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.

Mr. Speaker, addressing the housing needs of vulnerable people, including seniors, single people and homeless individuals, has been a key priority of this government and all Members of this legislature.  The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is addressing the housing challenges faced by vulnerable groups through its investments and infrastructure projects.

Mr. Speaker, ensuring that housing programs and services reflect community values and priorities has been a key commitment of this government. Implementing Northern Solutions for Northern Housing also means working in partnership with other orders of government to develop more affordable housing.

To meet these commitments, we have been working hand-in-hand with local governments to develop Community Housing Plans that will guide and support their housing aspirations.

Alfred Moses, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) and for Addressing Homelessness, announced today the opening of a new 17 unit public housing building that will meet the need of residents looking for single occupancy rooms in Inuvik.

This new building was designed to replace the venerable Sydney Apartments. During the Housing Engagement Survey, the message was loud and clear that there was a need for single room occupancy units. This project will make 17 new and modern units available to meet that demand.

Alfred Moses, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) and for Addressing Homelessness, announced today that Fort McPherson seniors have new supports for remaining in their community as they age, with the opening of a new seniors’ supported independent living nineplex in the community.

The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) has taken a proactive approach to addressing concerns related to bed bugs in public housing in Fort Simpson.  Maintenance staff from the Fort Simpson Housing Authority, the NWTHC’s contractual agent that delivers housing services in Fort Simpson, went door-to-door to conduct inspections and determined that at least six units are showing signs of bed bugs, of which the tenants were unaware.  The Authority is taking immediate action to treat these units as they have the equipment and training.  The treatment process takes four hours and th

The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories and Government of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about a new partnership between the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and the De Beers Group - a partnership that will help house some of our most vulnerable citizens.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has worked hard to meet the commitments made by this Government to advance affordable housing and address homelessness during the 18th Legislative Assembly.

 In addressing this priority, we resolved to use northern solutions for northern housing.  One example is the Northern Pathways to Housing Program, an innovative approach to addressing homelessness in small communities.

Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of hosting the Northern Housing Summit on April 23 and 24, 2019 in Inuvik.  The Summit’s theme was “Northern Solutions for Northern Housing,” reflecting the mandate commitment of the 18th Legislative Assembly, and its purpose was to encourage new partnerships in housing.