Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. McLeod.
Responsibility for Public Housing
Members of the committee are still hearing from constituents that the transfer of responsibility for social housing from the NWT Housing Corporation to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is not working and is causing hardship for many families. It is acknowledged that any time there is a major shift in how government delivers a program, there are bound to be program delivery issues. The department has recognized that there are problems and has told the committee that they are working towards implementing solutions and improving communications with stakeholders. While this effort is appreciated, it has to be made clear to the department and the government that the members of the standing committee will need to see tangible proof of the improvement in program delivery before the review of the business plans in
September 2008 in order for there to be continued support for this program transfer. If improvement is not readily apparent, the committee may consider recommending, with renewed vigour, that the responsibility for all aspects of social housing be returned to the NWT Housing Corporation and its local housing authorities, who have proven they can deliver the program and have the confidence of the community residents.
Child Care User Subsidy for Students
Members of the committee were very concerned to hear the department was eliminating the Student Child Care User Subsidy program that provides subsidy to students while they attend post-secondary institutions in the NWT to care for their children while they're attending school.
In discussions with the Minister and his officials it became apparent that this program was undersubscribed and the regular Childcare Subsidy Program would also be applicable to students with children attending post-secondary institutions in the NWT. Members also confirmed that money received for Student Financial Assistance would not be used in determining program eligibility under the regular child care user subsidy program. With this understanding, the committee is prepared to accept this reduction, and there should be no adverse effect on students with children pursing post-secondary opportunities.
With that, I'd like to turn it over to my colleague Mr. Bromley.