Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the North, we have a severe deficit when it comes to housing for our residents. Although the NWT Housing Corporation is responsible for upwards of 2,400 public housing units, we still know of families and individuals living on the streets, in shelters, or with relatives. In the southern part of the NWT, this is costing this government on average approximately $600,000 per unit to build. While in the North, it can be around $1 million per unit. This, in many instances, does not take into account the cost of administration, land, and land preparation.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT Housing Corporation is planning for a combination of 22 new and replacement units across the NWT. I am pleased to hear that two new units are for Hay River. However, these two units will be used to replace the six that were demolished to make way for RCMP housing in the community. That is correct, Mr. Speaker. Hay River lost six units and received two. It does not take a mathematician to figure out that the community is now in a deficit compared to last year.

Mr. Speaker, without the support of the federal and territorial governments, housing problems facing our northern residents would be worse than they are now. However, saying that, it does not take away from the fact that we are not utilizing our funds as efficiently as we could. There is $60 million in the co-investment fund provided by the federal government, and approximately two years later, not a penny has been accessed. In September, the federal government announced the rapid housing initiative, a $1-billion program. These funds, if accessible, would not only provide much-needed housing but also provide safe places for family to access services from organizations like the Hay River Family Support Centre and others.

Mr. Speaker, from the outside looking in, the NWT Housing Corporation appears to have become stagnant and lost sight of its purpose. It appears to have raised a white flag and surrendered. I know that people employed by the Housing Corporation are good people. I know they have great ideas, are passionate and enthusiastic. I look to the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and this government to show leadership and provide that encouragement and support.

Mr. Speaker, times are changing; family sizes are changing; lifestyles are changing; the NWT is changing. It is reasonable to expect that the NWT Housing Corporation will embrace this change and consider adopting a new business model for public housing delivery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.