Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take a few moments to provide the House with an update on the NWT Housing Corporation's Plan 2000. In 1997 the corporation launched Plan 2000 with the objective of improving the living conditions of 2,000 NWT families by the year 2000. Mr. Speaker, considering the remoteness of most of our communities this is an ambitious task, to say the least. Under this strategy the corporation streamlined its programs so that more families could take advantage of them, to either get a new home or to improve the one they already live in. Plan 2000 was widely promoted across the NWT, not just through the media, but by presentations in every community. At the end of the second season of construction since the start of Plan 2000, I am pleased to say that the NWT Housing Corporation is steadily closing in on its goals.

Mr. Speaker, it is hard to tell someone they will have to wait for assistance. I hope that those who question the corporation for not giving them a home as soon as they apply for it realize that we have to be fair to everyone. That means we have to set priorities. As we enter the final year of Plan 2000 I call on all Members of this House to support this initiative to assist the maximum number of people possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause