Fort Simpson (Jun 02/06) - Issues surrounding housing and transportation are two of the common concerns MLAs Michael McLeod and Kevin Menicoche will soon be bringing to the attention of their peers.

The fifth session of the legislative assembly opened May 30 in Yellowknife.

Deh Cho MLA Michael McLeod said the Affordable Housing Strategy is having the largest effect on his riding. "It's a really exciting initiative," he said.

Housing is an area that needs work across the North, including the Deh Cho, McLeod said. Although housing will continue to be an issue, he said he is happy with the allocation for the Deh Cho.

It will be challenging to develop the property for the 24 houses planned for Fort Providence and the eight for Kakisa, but it can be done, McLeod said.

Nahendeh Kevin Menicoche also sees some challenges ahead with the program.

There is already a shortage of tradespeople, so finding enough to build the 59 houses planned for the Nahendeh, will be difficult, Menicoche said.

While the houses are needed, especially in Fort Liard, Menicoche said he will continue to press for more.

Both MLAs also have concerns about transportation, but differ in their focus.

McLeod said he hopes to hear positive news on the federal money announced in the budget for the highways and border infrastructure fund. There is a need for more transportation infrastructure in the Deh Cho, he said.

Menicoche said he has been hearing a lot of feedback about the proposed $50 million highway extension to the mines.

"People do not want that back home," Menicoche said.

Before work on roads to the mines are started, Menicoche said Highways 1 and 7 need to be finished.

The MLAs also have energy on their agendas.

Energy conservation is an ongoing concern for McLeod. Both the government and individuals have a responsibility to do their part, he said.

"People are going to have to accept the fact that this is a concern that is here to stay," McLeod said.

A number of initiatives for conservation are being examined by the government, many for the Department of Transportation, McLeod said.

In relation to energy, Menicoche said he is still pushing for a one-rate zone so all residents of the Northwest Territories would pay the same amount for power.

Menicoche hopes to at least bring the issue forward for debate. He expects opposition from MLAs in larger communities like Yellowknife.

The new deal concept for communities is also on McLeod's agenda. He hopes for progress on the deal so communities can be informed about the areas that will be funded and the formula that will be used.

Menicoche plans to continue to apply pressure for nursing and policing in Wrigley.

He is also looking forward to putting a motion on the floor that would require one per cent of construction costs on buildings to be used to buy aboriginal art.

The requirement would stimulate the arts sector in the North, Menicoche said.