Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, November 1, 2010, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that the Legislative Assembly recommends that the NWT Housing Corporation change its programs guidelines in order to provide responsive and meaningful flexibility;

And further, that the proposed changes to guidelines should allow for the transition period, such as a gradual increase of the rent, for these tenants;

And furthermore, that the Government of the Northwest Territories shall provide a comprehensive response to...

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to know, the problems that have caused the rental arrears growing across the Territory, what happens to families who find themselves way behind on paying their rent and the situation of the Housing Corporation, a big problem in arrears with the Housing Corporation and being evicted. Thank you.

I look at all the business acquisitions that we have going on for some of the communities. I think again last year I had a commitment for Sachs Harbour in getting a unit in there. I think that obviously it’s not going to happen. I really want to work with the Minister to try to get two units in there, one for professional housing and one for the community, so we’re not so tied up for the young families and professionals that are trying to come into the community to provide a service for our people. I think if it’s possible with the Minister… I’m going to invite the Minister into the community...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. How does the Housing Corporation decide, Mr. Speaker, on what the economic rent should be in each of our communities? Thank you.

I know. We are going to pay for one. But anyways. The one four-plex that I’m asking for in the community for the young families growing up in the community, is it possible to get that into the community this year for this summer’s construction?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of this House hear no end of problems with public housing. Every community in my riding hears the same story. What really gets me, though, is when this government discourages people from working. For example, if you live in public housing in Sachs Harbour and you get a job, you’re going to pay what they call economic rent. I don’t know what economic rent is all about, because hardly anybody can afford it. We’re talking about $3,000 a month plus electricity and water for a three-bedroom house in Sachs Harbour, which could add up to $4,000 a month for a four...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The question is in regard to professional people coming into the community, doctors, nurses, teachers, and stuff, taking units away from the community. The four-plex that I’m asking for in the community for professional housing, is that program still available for professional housing to provide for outlying people coming to the communities for work?

Just in regard to that, I see on the capital plan that we have for the upcoming season, that you have some communities with five duplexes being built. Sorry, six duplexes being built. With the community of Sachs Harbour, the assessment that was done to the community I think that was not accurate. We have young families growing up needing places to stay and I think this unit, if we could get a four-plex into the community sooner rather than later, what are the chances of getting a four-plex put on this year’s business plan?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank my colleagues for all their comments and support given to this motion. Mr. Speaker, if Cabinet adopts this motion, we together could make a real change for the people that we represent. Today I ask for a recorded vote. Thank you.

My motion today is flexible transition period to rent adjustments.

WHEREAS adequate and affordable housing is the most important concern of many Northerners;

AND WHEREAS one of our collective goals is to develop homeownership and financial management skills of tenants without resorting to evictions and other drastic collections actions;

AND WHEREAS housing subsidy programs should be structured so that employment opportunities, even short-term opportunities, remain an attractive option for tenants;

AND WHEREAS the program guidelines currently require immediate increase in rent for tenants who earn...