Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Homelessness permeates all of our communities. It comes in two forms: the problem of those who have no home at all and the problem of overcrowding in many homes. Not surprisingly, the largest number of homeless people is in Yellowknife, our largest community. Many of these people have come to Yellowknife from our smaller communities in search of services or jobs only to discover that they can’t afford the housing once they get here.
The Finance Minister’s Budget Address spoke often about economic development but did not once reference the negative aspects of that development, particularly housing. An economic boom brings new workers and their families to communities. These new workers need a place to live. If the supply of housing is limited, housing costs go up, often beyond the ability of people to pay the increased rent or purchase price for a home. As prices go up, the vacancy rates fall. Yellowknife’s vacancy rate right now is less than 1 per cent.
Limited housing options mean displaced individuals and families who have nowhere to turn when they’re down and out. Where can the following people go: women and children needing a shelter; a resident whose home has been destroyed by fire; a youth escaping an abusive home; a teenager on her own with an unplanned pregnancy.
In October of 2005 the report Homelessness in the NWT: Recommendations to Improve the GNWT Response was issued. In January 2007 the GNWT replied with the report Framework for the GNWT Response to Homelessness. In summarizing the 2005 report, the 2007 response outlines the concept of continuum of housing; identifies goals, principles, commitments, the needs of NGOs; and lists the four next steps. Has any progress been made on these four actions? Does the Minister responsible for the homeless have a plan and a budget to expand the housing continuum? Did Health and Social Services and the NWT Housing Corporation produce a Housing Needs Survey in 2007? Did Health and Social Services establish a Territorial Homelessness Emergency Funding Advisory Panel? Did the GNWT Social Program departments collaborate to improve coordination and reduce program conflicts in relation to homelessness? The 2008–2009 budget has minimal funding for the issue of homelessness. Is it a priority for this government?
Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister responsible for the homeless at the appropriate time. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
