Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Housing Corporation of the Northwest Territories offers a number of programs that help people obtain housing who may not be able to otherwise. This is commendable. As a government, we are here to serve our people by providing programs and services to better the lives of all Northerners.
As well as providing homes, the department has a responsibility to ensure that homes are built as structurally sound as possible, so that homeowners do not have extra costs. A number of constituents have come to me concerned with housing problems that are related to unstable foundations.
There are also other issues. For example, one constituent of mine has electrical problems, but because there is no warranty, this person is basically going to be financially drained just to make sure his home is safe from an electrical fire. Other constituents have called me about insulation that is missing from underneath the floor or outer walls.
Mr. Speaker, constituents who have called the Housing Corporation with their concerns have been told that since they are the owners of the homes, they are responsible for the repairs. Mr. Speaker, it is true that when you own a home you are responsible for its maintenance. However, when there are structural concerns related to the construction of a home, it is only fair that follow-up repairs be done after construction.
As a result of unstable ground construction and conditions in the North, sometimes structural problems do not appear in the first or the second year. I have had the good fortune of being able to attend many events throughout the Territories as an MLA. I know that these housing concerns are not only in my region. They are all over the North.
Mr. Speaker, we spend millions of dollars in the construction of new homes for our people. People assume mortgages to buy these homes and yet they can end up with a home that has structural deficiencies. Mr. Speaker, I think if the Housing Corporation followed up on the construction plans, it would give homeowners' security. I will have questions on this for the Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause