Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I wish to talk about what great strides and service to our public can happen when government works together in partnership with good corporate citizens and other levels of government. I raised the particular issue almost a year ago to the day, Mr. Speaker, when many Yellowknife Centre constituents had concerns with the lack of availability of public washrooms and how it relates to the homeless problems in our city. With limited options and very few resources, a solution has been found and certainly found none too soon, with winter knocking on our doorstep.

As many of us all know far too well, during the day homeless people often go throughout the streets exposed to many of the dark elements such as drugs, alcohol, and certainly the elements of nature. However, since raising this issue, a number of groups have decided to work together, and I’m very happy to say, with great results in their efforts. Mr. Speaker, as such, I wish to highlight with great appreciation of these partners. Firstly, BHP Billiton under the leadership of interim President Richard

Morland, the City of Yellowknife with the wisdom of our Mayor Gordon Van Tighem, and most certainly Sandy Lee, Minister of the Department of Health and Social Services.

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These partners have all come together to the table with real solutions to support the development of a day shelter for the homeless in the downtown of Yellowknife. Their partnership agreements cover the next three years. Each organization will contribute financially to the operation of this shelter. BHP is giving $50,000 annually, the City of Yellowknife is giving $25,000, the Department of Health and Social Services is providing $125,000 annually.

So, in my humble view, Mr. Speaker, today marks a very special moment in the success of this government. It certainly demonstrates that this government is listening to the concerns of the community brought forward by its Members in their voice in this Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, as some may know well, the day shelter will provide counselling services and will be a safe place for homeless individuals to go during the day for food and washrooms. It will not only make our streets more appealing and safer for visitors and residents alike, but perhaps this will be the helping hand that assists those in the direction of getting back on the path of success from that destructive lifestyle, and in time I certainly hope that this will become a model for other communities throughout the North.

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the day shelter is expected to open shortly and it certainly is being received very well in my riding. Mr. Speaker, government can’t do anything, but once again I want to express my sincere thanks to BHP, the City of Yellowknife and the Department of Health and Social Services for doing something on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.