Debates of February 6, 2006 (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NWT Housing Corporation is always changing directions and my question is for Premier Handley. I’m wondering if this government has ever considered following suit and creating a department of housing whose sole mandate would be to provide safe, adequate and affordable housing? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 345-15(4): Provision Of Safe And Affordable Housing By GNWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we have considered the possibilities, but following the changes we are making with regard to social housing, the first step, in our view, is to do a review of the mandate. What should the mandate of this government be through the Housing Corporation for the future of that organization? Once we determine a new mandate, then, Mr. Speaker, as a second step, we could look more specifically at the suggestion the Member has. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 345-15(4): Provision Of Safe And Affordable Housing By GNWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The new department, based on previous numbers, would have a budget of approximately $90 million. That would go a long way to providing safe, adequate, and affordable housing. The CMHC funding is going to sunset over the next 30 years, meaning that the reason for keeping the NWT structure may no longer be needed. Would the Premier commit to taking this into consideration in creating a new department of housing whose sole mandate would be to provide safe, adequate, and affordable housing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 345-15(4): Provision Of Safe And Affordable Housing By GNWT

Mr. Speaker, we have agreed to a process for reviewing the mandate within a very specific time frame. The first task, in our view, is to go out, hear what people have to say, what MLAs have to say, what people who work in the housing authorities have to say with regard to the mandate. Following that, Mr. Speaker, then, yes, I'd be willing to take a look at what organization would be most suitable for our changing situation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.