Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about the issue of preventative maintenance programs for seniors and disabled persons. Many seniors and disabled persons who own their own homes are already burdened with a limited ability to properly maintain their homes. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, since the amalgamation of the Seniors and/or Disabled Preventative Maintenance Initiative program by the NWT Housing Corporation, seniors and disabled homeowners have now had to carry more of the burden of preventative maintenance duties for their homes. For example, Mr. Speaker, under the new program the seniors and disabled persons can now only access assistance for major maintenance work needed; preventative maintenance assistance is no longer there. I think we all know the benefits of preventative maintenance.

The Seniors and/or Disabled Preventative Maintenance Initiative program is now part of the CARE program — one of four NWT Housing Corporation programs that have replaced 14 programs. Seniors and disabled homeowners must now meet the new set criteria for assistance. Again, Mr. Speaker, these programs are for maintenance matters only; preventative maintenance work of any kind would no longer qualify for assistance.

Mr. Speaker, there are approximately 150 seniors and disabled homeowners in the South Slave region including my riding of Lutselk’e and Fort Resolution. With many of their homes already considered to be older homes, it is critical for these homeowners to be able to access assistance to do regular preventative maintenance on their homes. Under the old program an annual assistance of less than $1,000 was provided to these homeowners towards preventative minimum costs. Mr. Speaker, this annual minimal assistance goes a long way to benefiting both the homeowner and the government. It prevented extraordinary maintenance repairs on the home, giving the homeowner peace of mind, and it also extended the life of the home, allowing the applicant enjoyable

ownership rather than living in government subsided housing.

Mr.

Speaker, according to the current housing

market in the South Slave region, the average cost of a home is $300,000. So for the cost of less than half a house….