Today the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC), announced that the Transitional Rent Supplement Program (TRSP) has been extended to November 30, 2020.

The NWTHC and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CHMC) continue to work collaboratively to implement the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB) and are currently finalizing the design elements.  The CHB will be a cost-shared program that will work to provide residents the support they require to access affordable rental housing.

Mr. Speaker, increasing the number of affordable homes and reducing core housing need is a priority of this government. The difficult times that we are emerging from highlight that safe and secure housing is one of our highest needs.  The delivery of housing services became more challenging given our need to stay healthy in preparation of COVID-19 through physical distancing.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize that supporting vulnerable residents in need of housing or at risk of homelessness across the Northwest Territories is an essential part of the overall response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has been working to ensure that we meet the needs of our residents during this difficult and challenging time.

Check Against Delivery

Today Paulie Chinna, Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) announced that units previously identified for self-isolation purposes will be allocated to clients of NWTHC programs.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and on the guidance of the Emergency Management Organization (EMO), the NWTHC reserved approximately 130 units in 27 communities to ensure that individuals needing to self-isolate had options to do so safely while being supported through this difficult and challenging time.

Providing supports for those experiencing homelessness and addiction has been a focus throughout the COVID-19 response in the Northwest Territories.

Today those support options have grown with the opening of the new Yellowknife Women’s Centre individual housing suites and the return of regular programming at the Yellowknife Day and Sobering Centre.

Yellowknife Women’s Centre Transitional Housing

Paulie Chinna, the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) is announcing that the Transitional Rent Supplement Program (TRSP) has undergone changes to make the program more responsive and accessible to NWT residents. These changes are especially important during these challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic where many residents are working reduced hours or have lost their jobs. 

Check Against Delivery

Mr. Speaker, supporting the housing needs of seniors is very important to our people, to our communities and to this government.  A key approach to supporting our Elders is to recognize their desire to have friends and family close by as they age, and to remain in familiar surroundings.

Mr. Speaker, partnerships between housing stakeholders and community partners is critical in supporting the housing needs of our residents. One such partnership has been between the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, the De Beers Group, and the Yellowknife Women’s Society. Over the last year, all three partners came together to provide 16 single-room semi-independent suites for homeless women. 

Alfred Moses, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) and for Addressing Homelessness, today announced the transfer of ownership of six houses to the Kátł’odeeche First Nation (KFN). These houses are newly renovated units that had been part of the NWTHC housing portfolio. The Kátł’odeeche First Nation expressed an interest in obtaining the units and using them for a housing program for First Nation members.