Lucy Kuptana

Member Nunakput

Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories
Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

Lucy Kuptana was elected to the 20th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories in November 2023 to represent the constituency of Nunakput, which includes the communities of Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk, and Ulukhaktok.

Immediately prior to her election, Mrs. Kuptana was the Senior Administrative Officer for the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk. She was also a director with the Tuktoyaktuk District Education Authority.

For 22 years prior, Mrs. Kuptana was the Director of Operations, Communications, and Culture with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC). In a volunteer capacity, she has served as a director of the Inuvik Homeless Shelter Society, trustee of the Arctic Inspiration Prize, president of the Inuvialuit Communications Society, director of the Inuvialuit Investment Corporation, director of the Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik Community Corporations, and a committee member for the 2023 Northern Youth Games “Inuvialuit Piuyausiat” in Tuktoyaktuk.

Originally from Aklavik and raised at her family’s bush camp in the Mackenzie Delta, Mrs. Kuptana obtained a Level II and Level III Certificate in Community Administration from Aurora College in the early 1990s and returned to graduate with a Diploma in Business Administration and Management in 2013. Mrs. Kuptana is currently enrolled with Yukon University, where she is working towards accreditation in the school’s First Nations Governance and Public Administration program.

Despite a successful career spanning decades, Mrs. Kuptana credits her parents and extended family, her husband, her two sons, and her two grandchildren. She says she owes much of her success to her family, the Elders, and those who have fought – and continue to fight – for Indigenous and Inuvialuit rights.

Mrs. Kuptana’s guiding principle is to lead with respect, empathy, knowledge, and the willingness to work hard for the constituents she represents and all residents of the Northwest Territories.

Nunakput Electoral District

Committees

Public Accounts
Nunakput
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Email
Phone
(867) 767-9143
Minister
Email
Email
Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

Statements in Debates

Question 25-20(1): Housing Northwest Territories Board Policy
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can consult with Housing NWT operation staff and the president to see if we can revise the policy for local housing associations.

Question 16-20(1): Rent Scales
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If they are interested in the homeownership program, they can contact Housing NWT district office. The program is still in existence and operating. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 16-20(1): Rent Scales
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In terms of the question of looking at the rental scale, Housing NWT is currently reviewing the rental scale as an action item for the strategic renewal exercise conducted in the 19th Assembly. So it is an action item.

Question 21-20(1): Arrears Collections from Elders
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 3)

Sorry, Mr. Speaker, I misheard the question again. If that could be repeated; I apologize.

Question 21-20(1): Arrears Collections from Elders
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We do have a number of programs available to tenants whose housing payments have fallen into arrears. There's a list of programs that I can provide the Member to provide constituents if they do have questions. But we also have a local housing association or organization and the district offices that can provide that information as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 17-20(1): Elders Housing
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the review of the core need income threshold over the next year, this will be all reviewed and that will include seniors and elders living in small remote communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 17-20(1): Elders Housing
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What we can do is we can refer this back to Housing NWT and get the information to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 17-20(1): Elders Housing
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm afraid I didn't understand the question for Housing NWT, Mr. Speaker.

Question 16-20(1): Rent Scales
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 3)

The department can work with the tenants if they're interested in homeownership options. We can set up meetings with the individual tenants if they do have that interest for that opportunity.

Question 21-20(1): Arrears Collections from Elders
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Housing NWT works very hard to consolidate the arrears and work with the clients to enter into a payment plan to pay back some of those arrears and give them that opportunity through the tenant relations office. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.