Thank you, Mr. Speaker, honourable Members. Mr. Speaker, to date, no Government of the Northwest Territories funding has been committed to this specific plan over and above the existing programs and services, other than the three additional family units. The funds committed, for instance, to the Side Door project and other initiatives were from federal funds.

It has taken the coalition halfway through the federal three-year plan of the time allowed to use that federal funding just to get to this point because they do not have the capacity to move this forward. They require support and buy-in from this government to pursue this as vigorously as is necessary.

One way we could participate better is to make sure that we have complete cooperation with the group by having membership there. Currently, while some departments are members, the Housing Corporation maintains only observer status on the coalition. The department should fully participate. Sending an individual as an observer does not give the coalition someone who can make decisions and commitments to the plan.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that our government needs to demonstrate its commitment to dealing with homelessness. We need a ministry and we are also going to need some money. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause