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Madam Speaker, Housing Northwest Territories marks its 50th year.  With our Strategic renewal underway, Housing NWT is seeking to make improvements to the way we do business, and in particular focus on building and establishing stronger partnerships.
Leading up to National Housing Day on November 22, I would like to share with you some exciting things happening as well as celebrating the people who have made a difference in supporting Housing’s work over the years.

Madam Speaker, in previous statements I have shared with this House the changes that we are making to improve our approaches under the renewal, including our focus on collaboration with Indigenous governments. With our new mandate, and a commitment to reconciliation and collaborating with Indigenous governments on their own housing priorities, we believe we are well positioned to work together into the future for the benefit of all NWT residents who require housing supports.

Madam Speaker, as I have said many times in this House, the housing crisis cannot be solved by Housing alone.  While recent federal funding announcements have led to many new and exciting projects, I also want to recognize the many community-based organizations that have worked with Housing NWT over the years to address unique needs in their community.  Housing has a small program called the Community Housing Initiative program, and through that program we have supported organizations with engaging support to develop their Community Housing Plans, we have seen organizations work to create housing solutions for their staff housing needs, and we have seen organizations work to support the homeowners in their communities by doing much needed furnace servicing and building ramps for seniors in need. 

These local organizations, with support from Housing NWT, have supported the local needs and priorities in their communities.  Now, with the significant amount of federal funding flowing to Indigenous governments across the NWT, I only see opportunities for these partnerships and supports to grow and multiply.

While the Renewal is about positioning ourselves for the future, it is also important to recognize our history. In the past 50 years that the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, now Housing NWT, has existed, it has been supporting Northerners with housing needs.  To do this, there have always been dedicated and passionate employees behind the scenes, working for the residents of our communities.   

On National Housing Day, I want to celebrate the hard work and perseverance of so many individuals, past and present, who have worked for our Local Housing Organizations, our District offices and our offices here in Yellowknife.  There are also many Board members, and contractors who have been involved in housing at the local level.  Many of these individuals have gone above and beyond in carrying out their duties.  I have heard stories about employees helping flood victims safely evacuate their homes, helping fire victims find a safe place to spend the night, and helping clients navigate government programs and services.  Housing NWT is composed of dedicated individuals whose hard work changes lives and improves communities. As we mark our 50th anniversary, we will be highlighting some of these incredible employees.

Madam Speaker, we want residents of the NWT to mark this anniversary with us.  Housing NWT is encouraging our local housing offices to have community-based celebrations to mark National Housing Day on
November 22 and acknowledge the 50th Anniversary of Housing NWT.  Whether they hold open houses, throw a feast, hold a skating event at their arena, we are hopeful that these community events will provide an opportunity to celebrate all that the local Housing Board and organizations do to support housing programs in their community.

I am pleased to announce that Housing NWT is working towards developing educational grants, that will be awarded annually to NWT students entering a field related to housing.  Housing NWT already strongly supports the development of apprentices across the NWT in the maintenance trades.  These scholarships will provide additional support for those who are entering into fields of study related to housing services.  Details for this initiative are currently being developed, such as how students will be able to apply, and how the recipients will be selected.  I look forward to sharing those details in advance of the launch of the applications process.

Madam Speaker, Housing NWT feels strongly that it has and will continue to play a significant role in the development of housing capacity across many fields in the NWT like maintenance, architecture, engineering, property management, and Board development.  It is our hope that these new educational grants will encourage future generations to follow their passions and pursue excellence. 

As Housing NWT advances its renewal strategy, I will continue to work with our federal partners, Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, community governments, and stakeholders to make housing across the territory more affordable and accessible to those who need it most.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.