Public Accounts committee  I think one thing, when we talk about co-development, is everybody working together. I was part of that discussion right from the get-go. One of the first things I talked about was whether there is a true commitment here from both parties—the tribal council as well as ISC. CMHC was also part of some of the discussions.

Public Accounts committee  I ensured that the technical people really, truly understand how the system works. I wanted to ensure that we have a complete breakdown of how the existing system works now and how we want to change that system. Through that, we're talking to each of the communities to truly understand that.

Public Accounts committee  Yes, I can hear you.

Public Accounts committee  To be honest with you, I've been working in housing for 38 years. Years ago, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, they used to have some training in building capacity within communities. I know Lance knows this as well. They used to have an inspection program whereby they would have native inspector services that Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation would sponsor.

Public Accounts committee  I remember talking to developers and stuff in regard to how climate change is making a big difference. As I've often said, it's not very difficult to build a new house or to build subdivisions; it's a pretty easy process. Having said that, taking into consideration the environment, climate change and what is happening, like here in Nova Scotia with these mass floods that have been happening—and of course we experienced forest fires as well—I think it's important to ensure that we understand and that we have the proper research.

Public Accounts committee  Of course, what's happening here in the Atlantic is that we're not a really big region, but ever since this whole thing came down in regard to how much money is coming down for even off-reserve housing and stuff, we're finding it more and more difficult to get suppliers to get material in, because everybody else is tapping into it; everybody else seems to be going for it.

Public Accounts committee  My name, of course, is Chief Sidney Peters. I'm from the Glooscap First Nation. I'm also the co-chair for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. I also sit on the chiefs' committee on housing and infrastructure, representing the Atlantic through the Atlantic Policy Congress.

Public Accounts committee  Yes, I can.