Thank you,

Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS quality and affordable housing promotes health, social and economic well-being of people and communities;

AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada has been a vital funding partner in the development of affordable housing in all 13 provinces and territories;

AND WHEREAS CMHC Operating and Maintenance funding for social housing is currently declining and will lapse completely by 2038;

AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada has not committed to making additional capital investments in affordable housing in the future;

AND WHEREAS 1.5 million Canadian households continue to be in core housing need;

AND WHEREAS core housing need in Canada’s North continues to be above the national rate of need;

AND WHEREAS funding for the three Federal Housing Trusts, including the Northern Housing Trust, is set to sunset on March 31, 2009;

AND WHEREAS funding for the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program and Homelessness Partnering Initiative are also scheduled to sunset on March 31, 2009;

AND WHEREAS the federal government has yet to commit to funding a third phase of the Affordable Housing Initiative after March 31, 2009;

AND WHEREAS provinces and territories unanimously agreed to a set of principles that outline roles and responsibilities for the delivery of housing to Canadians;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Honourable Member for Nunakput, that the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories call on the federal government to extend the housing programs due to expire on March 31, 2009;

AND FURTHER, that the Legislative Assembly, strongly urges the Government of Canada to commit to discussing a long-term funding strategy with the provinces and territories;

AND FURTHER, that a copy of this motion be sent to the House of Commons.