The committee discussed the proposed budget of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. Following Caucus discussions in Hay River in December of 2001 that highlighted the priority Members attach to making housing available to Northerners, the committee was surprised that the government had not proposed significant new monies for new or existing programs within the main estimates. Nearly all additional money appears to come from the Government of Canada through a contribution from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to enhance housing programs.

In the government's response to committee's concern that the main estimates do not reflect Caucus priorities, it is stated that the government is currently developing initiatives to support private development of housing in non-taxed based communities.

Mr. Speaker, the committee will watch to see whether the initiatives under development are relevant and will encourage private developers to invest in the non-taxed based communities.

Mr. Speaker, I now seek your consent to ask the honourable Member for Hay River South to conclude the report.