Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, several times over the past sessions, I have raised a concern with the GNWT employees in Iqaluit with regard to their housing and rent increases. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Todd, as Minister for FMBS, implemented a program with renters at the FDL and other properties to ease the transition from subsidized rental rates to market values. The government agreed they would increase the rents charged to employees by increments of ten percent, while at the same time the lessors would lower the rents charged by 10 percent. Mr. Speaker, this pro-active move by the government was well received by Iqaluit residents. However, Mr. Speaker, as of December 31, 1998, the Subsidy Program is set to end, sending hundreds of employees to the situation where their rents could increase by 40 or 50 percent. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Todd and I worked cooperatively on this issue two years ago. Mr. Todd came to Iqaluit and met with the parties involved, and the solution I just spoke about was worked out. Mr. Speaker, I have, on occasion, tried to constructively criticize the government, but for the Subsidy Program, I congratulate the Minister and the government for that pro-active move.
Mr. Speaker, later today I will be asking the Minister for FMBS, Mr. Todd, about the continuance of the subsidy and the direction the government will be taking on this important matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.