Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, today I'm going to speak about a new initiative undertaken by the Cambridge Bay Housing Association. On November 2nd, they adopted an illegal activities policy which deals with tenants who are aware of or carrying out illegal activities from public housing units. The basic goal of the policy is to make convicted bootleggers and drug traffickers and other tenants who allow these illegal activities in their residences unsuitable as tenants of the Housing Association operated units.

I commend the board of directors of the housing association for their bold and somewhat controversial initiative of the adoption of the illegal activities policy. Madam Speaker, the Housing Association has not recklessly adopted this policy, without any careful consideration and research of the matter. In fact, they have consulted legal counsel in preparation and adoption of the policy. I will table the policy later today. It cites various sections under NWT acts which tenants must be convicted of before action for eviction procedures will take place.

Madam Speaker, since its adoption, I have had the opportunity to discuss the policy with the secretary/manager and some of the directors of the Housing Association. Of course, my main concern about the policy was the possible infringement of individuals' constitutional rights. However, after discussions and review of the policy, I'm aware that in order to be targeted for eviction, a tenant must firstly be convicted, secondly, be carrying out the illegal activity from the premises under the control of the association and, finally, the conviction must be for the purposes of profiting from the illegal activity.

This last issue was a critical factor of the policy as it is not intended to penalize tenants or individuals who choose to use illegal drugs for personal use and may be convicted of possession charges. It is clear in the preamble that applicants for social housing with convictions for bootlegging or trafficking in illicit drugs shall be considered unsuitable for tenancy.

Madam Speaker, the one concern I do have with the policy is section 3 which deals with applicants who, within six years previous to the date of application, were convicted of carrying out an illegal activity or issued an eviction order under the Residency Act. They shall be deemed as unsuitable for tenancy. I felt it may be unfair to penalize individuals for the past mistakes for that long of a time period. In responding to this concern, the Housing Association representatives advised me that there is an allowance for special needs by resolution of the board of director for individuals who have demonstrated sincere rehabilitation efforts.

Madam Speaker, with the alcohol and drug problems in our communities, we are all aware of the need to forcefully address this issue. Many of us are aware of known drug traffickers and bootleggers operating in our communities who flourish on the victims of their trade. The Housing Association, by adoption of this illegal activities policy, has taken the initiative and has raised the stakes for those tenants who choose to bootleg or traffic in drugs.

Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.