Debates of February 3, 2006 (day 22)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation. As well, I am pleased to see that Housing was, indeed, addressed in the budget speech with respect to building new affordable housing units in 14 of our small communities.

I have always been advocating that, over in Fort Liard, we had one of the most severe housing shortages and coupled with the mould problem, Mr. Speaker. I just would like to know what exactly is the department going to do to have some funds directed in that direction to renovate those homes and bring in some new additional units? The community has been asking for six-plex type units and single housing units. Are we going to address those in this budget, Mr. Speaker, or are we going to allocate any funds to relieve those conditions there? Mahsi cho.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Krutko.

Return To Question 335-15(4): Affordable Housing Units For Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in regards to Fort Liard, we have had a problem with the Kotaneelee units. We have put $1 million in there to do renovations of the units. We have completed four. We have had meetings with the municipality, the hamlet and the band council for them to conclude the remaining six units. But in this year’s budget, we are looking at allocating five more units into Fort Liard. With that and ongoing funding, we hope to address the housing needs in Fort Liard.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 335-15(4): Affordable Housing Units For Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just with respect to Kotaneelee houses, I am sure glad that we are going to spend a lot of effort on renovating those homes. However, there are many other homes that do have mould infestation problems. I just might add too, Mr. Speaker, that in a lot of the homes, there is lots of overcrowding in Fort Liard. We have to address this and soon. Particularly with mould, we are going to have to…It can be, and is, a serious health problem at times. I know that the Housing Corporation went on public record last year saying that one way to address the mould problem is with a cleaning solution, but that is not the solution that people are wanting to hear, Mr. Speaker. I would like to know what other efforts the Housing Corporation will direct to address this problem. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Krutko.

Further Return To Question 335-15(4): Affordable Housing Units For Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have identified dollars in the upcoming budget to deal with emergency cases, such as Fort Liard mould and other situations, to make improvements to bring our houses up to the standard that is liveable. There are dollars allocated in the budget in which we will be reviewing next week. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 335-15(4): Affordable Housing Units For Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just would like to know if the Housing Corporation is going to the communities and asking for further input. Quite often, they keep saying that the Housing Corporation has to change its ways, that they are doing business in the communities and the homemade solution is the best. I know the corporation made a recent visit into Fort Liard to address some of these housing concerns. What direction will the Housing Corporation take? What other support will they be providing the community of Fort Liard? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Krutko.

Further Return To Question 335-15(4): Affordable Housing Units For Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have been working with the community of Fort Liard. The leadership in the community is in the process of establishing a community housing board to deal with these housing issues, and that will establish an officer to work with the community to take on more of that responsibility. Right now, it is administered pretty well out of Fort Simpson. By doing that, we will devolve more of that authority to that community and allow them to make decisions with housing. We are working with the community leaders, the hamlet, the band council, and also proceeding with establishing a local housing authority there which will improve the housing access to people in Fort Liard right in the community. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Your final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 335-15(4): Affordable Housing Units For Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to hear that answer. Housing is very near and dear to all of the constituents in my riding and particularly in Fort Liard. With respect to the mould problem, is there any indication by the Housing ministry of developing a program specific to the mould? I know that other communities in my riding are coming forward and saying, look, I have that same kind of problem. Does the housing program have any type of programs to assist me with cleaning it out or retrofitting my house and getting rid of the constant mould problem, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Krutko.

Further Return To Question 335-15(4): Affordable Housing Units For Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we do have various programs at their disposal for people to apply. One of them is emergency repair programs. It falls within that category. We will be able to assist. We have done an in-depth report on the mould problem in Fort Liard, so we are in the process of dealing with that, starting off with the Kotaneelee housing. But there are programs available to residents of Fort Liard to apply, especially the emergency repair funding. With is there. By that process, they can access that through that program. Thank you.