With the results of the election of the Chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation now confirmed, Minister Lucy Kuptana has resumed her role on the Executive Council of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Housing and Status of Women portfolios, which she previously held, have been reassigned to her.
The Inuvik Homeless Shelter will enter a new chapter of community-led leadership on January 5, 2026, when operational responsibility transitions from Housing NWT to the Inuvik Homeless Shelter Advisory Board.
The transition reflects a long-standing community goal to have homelessness services guided by local voices, while ensuring shelter services continue without disruption for those who rely on them.
Housing NWT is pleased to announce that a new Singles Multi-Unit Residential Building will be built in Hay River. This new project will replace an aging 28-unit singles social housing complex. The new 30-unit modern building is designed to better meet the needs of residents.
Housing NWT and the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) are sharing an important update. Effective April 1, 2026, Housing NWT will assume operational responsibility for the Yellowknife Day Shelter and Sobering Centre. NTHSSA currently manages these shelters.
This change is part of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) plan to have a more coordinated approach to homelessness across the Northwest Territories (NWT). Housing NWT already manages shelter services in other regions across the NWT.
Housing NWT is pleased to announce the completion of modernization work at Aspen Apartments. The 36-unit building will improve the quality of social housing in the Northwest Territories. It is also intended to help ease pressure on Yellowknife’s rental market.
With the building now ready for occupancy, Housing NWT will allocate the 30 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units to social housing tenants.
This modernization project will extend the service life of the building by an additional 25 years. Upgrades include:
Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories (NWT), issued the following statement for National Housing Day:
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has awarded a contract to The Yellowknife Women’s Society to operate its new transitional housing facility. The facility will be located on Highway 3 near the Yellowknife Airport.
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Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Auditor General of Canada released its report on the Performance Audit of Northwest Territories Housing. The Auditor General’s findings outline several areas where Housing NWT must improve how we provide residents most in need with equitable access to housing and supports through the Public Housing and Homeownership Programs.
The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has released its performance audit of Housing NWT. The audit identifies areas for improvement in equitable access to housing and housing supports through its Public Housing and Homeownership Programs.
Housing NWT accepts all recommendations and is taking immediate steps to strengthen oversight, improve maintenance systems, and modernize policies to ensure fairness and transparency.
Below is a summary of the actions underway to address each recommendation:
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the progress the Government of the Northwest Territories has made in addressing homelessness, and to acknowledge the ongoing needs ahead. We have taken important steps, and remain committed to continuing this work with empathy, focus, and collaboration.
