Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Upon reviewing the background information regarding the Housing Corporation's new initiative, Plan 2000, I feel it is only a start in providing affordable housing to those that are in need. However, Mr. Speaker, there are many positive aspects to Plan 2000. I do have some concerns about this program and feel it is necessary to address them. On a positive note, I believe this will be a much better program than is currently in place for those that are able to access this. It will allow this government to use its dollars more wisely and will also free up dollars that are currently targeted for housing to be used elsewhere. Getting the financial institutions involved in the smaller communities has been a need for many years. Until recently, it has been impossible to get a financial institution to venture into this area. There are numerous residents that could afford to purchase a unit but, because no lending institution would consider mortgages in small communities, it is not a reality. This program should provide for this. I believe this program would also encourage families to seek better employment as they will not be penalized for extra income earned as it is with today's rental scales program. This new housing program may allow three or four times as many units to be constructed than is currently done which will increase construction and employment throughout the north. It will also free up other units that will be able to be used for many more residents that currently do not have suitable housing.
Mr. Speaker, the potential benefits will be long-reaching for this government and for the residents in all communities, which is very good for those who will be able to access it and for those who will also be able to move into newly-vacated rental units, where they presently have none. However, I feel that this program does not go far enough to address the area of low income families, single parents or the elderly. It seems that many low income families, single parents and elderly may be destined to live in rental units for the rest of their lives. It appears to me those that have will benefit and those that have not will never progress in their housing situation.