Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. It is regarding my opening comments about the property values that have increased drastically in my riding. But first, Mr. Speaker, the whole history of lands and municipalities have drastically changed through land claims negotiations in the Mackenzie Valley. There was a land freeze on for the last 20 years in which a lot of people required property in which they developed those properties with the understanding they will eventually own them and they lease that property knowing that once the land claims were settled, they were going to be able to acquire these properties by outright ownership. But I think the changes that we have seen, they did not expect that there would be such a drastic price increase from the original $3,000 they thought they were going to purchase this property for to where it has gone up to $13,000. The increased appraisal values have inflated the land prices in the Mackenzie Delta and possibly in other regions. As a result, people are having trouble paying the property taxes and even having the ability to purchase land at a fair price in the Mackenzie Delta. Will the government consider adopting a more reasonable appraisal system that reflects the realities of the role the communities in the Mackenzie Delta so that we can understand the sensitivity of the northern cultures and also the people in the Mackenzie Delta? I would like to ask the Minister, is his department considering looking at such an option?
David Krutko on Question 215-13(7): Property Appraisals In Rural Communities
In the Legislative Assembly on July 26th, 1999. See this statement in context.
Question 215-13(7): Property Appraisals In Rural Communities
Item 6: Oral Questions
July 25th, 1999
Page 611
See context to find out what was said next.