Mr. Speaker, the role of a Member of the Legislative Assembly is not confined to sittings of this House and work on committees. An equally important aspect of this job is helping address our constituents' concerns by helping them access government services and programs.

Mr. Speaker, it should come as no surprise that my constituents are my first priority, something I share with the honourable Members of this House. Since the election, I have constantly worked to assist Kam Lakers with the challenges they face in their everyday lives, and, when it comes to these issues, Mr. Speaker, there is no issue more prevalent than the issue of housing.

Many Northerners require assistance from their local housing authority, and many are often some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Single parents, young families, new Canadians, and the working poor are just a few examples of people who need assistance from housing programs. Unfortunately, getting access to these programs is mired in layers of bureaucratic red tape.

Mr. Speaker, only recently a young family approached my office for assistance in dealing with the Yellowknife Housing Authority after being unable to find the necessary forums to apply for public housing. To my dismay, a simple Google search revealed that these forms do not exist. In fact, all applications have to be made by appointment and in-person before any assessment of eligibility for public housing is determined.

This means, of course, that applicants have to find the time to meet with a Housing officer and then they may learn that they are not eligible for housing in the first place. Mr. Speaker, this is a backwards process that only creates barriers to accessing an essential human need, that of housing. Mr. Speaker, there is good news, however. I have brought this issue to the attention of the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, and I am happy to report that she has directed that an online application to determine initial eligibility requirements will be in place by the end of the year. I would like to commend the Minister for not letting this problem fall through the cracks and her quick resolution to take necessary steps to lift these barriers and bring the application process online and into the 21st Century.

I will have further questions on what exactly will be done to remove these and other barriers to housing accessibility and improve access to housing services, not just for Yellowknife but for all of the NWT's communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.