The question is taken as notice. Item 7, oral questions. Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister for the Housing Corporation. Right now, they are reviewing the Residential Tenancies Act. We have heard that they have not revised any of the policies regarding the housing cuts...In my constituency, there are a lot of people who don't have a job and there are also some people who work, too, but they're in grave danger if the rates are to be increased. I'm sure some of the rates will be increasing dramatically and they'll probably increase again in the future. What is the real reason behind the increase in these rates? With the cutback with financing for houses, is it because they have had major cutbacks from the federal government? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The main reason for the new rent scale is that the old rent scale hadn't

been revised since the early 80's. The new rent scale is fairer to all NWT residents. Also, it was very clear from the federal government that if we did not adjust our rent scale, then they would adjust their transfer payments to us by cutting them back. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As people from the east, it's very hard to try and find resources to keep our houses warm, especially when we don't have any trees. We all know that it's very difficult and it's very hard to find finances and there are people who would like to own their own houses and there are other people who are encouraging them to try and find their own housing. With all the cutbacks, there are people without any jobs and it's even harder for us right now to try and be on our own. Has there been any consideration as to how the people will be able to have their own fuel subsidies? Thank you.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Under the new rental scale the cost of electricity as well the cost of fuel, water, and sewer are all built into the new rental scale so no client has to pay more than 30 percent of their income. The lower-income people are getting an even better break under the new scale than they did under the old scale because it starts off at six percent. There's also a cost of living adjustment in the new scale so that the communities with a higher cost of living get a subsidy for the higher cost of living. I feel that the new scale is a lot better and it will help those people out who are of the lower income bracket. Those people who are living in public housing who are higher income and can afford to own and

operate their own home, there are many programs with the Housing Corporation that are available to assist them to own their own home. If seniors get into their own homes, then there is also a fuel subsidy program available from this government. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 7, oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to ask the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation whether or not there has, at any time, been consideration to give senior citizens a rebate or a deduction for seniors who own their own home on their electricity bills? Thank you.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Chairman, not to my knowledge.

Thank you. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Premier advise this House what the process would be in the event that such a rebate, deduction or subsidy is considered for seniors? Would it have to go through the PUB or would the Premier and the Power Corporation's officials consider such a subsidy? Thank you.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that such a subsidy would not have to go through the PUB, although in the end the Public Utilities Board would deem it as a non-accountable expenditure so that would make a difference on their bottom line. The only subsidy that is available, is available to all residents of the Northwest Territories, based on the rate that is established in Yellowknife. Any extra subsidy would have to be considered by the board of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, if they were going to do it themselves. If the government was going to do it, then it would have to be considered by Cabinet through the government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Question period is now over. Item 8, written questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you. Item 8, written questions. Item 9, returns to written questions. Item 10, replies to opening address. Item 11, replies to budget address. Item 12, petitions. Item 13, reports of standing and special committees. Item 14, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 15, tabling of documents.

Thank you. Item 15, tabling of documents. Mr. Zoe.

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. Item 15, tabling of documents. Item 16, notices of motion. Mr. Lewis.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Wednesday, February 22nd, I will move the following motion.

I move, seconded by the honourable Member for North Slave, that the honourable Member for Baffin Central, Ms. Rebecca Mike, be appointed as a permanent Member of the standing committees on Finance and Public Accounts, and as an alternate Member of the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions. And, further, that the honourable Member for Thebacha, Mrs. Jeannie Marie-Jewell, be appointed as a permanent Member of the standing committees on Legislation and Public Accounts and as an alternate Member of the Standing Committee on Finance.