Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome back, and welcome back to the House to all my colleagues.

While we were away, as we’ve already heard today from the Premier, the Premier and the Finance Minister received a long-awaited present from the federal government. Finally there was a response from the federal government to the GNWT request for an increase to our borrowing limit, and it was a positive response. We, the GNWT, now have an additional $500 million of room in our borrowing limit. There was an added bonus. It sounds as though what constitutes debt will change, giving us even more room in our borrowing limit, another present from the federal Finance Minister. Oh, how to use all that new money? There are many possibilities. It’s a conversation we have yet to have, but one that we must have together as an Assembly.

I’m very hopeful that this change in our financial position will have a positive impact on a very worthwhile territorial project here in Yellowknife, an expansion to Avens - A Community for Seniors. As Members are aware, Avens is trying to build a new facility to accommodate more NWT seniors who need supportive housing and to do badly needed renovations to Aven Manor, the current outdated long-term care centre at Avens.

The numbers are irrefutable. The cohort of NWT seniors is growing and will continue to grow over the next 15 years, likely doubling. The numbers of seniors needing housing of one sort or another are also indisputable. We, right now, have elders needing supported living who have nowhere to live, something the new facility at Avens could fix. Yet this government has, to date, been unable to assist the Avens organization to accomplish their goal to start building. Why? Well, there are a couple of answers. One is, “We can’t provide Avens with capital dollars, it’s not in the plan, we have no money.” Another, “We can’t make a commitment to book beds in the new facility, that counts against our borrowing limit.”

Well, the financial landscape has changed. The borrowing limit is significantly increased. So, now will the government reconsider their position on the Avens expansion project in light of our changed financial situation? Will they take action to reduce the need for seniors housing, to accept the responsibility to provide for our elders not five or 10 years from now, but now?

We have a willing partner with a proven track record of getting it done, a partner who will build the facility for us and for our seniors.

There’s no excuse anymore. It’s time to get it done. Thank you.