Thank you, Madam Chair. Members of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, as Members of the Accountability and Oversight Committee, were involved in the new pre-budget consultation process with the people of the Northwest Territories in late August of 2005. Hearings were held north and south of the Lake, and gave ordinary northerners and non-governmental organizations the opportunity to provide input to MLAs on the priorities that the budget should focus on.

The committee then met with the Minister and his officials on Wednesday, September 21, 2005, to review the draft business plan of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

Members also received a briefing from the Minister of Finance on January 17, 2006, outlining the changes to the budget of the NWT Housing Corporation since the committee reviewed the business plan in September.

Committee noted the total operating budget for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation for 2006-2007 is planned at $122.486 million, or is $122 million...$122.486 million. Sorry. Of this total amount, the corporation proposes $85.658 million in revenues or non-cash items, and a GNWT contribution of $36.828 million.

The following outlines committee members' issues from their review of the 2006-2007 Draft Main Estimates for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and the new budget planning cycle.

Pre-Budget Consultations

The one consistent concern heard in all communities was the need for more housing. The majority of presenters felt that if we could reduce overcrowding and provide suitable and affordable housing in the communities, many of the pervading social problems that exist would be relieved.

The standing committee has heard this concern and will be working with our Cabinet colleagues to formulate a plan to address the long-term housing and attendant social problems in the North during the final two years of our Assembly.

Madam Chair, at this time, I would like to ask my colleague from Sahtu, Mr. Norman Yakeleya, to continue with the report.