Thank you, Mr. Chair. Again, we feel that the overall rates suggested are appropriate tied as they are to the NWT Consumer Price Index. The Member has raised a broader issue as to how this might be difficult or perhaps unfair to certain individuals. I would like to remind Members that there is a 50 per cent discount for seniors.

Now, again, he has raised broader issues as to the affordability of housing of leases, but I think that could be dealt with in different ways. I do not think by lowering our minimums, lowering our rates, rather, which I suggest are reasonable, would be a reasoned response to this issue. I think perhaps what this Assembly might look at is providing more assistance in different ways to those need assistance so that they could afford these reasonable rent or lease payments.

The lease payments, again, are not just pulled out of the air. There is a minimum admittedly and there is 10 per cent of assessed value. For example, if a property was assessed at $40,000 the rent would be $4,000. If it was a senior it would be reduced further to $2,000, which would work out to $155 a month. Therefore, we do feel that this system overall is fair. We acknowledge that it could create difficulties for certain individuals, but we suggest that perhaps those individuals could look to other sources for income because we feel that the proposed minimums and the manner in which we determine the lease rent is reasonable. Thank you, Mr. Chair.