Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Ms. Lee on June 7, 2006, regarding comparative analysis of the Novel housing project.

The GNWT is still in the planning stages on the convertible workforce housing -- CWH -- project. It is important to note that there are a number of key prerequisites to the CWH becoming a reality. First, the Mackenzie gas pipeline must receive approval to go ahead, both from the regulators and from the proponents. Secondly, the proponents must outline the scope and nature of the construction work of the pipeline; this process is under full-scale review by the proponents. Thirdly, the Novel concept must be accepted by the proponents for use as workforce housing through the competitive bid process. Fourthly, the federal government must agree to financially contribute to the project. Finally, the proponents must agree to hand over the dwellings

upon completion of the Mackenzie gas pipeline at no cost to the GNWT.

Although a great deal of progress has been made with the design of the Novel home to ensure it meets both the needs of the proponents for workforce housing and the GNWT for eventual use as affordable, energy-efficient homes, many items remain unresolved. The GNWT, although receiving strong support from the previous federal government, has not secured the support of the current government. As noted above, the proponent has yet to finalize how it will be tendering for workforce housing. Finally, the pipeline has yet to get its final go-ahead from either the regulators or the proponent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.