Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation continues to work with the local housing organizations (LHOs) in their rent collection efforts under the Public Housing Program. This work is intended to increase collection of rent and rental arrears. These funds are reinvested in community housing.
Mr. Speaker, the success of the Public Housing Program depends on a partnership between the Housing Corporation, LHOs and tenants. If each does their part, it contributes to the sustainability of the program and reduces the cost of living to Northwest Territories residents and it also contributes to the overall sustainability, vibrancy and safety of communities, one of the goals of this Assembly.
As Members are aware, public housing arrears have accumulated over a number of years. They are now a significant challenge to us and to communities in our efforts to address housing needs.
We recognize that the long-term solution to housing relies on partnerships with communities and individuals, and an understanding that addressing arrears is a shared responsibility. We also believe that our approach must be fair and equitable, recognizing that many of our public housing tenants have faithfully paid their rents for many years. We work closely with tenants so they can stay in their homes. We counsel them and help them to develop repayment plans.
Local housing organizations are doing excellent work in delivering the Public Housing Program. Although some LHOs continue to face challenges, the NWTHC and LHOs are working together to ensure a common and consistent approach. Most LHOs have improved their assessment and collection rates. In just the last year, monthly assessments have increased from 65 to 90 percent. We also have approximately six LHOs that have a collection rate of over 100 percent, reflecting collections of both monthly payments and arrears. We expect that our year-end financial statements will show a strong correlation between improvements in rent assessments and collections.
But it is still a challenge in some communities. We need to make sure that all of our tenants are aware that their rent is an investment in their community.
Mr. Speaker, it is encouraging to see that more and more tenants are choosing to work with our LHOs in order to succeed and remain in their homes. The majority of tenants pay their rent on a regular basis and I want to thank them for continuing to work with their community LHOs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.
