Madam Speaker

Mr. Gargan, to the motion.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Last March, the original terms of reference for the Advisory Committee on Social Housing were tabled in this House. The Advisory Committee on Social Housing was created so MLAs could provide assistance and advice to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation and to the Legislative Assembly on housing issues and to provide a forum for the Minister of Housing to share information and consult MLAs.

The amended terms of reference will make it possible for the committee to meet whenever important issues arise and the Members of the committee agree that the meeting is necessary. Members of the advisory committee will be able to undertake any travel which is required to carry out the assigned responsibilities of the committee. This would allow us to attend community and district meetings held to discuss housing and any other housing-related meetings. This will broaden our understanding of the issues and improve our ability to address them effectively.

Madam Speaker, under the current terms of reference, the Housing Corporation and the Legislative Assembly jointly provides the necessary funds for the advisory committee. We are proposing today that all necessary funds be provided by the Legislative Assembly. We view this arrangement as more appropriate for a legislative committee. The advised terms of reference also calls for an alternate Member from the east and an alternate Member from the west to be named to the Advisory Committee on Social Housing. The Members of the advisory committee are in unanimous support of the proposed amendment.

Madam Speaker, all Members of this House are aware of the critical shortage of housing across the Northwest Territories. They also know the situation is one of the most serious challenges we face as a government. Each of us here have constituents who need some assistance to improve their housing conditions. Everyone knows about the federal government's elimination of funding for new social housing and about this government's fight to get that funding reinstated.

The Advisory Committee on Social Housing can help play an important role in helping to solve these problems. Madam Speaker, we are committed to working with the Housing Corporation, the Minister, the Legislative Assembly, the local housing organizations and the people of the north to address the shortage of housing in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker

Thank you. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Madam Speaker

The honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a particular concern regarding the amendments to this motion. In the structure, and it remains the same where there are three Members from the east and three Members from the west and chaired by the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. My concern is, under the mandate of the advisory committee, item (e), the committee is to provide advice to the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and the Legislative Assembly. I see that as a contradiction and a possible conflict with the Minister being the chairperson of this advisory committee, while at the same time providing advice to himself. I just wanted to make that point. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker

Thank you. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Madam Speaker

The honourable Member for Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I don't see any contradiction because usually the chairperson seeks advice from the membership. So, in that case, I support the motion. Thank you.

Madam Speaker

Thank you. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Madam Speaker

Question has been called. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan, do you have concluding remarks?