The GNWT appoints Administrator to Fort Resolution Housing Authority

News Releases

The Fort Resolution Housing Authority has been placed under Administration. This will remain in effect until it is repealed at a date to be determined.

The Minister of Housing Northwest Territories (Housing NWT) has determined that it has become necessary to place the Fort Resolution Housing Authority under administration to due to operational challenges. It is an exceptional measure that has been deemed necessary to stabilize operations and address the challenges the Housing Authority is facing.

Darlene Berthier is appointed as the Administrator and relieves the Chair and Board members of the Fort Resolution Housing Authority of their duties. Ms. Berthier has a long spanning career as an auditor during which she has completed governance and policy reviews in addition to auditing all aspects of operations for compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness as per organizations mandate and objectives.

The GNWT will ensure that tenants continue to receive uninterrupted housing services during the transition. The South Slave District Office will provide support to ensure that tenants are not impacted by this change.

The GNWT made every effort to work collaboratively with the Fort Resolution Housing Authority to address areas of concern, the decision to place it under Administration became necessary to protect housing services and ensure stability.

The GNWT will collaborate closely with the Administrator to uphold its mission of providing fair access to quality housing support for those most in need. The long-term goal is to restore community-based governance and ensure the Housing Authority is equipped to meet the needs of residents.

Quote

“This decision to place the Fort Resolution Housing Authority under Administration was not made lightly. Our priority is, and will always be, the well-being of residents, because we understand how important housing is to the health and strength of a community. This step is about ensuring stability today, so that residents continue to have access to safe and affordable housing, while we work toward a strong, community-led future.  We are committed to working in partnership with the Administrator and the community to restore local governance and support progress that reflects the needs and voices of Fort Resolution.”
— Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories

Quick facts

  • The Administrator is tasked with, but not limited to, the following:
    • Provide oversight of management
    • Ensure Housing NWT policies and procedures are followed
    • Assist in the company retained to conduct the independent review of the Local Housing Authority Board’s decision-making
  • The Administrator replaces the Board of Directors of the Fort Resolution Housing Authority. The Administrator may exercise the powers and shall perform the duties of the Board under the Community Housing Services Agreement.
  • Day-to-day operations, including maintenance and rent collection, will proceed as usual.
  • There is no set timeline for how long the Administrator will be in place. However, Housing NWT will review progress every three months to assess whether conditions support a return to local governance.

Related links

For media requests, please contact:
Jeanne Gard
Manager, Communications
Housing Northwest Territories
Government of the Northwest Territories
NWTHC_Comms@gov.nt.ca

 

Please note, a previous version of this news release stated: "Once the Minister is satisfied that the issues facing the Fort Resolution Housing Authority have been resolved, the Community Housing Services Agreement provides the Minister with the authority to revoke the Administration Order and call a new election. The intent is to have an elected Chair and Board of Directors in place as soon as stability has been restored."
This is inaccurate and has been removed.