Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have already expressed concern about the desperate housing and cost of living situation faced by low and middle income families many times in this Assembly. I believe it is shown by the almost 500 signatures on the affordable rental housing petition that we do need a better way of looking at the skyrocketing cost of rent and the cost of living. In these replies to the petitions that I've tabled, I'm looking forward to the Minister's positive and hopefully innovative approaches to dealing with the crisis, not only here in Yellowknife but in other NWT communities.
Mr. Speaker, in this Assembly in the last few days, we've been grappling with other aspects of housing, namely the harmonization proposal. The redistribution of wealth is an important part of government's job and is very much at the core of this initiative. It is clear that subsidies and supports such as income support and housing are an essential part of our work and these are principles that I won't abandon. This government clearly needs to look at how we support those citizens with the greatest need and balance that with those who can pay accordingly, so that we won't break the bank.
Speaking of banks, Mr. Speaker, housing isn't the only signal of the sustained and increased economic pressure on low and middle income families. Here in Yellowknife this is evidenced by the growing lines at our food bank. Where there used to be about 60 families coming in every two weeks, there are now over 100. Mr. Speaker, this is more people than the population of a number of our smaller communities. Where the food bank spent about $3,500 a month, it is now spending about $4,500. The volunteer board says that at this rate they will run out of funds by June. Is the government's social safety net meeting the needs as it should? What's happened to the increases for the food allowances that we worked so hard to establish?
Mr. Speaker, work goes on to try to address these issues. In fact, in Yellowknife there is a seminar that is put together by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation which is going to look at the current and future situation of housing in Yellowknife. I'm going to be going there, and perhaps tomorrow I will have some more things to say about this dramatic need here in the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause