Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about something I feel strongly about. I think we need to go back to building log homes. These would be log homes that a young couple or a single person could build when they are starting out to make a life for themselves. The NWT Housing Corporation has a pilot project called A Basic Unique Approach. The corporation is looking at testing a couple of units that would be built for people who are living a traditional lifestyle. The owners could leave their homes to go trapping without any problems with regards to water freeze-up. This sounds like it could be developed into a good program. I believe if there is some consideration of using log construction, I would urge them to go ahead with it. I would go a step further, Mr. Speaker, and provide log housing packages, something like the former HAP housing package to people who are willing and able to build their own homes.
If we design a log home building program we would be demonstrating to our people what we meant and what we mean in the 16th Assembly priorities. When
people choose to build their own log home, it will be strengthening the awareness of everyone’s northern identity. If these homes are heated by wood or woodchips, our communities would be more sustainable and we would be advancing alternative energy methods. We would be walking our talk. We have a very young population in the Sahtu. Constructing log cabins in our communities would give extreme value to those who decide to build their own homes.
Building a log cabin or home is a great learning experience, Mr. Speaker. For example, Mr. Speaker, I was approached by Colville Lake Chief Kochon and he is looking forward to having log homes built in Colville Lake for his people. He would like to see some indication of getting a green light from the NWT Corporation so they can get their chainsaws going.
Mr. Speaker, like the song I heard by the Barenaked Ladies, if I had a million dollars I would buy a log house package for each willing family to build their own home in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.