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Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to acknowledge the efforts of Indigenous governments and the federal government on their approach to addressing housing and infrastructure needs. I would like to congratulate the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the Tłı̨chǫ Government and the Délı̨nę Got’ıne Government, on the recent federal funding announcement of $78.6 million for community infrastructure and housing.

This funding includes:

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Mr. Speaker, since becoming the Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories, I have repeatedly spoken on the theme of partnership.   This is because the Northwest Territories is in a housing crisis that cannot be solved by any one government alone.

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Mr. Speaker, education is very valuable and important in creating long-term success for our residents. To address ongoing shortages of qualified trade workers in NWT communities, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is committed to supporting training for apprentices.

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Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise again today to announce the completion of another step in the strategic renewal of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) is beginning its 50th anniversary celebrations with a new name and updated visual identity as part of the Strategy for Renewal of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

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Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is delivering an exceptionally large capital program to cost share the delivery of 60 new single public housing units. Forty-six of those units are projected to be completed in 2022-2023, and 14 are projected to be completed the following year. The majority of this funding is coming from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation under the Co-Investment Fund.

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Mr. Speaker, one of the very important values in the new Northwest Territories Housing Corporation mandate is “partnership.” Partnership is how we are most effectively going to address the housing needs of residents across the territory. It is critical that we work in partnership with Indigenous governments, the Government of Canada, community governments and other stakeholders to reach our housing goals.

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Mr. Speaker, Partnership is a theme I have spoken about many times since becoming the Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. The reason for this is simple: the most effective way to address the housing crisis in the Northwest Territories, is by working in partnership with Indigenous governments, community governments, non-governmental organizations, and the Government of Canada.

The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) has announced a new mandate, composed of a statement of mission, values, and vision. A key deliverable under A Strategy for Renewal of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, the mandate reflects the NWTHC’s role in social wellness, and sets the stage for further steps in the renewal.

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Mr. Speaker, on November 24th I rose before this House to announce a strategy for renewal of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. A strategy that is focused on taking action to address the housing crisis in the Northwest Territories.  I am very pleased to rise again today to announce that, guided by the strategy, we are continuing to take action and set the stage for real, positive change.