Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, referring back to my earlier Member's statement on the housing situation in Iqaluit, I know that the Minister for Housing is aware of the severe housing and private housing shortage in Iqaluit. Can the Minister inform the House if his department has looked at this issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it well known that there is a severe and growing shortage of housing in all parts of the NWT, particularly severe in a place like Iqaluit, the Member's constituency, which is growing at a very fast pace. Although there are houses being built, they are in no way keeping up with the demand. We recently have been working with the district office and the local housing authority to try to look at options on how that can be dealt with. What it really comes down to is resources, and there is a limited amount of resources but we continue to try to find options on how to deal with the shortage of housing. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, is it possible to readdress any available slippage funds under EDAP or other monies to help out this situation?

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not aware of any slippage funds, the statement I made yesterday confirmed that because of the demand for the EDAP program, the funds had very quickly been depleted and that we are now trying to deal with the third and final year of applicants. I can assure the Member that I am doing all I can in working with my Cabinet and making sure that the federal government, the federal ministers who are responsible for DIAND and Housing, that they are well aware of our critical need.

Oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.