Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, mould is a persistent problem in northern housing, and it's one that can have potentially severe impacts on health and well-being. It's also a housing problem that's often not too well understood. Sometimes it can be addressed with a bit of focused cleaning. Other times, professional remediation is required, which is usually the case across the northern part of the territory.
Mr. Speaker, mould is a fungal growth that crops up in spaces where there is excess moisture in the air. That could be places like windowsills or bathroom walls or in materials that get damp, like carpet or drywall. As mould grows, it releases spores into the air. Breathing in these spores can cause health problems, aggravating pre-existing conditions like asthma or contributing to serious respiratory infections.
Now, how does mould happen? Well, it can have many causes. Overcrowding in homes can overwhelm houses' ventilation systems, bringing on moisture buildup. Mr. Speaker, poor construction is one of the contributing factors to mould in the Northwest Territories. Poor windows and insulation, insufficient heating, wet materials, little or no ventilation, and irregular maintenance can also contribute.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, how can we fix it? A Government of Canada paper called "Meeting the Northern Housing Challenge" made a number of suggestions for housing design itself: exterior porches; open-concept living areas; large south-facing windows; minimal corners and edges which encourage heat loss; and sealed roofs. Incorporating these things into housing planning, along with individual moisture management and maintenance practice, can help keep homes mould-free.
Mr. Speaker, mould problems can be very intimidating. People may be embarrassed or may not be able to identify whether the mould is a health risk or an easily solved matter. They may also be concerned for their health and the health of their families. I would like to see more public communication and public information on this subject, Mr. Speaker. Later I will have questions at the appropriate time. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.