Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The lack of housing is a huge problem in many of our communities. On the other hand, there are also vacant units in some of our communities. I believe that there are also problems with access to housing that is available. That is, there is housing and there are people who need housing, but they’re not eligible for it. For example, I am told that there’s a one-year residency requirement to access some community housing programs. In general, that is fine, but what happens when someone returns to a small community and has nowhere to live? It seems that the NWT Housing Corporation expects people to couch surf in other people’s homes for a year to become eligible for housing, even if Housing Corporation units are available.
This is a barrier that discourages people from returning to their home communities where their families and cultures are the strongest. In addition, there are few market rentals for people who come to live in a small community for a time. These people need to be housed and we want to welcome them, but where are they going to live?
There’s a real need for flexibility in the way we allocate housing units. The system must fit local needs and local conditions. I think that a policy for transitional housing should be developed. It could help meet local needs and reduce vacancies in units owned by the Housing Corporation.
The Housing Corporation has made a lot of progress in the past year and improved its operations. I recognize that good work, so I’m optimistic that the corporation will work with these communities in my riding to meet their needs.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
