Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In October, when we did a roundtable in this House, I mentioned briefly about how a lot of our people in the North face obstacles and barriers when it comes to accessing government programs, specifically housing programs. I firmly believe there are too many barriers for our vulnerable populations, our elders, low-income, disabled, and what I have been noticing during my campaign and even during the last few weeks is that a lot of language that is used is "too complicated" and that it needs to be simpler.
I have heard countless accounts of denied program applications for housing. Before I ask this question, I have a couple of elders in mind in my hometown in Deninu Kue. They didn't make a big ask. They didn't ask for a large mansion or a large home. They asked for some simple renovations to some doors and windows that would help them save some heating costs. It costs a lot to live in the North, and they're not asking for a lot. I felt it was so undignified, the way they were treated, and I want to speak to that.
I'll ask my question to the Minister. My question to the Minister of the NWT Housing Corporation is: when is the last time the NWT Housing Corporation conducted an audit of the policies, and how often do they occur? Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Tu NedheWiilideh. Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleague for asking the question in regard to the programs and services that we offer at our smaller communities on a local level. I do understand that there has been a challenge to program delivery at the community level. Looking at what we have done in the time being to fix that, in 2017, there was a survey that was conducted. That was conducted at a local level. We also had a summit that was held in Inuvik, as well.
With all of that information, it collaborated into changes within our policies, as well, too. We did make changes to work with our elders in the smaller communities, to enhance our programs and services that we are able to offer. Going forward, I look forward to working and reviewing this document and using it within the next four years. I also reflect on the past government. They had the initiative, and they went to all 32 communities in the Northwest Territories to collaborate that information, to work with those programs and services to develop a new strategy for the next government.
Again, just to follow up with that, I'm just trying to wrap my head around this. What concrete changes within the NWT Housing Corporation have occurred since the last audit? Mahsi cho.
Since the survey has been conducted, we did make changes to the Community Housing Initiative Program, the seniors aging-in-place repairs, fuel tank replacements, changes to the students in public housing policies, transfers of emergency overnight shelters from ECE, community housing plans, community stability working pilot project, senior planning studies, family home transfer programs, new home programs, customer service, and training.
Going forward, I would just like to really speak about the survey that was completed. The survey came from the people at the local community level, and working with that document will significantly have changes in the future to our programs. Thank you.
One last question, and I don't expect a response right away on this, but, just from what you're telling me, it would be nice to know what some other key indicators would be. My last question is: I would like to ask for some stats on the number of applications and the number of denials in terms of program requests, housing program requests, by community. Mahsi cho.
I don't have that information right now, but I will collaborate that information, get it together, and I will get back to you. Thank you.
Thank you, Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.
