters, and before Mr. Butters, Mr. Wray, is the situation that for social housing up here, at least there is no requirement for ministerial guarantee. But there is a requirement by this government to require indemnification. I guess this has never happened. I am wondering if we have a situation in which, in Fort Liard for example, there were 20 social houses built I believe in that situation, indemnification was provided by this government. Or did the Minister, Tom Siddon give ministerial guarantee for the construction of 20 social housing units?
We provide public housing in all other communities except with regard to the Hay River Reserve, and in the last six years we have not provided the adequate level of housing because we cannot fit the programs to fit the reserve. In southern Canada on the reserve, they fund you directly, so your 'housing needs are addressed at that level. But that is not the case. I am wondering if you have discussed the situation with the federal Minister, Mr. MacKay at all.