(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. My statement today will be regarding the rental rate review for public housing in the NWT. Madam Speaker, my constituents, most of whom live in public housing units, are very concerned about possible rent increases. The housing association in Lake Harbour, for example, informed me that their tenants are extremely worried about how they will be able to afford their rent, along with the very high cost of living in that community. They have not been officially notified, but the general assumption is that the rents will be increased significantly.
They have instructed me to resist any such increases. The local housing associations are also under pressure from tenants not to increase rents. I am also very concerned with the very high cost of living, especially the high cost of food, and how increased rents would have a very negative impact on many of my people.
I am aware of the difficult position that the Minister of Housing has been put in by the CMHC, but the legitimate concerns of public housing tenants must be heard and responded to. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
---Applause