...and, Madam Chair, 28 units to be built in several communities to help address the significant need for singles units.

---Applause

The remaining 20 units will be delivered under phase two of the market housing initiative.

The Housing Corporation also plans to invest $8.430 in modernizing and upgrading our rental stock and will contribute $12.846 million to assist over 100 families through homeownership programs such as the Expanded Downpayment Assistance Program or the Independent Housing Program. Under our repair programs, we have set aside $2.536 million to fund emergency repair and various seniors programs such as the Seniors/Disabled Preventative Maintenance Program and the Senior Citizen Home Repair Program.

The contributions outlined in these estimates will allow the corporation to work towards meeting the housing needs

outlined in the 2004 NWT community survey. The results of this survey confirm that our investments over the past four years have had a positive impact, but much work remains.

As I mentioned earlier, the $31 million public housing subsidy will be transferred to ECE on April 1, 2005. This will not only improve client services, but will also provide the corporation with an opportunity to redefine its mandate. Work continues on this front and I will be seeking formal Cabinet approval on a revised mandate for the NWT Housing Corporation by April 1, 2005. These two actions should allow the corporation to strengthen NWT housing markets and position itself as a market leader in housing.

As Members are aware, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation continues to reduce housing contributions across Canada. This presents a unique challenge for the corporation and one which will require some difficult decisions by all Members over the coming years.

We have also been working hard to strengthen ties with our federal counterparts. I've been able to meet privately with federal Minister Fontana on a number of occasions and have used these opportunities to outline our concern with per capital funding and other unique challenge we face in the North. The Minister seems to agree with our concern regarding funding arrangements and has indicated support in tackling the numerous obstacles we face. I am looking forward to future meetings and to a possible northern tour by the Minister during this spring.

At this time, I would be pleased to answer any questions the committee may have. Thank you, Madam Chair. That concludes my opening remarks.