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:

• Monitoring Public Housing Allocation
  • The audit noted limited monitoring of the allocation of public housing units. Housing NWT is developing a consistent process to track unit allocations and tenant transfers. This includes working closely with Local Housing Organizations (LHOs) and District Offices to ensure decisions are fair and well-documented.
• Guidance on Applying the Point Rating System
  • To address concerns about the inconsistent application of the point rating system, Housing NWT will be updating training and tools for staff. Clearer guidance will ensure fairness in assessing housing applications and support LHOs in serving residents effectively.
• Monitoring Unit Conditions and Maintenance
  • The audit identified gaps in tracking housing conditions and maintenance. Housing NWT is enhancing systems to verify unit condition ratings. These upgrades will ensure timely and effective maintenance.
• Outcome Monitoring for Homeownership Programs
  • Housing NWT is creating performance measurement tools to evaluate homeownership programs. A new evaluation position has been established to lead this work, ensuring evidence-based decisions that help residents achieve long-term housing stability.
• Guidance on Verifying Applicant Age for Homeownership Programs
  • Procedures are being updated to provide clear guidance on verifying eligibility, including age, for homeownership programs.

These actions build on progress already made under Housing NWT’s Renewal Strategy, which has completed 31 of 42 actions to date.

Housing NWT is also advancing broader improvements and investments, including:

• Conducting a Territorial Housing Needs Assessment to better understand housing need across the NWT.
• Building 152 new social housing units planned over the life of this Assembly ($120 million investment).
• Repairing over 500 units supported by an additional $30 million investment to preserve critical housing infrastructure.

Quote

“Housing is more than a roof over our heads: it is the foundation for health, education, and economic opportunity. We know there are areas where we need to do better, and we are taking action. Housing NWT is committed to accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement, and I am committed to ensuring that Housing NWT delivers real change for Northerners.

The Auditor General’s report highlights the need for stronger monitoring, maintenance systems, and clearer processes to guide our housing programs. Our responses were included directly in the final report, reflecting the collaborative approach taken between Housing NWT and the Auditor General’s Office. We have accepted all of the recommendations and are already taking action. We must be realistic about what we can achieve with the resources available, but one thing is clear to me – we all share the same goal of more homes for Northerners, and we will continue to strengthen our systems and improve access to safe, healthy housing for all Northerners.”

- Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing NWT

Quick facts

• Housing NWT has completed 31 of 42 actions under its Renewal Strategy, with all remaining actions on track for completion during this Assembly.
• The GNWT is investing $150 million over three years to build new units and repair existing homes across the territory.
• Recent audits in Yukon and Nunavut identified similar housing challenges, underscoring the need for a coordinated federal response.

Related links

• Housing NWT Renewal Strategy
• Housing NWT Facebook Page
• Full report from the Office of the Auditor General with Housing NWT’s Responses

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