Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I committed to reviewing a recommendation from this Legislature that the homelessness file be assigned to a Minister. Given the importance which this government attaches to this issue and to ensuring that our residents have access to adequate housing, Cabinet considered the recommendation when it met this morning.

In determining the most effective response, we were guided by a number of considerations. First, to be timely and effective, the designated Minister will need to be able to call upon an already established administration which can provide resources and support. Second, both the Minister and administration should already have the necessary background, expertise and networks in housing and related matters. Third, for the Northwest Territories' purposes we need a lead Minister with a mandate to both coordinate and advance the work and objectives of other Ministers and departments with responsibilities related to addressing homelessness.

Finally, we wanted to act on this proposal taking into account that it will be helpful for implementing the recommendations of the Social Agenda Working Group which will be reporting on how we can better deliver social programs and services in the next few weeks.

Mr. Speaker, with these considerations in mind, Cabinet has agreed that Housing Minister Roger Allen will be designated as the lead Minister responsible for addressing this important issue, and that the Housing Corporation will provide administrative backup for the Minister.

Minister Allen will give a brief report to the House before the budget session concludes on how he, his Cabinet colleagues and their departments will collaborate on addressing the homelessness issue. Thank you.

-- Applause