Mr. Speaker, housing costs are a major component of the cost of living, which we all know is very high here in the Northwest Territories. Bringing those costs down is a priority. The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation will be putting out a housing engagement survey that will help us find out how we can design and deliver programs that better meet people’s housing needs.
The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation’s current strategic plan, Building for the Future, was created based on feedback received from residents. That feedback let us make changes to several of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation’s programs and activities in order to improve housing conditions in the Northwest Territories.
Although changes were made, people still have difficulty obtaining and retaining housing. As well, the Northwest Territories has a core need of 20% compared to a national average of 13%. This prompted a need to complete a thorough review of all policies and programs based on input from those using and providing the programs to ensure they are meeting the needs of residents in an effective, efficient and appropriate manner.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is conducting a survey entitled Engagement on Strategic Action Renewal. This new survey will continue to build on previous positive changes by getting further public input. This engagement survey will help the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation deliver on the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly through a complete review of all policies and programs and a renewal of its strategic actions for the coming years.
Mr. Speaker, there are many families in Yellowknife who struggle to obtain and retain housing. Community visits have provided the opportunity to listen to community and Aboriginal governments, as well as community members, regarding housing issues. Members have also raised housing concerns on behalf of their constituents. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs lists food, clothing and shelter as basic critical needs to people’s wellbeing. Housing is a key component in people’s ability to thrive. In the Northwest Territories, safe housing is especially important in light of the remoteness of our communities and our housing programs need to support people as they work towards self- reliance.
A recurring theme throughout the community tours has been people telling me about their housing issues, explaining that their situation is different than others. This reinforces the belief that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing housing issues in the Northwest Territories. Hearing from communities, including community organizations and Aboriginal governments, through this survey, about the solutions to housing they see in their communities is critical. While housing is complex, be assured that this survey will assist in ensuring that the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation plans coincide with the goals and strengths of each individual community and work towards stable housing for all residents of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, this survey will help the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation ensure its’ policies and programs are meeting the needs of residents and ensure that we are meeting the goal of providing affordable, adequate and suitable housing for all Northwest Territories residents.
This survey will ensure that best practice principles are met in that the people who utilize the services will define their own housing needs and define their own solutions to address these needs.
The survey will be distributed to Members this week for their input into the questions and format. It will then be distributed via survey monkey, paper format, and through personal assistance through Local Housing Organizations and Government Service Officers. Please, take part in the survey and help the Housing Corporation focus its short-term activities on creative housing solutions and investments - which is especially important in these challenging fiscal times – and on long-term solutions as we work towards creating strong and sustainable housing for residents and communities.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.