The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), in partnership with the Salvation Army and the City of Yellowknife, announces the official opening of a new transitional housing program for addiction recovery in Yellowknife. This program provides a safe, sober living environment for individuals returning from treatment, helping them rebuild stability and reintegrate into the community.
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Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT continues to expand its inventory of public housing units. These new units will provide stable living conditions and reduce homelessness for vulnerable populations. Safe, affordable housing improves quality of life. It impacts health, self-confidence, stability, and stronger families, giving people the chance to look beyond survival and focus on opportunity.
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Mr. Speaker, guided by the Housing NWT capital plan, we are creating more homes for Northerners by working with the Government of Canada, NWT industry partners and applying innovative approaches to construction.
Housing NWT, in partnership with the Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation, is delivering 10 new housing units in the Tłı̨chǫ Region to support seniors and individuals in Behchokǫ̀, Gamètì, and Whatì.
These duplexes, funded by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), are designed to provide safe, accessible, and energy-efficient housing, allowing seniors to age in place with dignity and ensuring that single residents have secure, affordable housing.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the recent Housing Symposium that was hosted by the NWT Housing Forum on January 22nd and 23rd in Yellowknife. This year’s symposium marked the first in-person gathering since the Forum began in 2023. Over the course of two days, we engaged in important discussions, shared innovative ideas, and strengthened our partnerships.
An interactive housing symposium emphasizing information sharing, networking and decision-making on housing issues across the NWT wrapped up this afternoon.
The NWT Housing Forum brought together representatives from Indigenous Governments, Bands, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Municipal and Community Governments, Industry, and the Federal and Territorial Governments for an in-person, two-day meeting. The symposium focused on the current and future state of the territory’s housing needs while sharing best practices.
The Government of the Northwest Territories has committed $445,000 annually to a new partnership in Hay River that delivers life-changing support to vulnerable residents. Since October 1, 2024, the Hay River & Area Métis Local #51 has successfully taken over operations of the Hay River Homeless Shelter. With funding and training support provided by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), the shelter continues to provide essential emergency services to people in need.
Premier R.J. Simpson is announcing changes to the senior management team of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).
Eleanor Young, President of Housing NWT, will be retiring after a distinguished career in public service. Ms. Young has been a driving force in housing policy and program delivery across the territory, with a strong focus on building community capacity. Throughout her career, she prioritized establishing positive relationships with Indigenous and community governments to better support residents across the Northwest Territories.
Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories (NWT), issued the following statement on National Housing Day:
“Today as we recognize National Housing Day, I want to reflect on the progress the Government of Northwest Territories has made in addressing the housing needs of residents. This day is an opportunity to reflect on the critical importance of housing to the stability, well-being, and prosperity of all people, especially in the North.
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Mr. Speaker, residents have noticed a significant increase in illegal activities across the territory and within public housing.
In particular, there has been an increase in drug use and sales. I am concerned that this behaviour is a risk to public safety, especially to Elders and children in our communities. Local Housing Organizations are actively looking for ways to address and report drug use and sales in public housing by working with the RCMP, the Rental Office, and residents.
