Sheryl Yakeleya

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak about the importance of elders and seniors within our community, families, culture, and our overall society.

Mr. Speaker, the generations of today stand on the shoulders of those that came before us. In Dene culture, Mr. Speaker, and in many other cultures, elders have historically been our knowledgeholders, our knowledgekeepers, and they provide guidance on the cultural ways and protocols.

Those who respect the elderly pave their own road to success. That is an African proverb. An elderly person at home is like a living golden treasure...

Mr. Speaker, this motion calls on the Government of the Northwest Territories to take action on housing as a human right. The motion asks the GNWT to elevate the role of Indigenous partners into the legislation. It also creates a position that is dedicated to evaluating the outcomes of Housing NWT in legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize that Housing NWT undertook a review of policies and programs in June of 2023, and this review led to a number of actions, including increasing collaboration and initiatives with Indigenous governments, improved client services and service delivery through local...

Yes, and I want a recorded vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS access to safe and adequate housing is a fundamental human right essential for the overall wellbeing and dignity of individuals;

AND WHEREAS recognizing housing as a human right is consistent with international human rights principles and obligations, including those outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;

AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada has recognized the right to adequate housing is a fundamental human...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to highlight a funfilled event happening in my constituency this weekend, K'atlodeeche First Nation, and that is the 42nd Annual K'amba Carnival. Mr. Speaker, this carnival will be taking place over four days starting tomorrow, February 29th, to Sunday, March 3rd. There will be cultural events, both indoor and outdoor, such as dog sled races, traditional games, a hand games tournament, raffle ticket prizes, and a bingo. There will also be an adult talent show with people competing for best singing and best jigging, including seniors jigging...

Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS Housing Northwest Territories has acknowledged the rate of core housing need in the Northwest Territories is significantly higher than the national rate;

AND WHEREAS core housing need in the Northwest Territories has been persistently high and has increased over time;

AND WHEREAS the lack of homes in the Northwest Territories that are suitable, adequate, or affordable contributes to the high number of homeless people in the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS homelessness is a growing challenge facing all Northwest Territories communities;

AND WHEREAS Indigenous...

Mr. Speaker, I move this motion because the Government of the Northwest Territories I want the Government of the Northwest Territories to acknowledge that housing is a fundamental human right for residents of the Northwest Territories. This has been recognized by the United Nations, by several countries including Canada.

The Government of Canada amended the National Housing Strategy Act to recognize housing as a human right. In the preamble of the National Housing Strategy Act, it reads: Housing is essential to the inherent dignity and wellbeing of a person. A national housing strategy would...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to welcome Berna Matto from Fort Providence. Berna did electoral stuff and that's why I'm probably here. And also I would like to say recognize my sisterinlaw Valerie Yakeleya Erutse. Welcome to the House.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Would the Minister be able to give me a breakdown by community how this money is spent for them by community for...