NNSL (Feb 17/97) - Finance minister John Todd announced in the legislative assembly last spring the government's intentions to get out of the staff housing business.

Last week, Yellowknife South MLA Seamus Henry (left) asked for an update on the staff housing situation.

Todd said it has been a resounding success and noted that housing sales should have been initiated months ago.

Some people have chosen not to purchase their houses but those who have are Northerners or Northern organizations buying to secure housing for the future.

Todd went on to say that employees are getting excellent deals, with some getting 25 to 45 cents off the dollar of the appraised value as an incentive to purchase.

He said it's a unique opportunity that no other government in Canada has given its employees.