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.
Key discussions included:
- Skills and Workforce Development;
- Territorial Housing Needs Assessment;
- Construction Innovation and Design;
- Federal Funding Sources;
- Service Integration and Housing Stability; and
- Collaboration Opportunities.
The ever-increasing need for energy-efficient and affordable housing options, especially for vulnerable populations, remains a priority for all parties.
Organizers said that the meeting helped to strengthen existing partnerships between Indigenous Governments, Community Governments, Non-Government Organizations, and the GNWT.
Quote:
“Collaboration and partnership continue to be essential in the housing sector. The discussions and conversations that took place at this housing symposium will help the GNWT, Indigenous Governments, and community partners better understand the territory’s housing needs, and highlight those needs to the Federal Government. By continuing to leverage our collective strengths, knowledge and resources, we can develop sustainable and innovative solutions that address the unique needs of our communities, and create more homes for Northerners.”
– Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing NWT
The symposium falls under the NWT Housing Forum, which is co-chaired by Housing NWT and an Indigenous government, was established in early 2023 to promote coordination and collaboration among participating NWT governments in the housing sphere.
The NWT Housing Forum is for member NWT governments (Indigenous Governments and Housing NWT) and invited participants to collaborate and share information on housing-related issues in the territory. The Forum meets virtually every quarter and holds an in-person Symposium every two years. This is the first in-person Symposium since the Housing Forum’s inception in 2023.
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For media requests, please contact:
Jeanne Gard
Manager of Communications
Housing NWT
Government of the Northwest Territories
Jeanne_Gard@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9328 ext 85031