Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to the issue of board reform, specifically how it will impact on the delivery of housing programs and services at the community, regional and territorial level.
As Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, my priority is to ensure that every community in our Territory receives support to improve its housing conditions. For nearly 35 years, local housing organizations have been the primary source of community input on housing matters and have been critical partners of the Housing Corporation in the delivery of programs and services. As other Members of this Assembly have noted, LHOs have done a commendable job throughout their history, and the commitment and service of board members and employees of these organizations need to be recognized.
As Minister Miltenberger indicated in an earlier statement, board reform is not about suggesting that the boards aren’t working hard to deliver programs and services. It is about reviewing how we serve clients who access multiple services from the GNWT. Public housing clients are often the same residents who access income support, education and career development services, and no matter what the final outcome of this review may be, the GNWT needs to better develop its case management approach to ensure that those residents who require support from multiple service areas are served in the most efficient manner possible.
It should also be pointed out that the delivery of housing at the community level is also being considered as part of our review of infrastructure services. As Members are aware, the Housing Corporation and the departments of Public Works and Services and Transportation are currently reviewing how infrastructure will be delivered in our communities. These efforts are intended to find areas where collaboration and better coordination can improve how we plan for, acquire and maintain roads, schools, hospitals and housing in our communities.
These are important linkages between the infrastructure review and board reform. Together, both processes will consider best practices for how we deliver housing at the community level, and decisions made within one review must give consideration to what is being discussed through the other.
Mr. Speaker, these reform initiatives are at the information gathering stage, and consultations with stakeholders are ongoing. I am pleased to inform this House that I will be meeting with the chairs and managers of all LHOs in March to gather their feelings on board governance and service delivery options. I am looking forward to a good discussion with these individuals.
Ultimately, Mr. Speaker, structural change of this magnitude deserves a full and open dialogue with all stakeholders prior to proceeding. Together with my Cabinet colleagues, I am committed to do just that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
