(Translation): Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. (Translation ends) Today, I would like to speak on Plan 2000 which was recently announced by the Minister for the NWT Housing Corporation. The title of 2,000 homes by the year 2,000 is certainly very catchy, Mr. Speaker. However, we do need to scrutinize this further and to seek further clarification on it. I would like to say a few words about the housing situation in the Territories. How many times have we heard that the NWT is in the midst of a housing crisis? It is very true. Plan 2,000 is a good bandwagon to jump on because of what it conjures up, our images of overcrowding, extended families living under one roof, matchbox houses, four children in one bed, wind howling through the cracks in the walls of substandard shacks. We associate housing crisis with aggravated social problems, lack of privacy, interrupted sleep for children who cannot stay awake in school. We all agree that basic shelter for our citizens is a laudable goal and a responsibility of this government, particularly those in most need. If those in crisis shortage of houses are the target of our housing initiatives as a government with limited resources, we do have to ask are we hitting the right target? The housing crisis shortage exists in level 2 and 3 communities, Mr. Speaker. They are designated as level 2 or 3 for a good
reason. They have the highest unemployment, the least developed economies and private sector markets, but, Mr. Speaker, while they are the poorest communities, they are also least likely to have many income earners between $50,000 and $90,000 per year who can walk into a chartered bank and secure a residential mortgage even with a downpayment assistance. Plan 2000 is directed to those employed in the wage economy. The question, therefore, needs to be asked, is this a program accessible to many people in level 1 communities like Yellowknife, Fort Smith and Hay River? But this is not where the housing crisis exists. Level 1 communities presently have a record number of homes on the market for sale. A 50 year low in interest rates and other incentives provided for first home buyers by CMHC have caused an increase in residential construction. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.