We have been asking the government to assist the city administration with land development so that they can make more land available to ease the pressure on the market. Over and over again, the government and the Minister of Housing, in particular, stated that he did not feel the government should get involved in land development in market-based or tax-based communities.

Mr. Speaker, we have also raised concerns about lack of housing for low-income people and seniors in our city, and we have been following the process, as they are, to access some of the funding to alleviate this situation. So imagine my shock and distress, Mr. Speaker, when I woke up one September morning to hear a report on CBC Radio that the Minister of Housing -- who also happens to be the Member for Inuvik -- was handing out a cheque to the town council amounting to $10,000 each for 12 residents as a subsidy to buy lots for their trailers. Even an Inuvik councillor questioned whether or not a normal process was followed in giving out this money. She was quoted as saying that many of the tenants of the trailer park wouldn't ordinarily qualify and that the Housing Corporation should follow the normal procedures. What's more incredulous, Mr. Speaker, the Minister is quoted as saying we have a larger way of subsidies to individual clients.

If the Minister has so much money to give, I would suggest that he shares with us what they are in this House. There are many in my community, I am sure, who would like to have a piece of this action.

Mr. Speaker, he's also quoted as saying we make a contribution to the Town of Inuvik every year through our appropriation. So it appears, Mr. Speaker, he provides money for some municipalities and some individuals but not all. I submit to you, Mr. Speaker, the Minister needs to explain himself in this House about what went on at this meeting, and I intend on following up with questions later in the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause