Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address the recent announcement of the affordable housing plan that will provide a $100 million investment in affordable housing in the Northwest Territories over the next three years.

As Members are aware, the 2006-07 Main Estimates of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation were prepared on the basis of commitment by the previous federal Housing Minister to provide $50 million over three years for new affordable housing. At that time, Members were informed that the comprehensive plan set out by the Housing Corporation to provide 530 units over three years was conditional on formal approval of this commitment by the incoming government.

I am pleased to inform Members that the announcement of this funding in the recent federal budget means that our plan will proceed as proposed.

Mr. Speaker, I have worked closely with my colleagues in the Yukon and Nunavut to convince the Government of Canada to make additional investments in affordable housing north of 60. The result of these efforts in the recently announced Northern Housing Trust, $500 million of which will be delivered to the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, this investment is the result of a concerted effort to lobby the federal government for additional funding. The Housing Corporation sent a series of proposals to the federal government outlining a plan to deliver 530 units over three years with a $50 million contribution from the federal government to be matched by existing GNWT resources.

Mr. Speaker, this investment will allow us to make major improvements to housing conditions in communities where core need remains high. With this funding, every community in the Northwest Territories will see additional units constructed over the next three years.

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Conditions in our public housing units will be improved, and more eligible clients will be able to become homeowners. But we must keep in mind that delivering an investment of this magnitude will require commitments from several key stakeholders to ensure that it is completed successfully.

Land development will be a key component of this strategy. The Housing Corporation will be working together with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and community governments to meet the goals of the affordable housing plan. All avenues will be considered to ensure "on-the-ground" housing for NWT residents over the next three years of this funding commitment. The formation of partnerships and community support will be key factors in achieving the plan.

Mr. Speaker, in partnership with the federal government we have renewed our commitment to building new affordable housing in the Northwest Territories and across Canada. This investment represents a new beginning in our efforts to lower core need and to ensure that every resident of our territory has an adequate and affordable

home in which to live and raise families. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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