Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this fall in Inuvik, a concern was raised as a result of a home in Inuvik collapsing as a result of the wooden pilings failing underneath it. Mr. Speaker, a large majority of homes in Inuvik, and other buildings, were built with wooden pilings supporting their structure. I am aware that the Inuvik Housing Authority, alone, has over 100 units that are supported by wooden pilings. I am also aware that Public Works and Services has been looking at the impact that the department faces as a result of wooden pilings that could potentially fail in the near future. As well, I am aware that work has been started on inspections of wooden pilings that support many of the public buildings that are built in Inuvik.

The government is looking into the impacts it faces, but here is where my concern lies, Mr. Speaker. Many private homes are also affected by the deterioration of the pilings. Many homes were purchased by employees and residents in Inuvik from this government, as well as the federal government. Mr. Speaker, many of the families that purchased homes access support from the NWT Housing Corporation through their DAP and EDAP programs because many of them could not afford the down payment necessary to qualify for bank loans on their own. Now that they are in their homes, they are able to maintain these homes on their own. Here, Mr. Speaker, comes a twist, the cost of repairing the pilings is costly and unaffordable to many residents in their own homes. To add to that, Mr. Speaker, insurance will not cover the foundation that these homes are built on.

The potential for disaster is extremely serious, Mr. Speaker. I have raised these concerns with the Minister of the Housing Corporation and I look forward to positive results in trying to deal with this potential situation that is in Inuvik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause