Debates of October 19, 2007 (day 2)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to just follow up on my Member’s statement, too, with regard to the government’s previous decision to turn the housing subsidy over to Education, Culture and Employment. I know that the government, in its infinite wisdom, thought that was one of the best ideas since sliced bread in the last Assembly to centralize services. But I know it is not working. I am sure they know it is not working. I have a friend back home who likes to play on words. They go from affordable and accessible to unaffordable and inaccessible programming in the NWT Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Premier to give me assurance, and my constituents, that this is a recognizable issue and that they will seek to address this issue or re-address it, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 3-16(1): Housing And Income Support Issues In The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, again, that is the beauty of our system of government. Only in consensus, when there are issues that come across the table, we will work with the committees in ensuring that we make the best necessary steps proceeding forward of concerns. We have heard those concerns. Is the program in need of revamping? Is it a total review? Is it a matter of adjustments or is it just a matter of ensuring that departments get their clear marching orders and told to get the job done? As I have committed to, I am prepared to work with Members and come up with a solution that would best impact the Northwest Territories' residents. Of course, we all have to live within the resources we have. That is going to be a challenge to all Members, to help in formulating the direction we go and what levels of programming we can set in place for our residents. I am prepared to work with Members, as well as the Cabinet Ministers, on coming up with the right solutions for residents of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 3-16(1): Housing And Income Support Issues In The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Premier for that answer. I don’t think, in this case, it is an issue of throwing more money at the Housing Corporation. I think this is the case of correcting a mistake that the government made. I think that government should look at this decision of centralizing income security programs, especially this when…

Do you have a question, Mr. Menicoche?

Mr. Speaker, I would like the Premier to state again his assurance that he will look at this issue.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 3-16(1): Housing And Income Support Issues In The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am definitely getting my exercise today on this box.

---Laughter

Thank you. The matter of the issue is -- and I agree with the Member; it is not all about money -- it is about coordination and how we get that done and setting clear targets and results from those targets. I expect, as we proceed down this path, that we are going to work hard and make sure the targets we set are reasonable and can be achieved. We will measure ourselves against those targets. Ultimately, it is going to be a challenge. As I have committed, we are ready to sit down and work with Members in these areas of importance across the Northwest Territories. Again, I am prepared to sit down with Members as we all get our new assignments and work together in ensuring we can provide the best level of services we are able to in the environment we are in. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 3-16(1): Housing And Income Support Issues In The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just returning to affordable and accessible housing, is the Premier aware that elders no longer have a housing program? Is he aware that people with low income are not eligible for housing programs? Where are they going to get this help, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 3-16(1): Housing And Income Support Issues In The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let’s be clear; the fact is that we have not shut down housing for seniors. We have not shut down housing for those with low income or are on income support. Those are still available to residents across the Northwest Territories. There has been a change in the programming level and that coordination between the Housing Corporation and ECE. We need to have a review to see, in fact, why we are having problems in communities.

As was said across the floor in statements earlier, the fact is we also hear from our constituents in the Northwest Territories. Along with you, we are working together to serve the interests of the people. We have heard about the line-ups or in fact those that were in housing who never had a problem with arrears before, now suddenly have a problem with arrears. We are going to have to look and review how this is implemented and ensure it is done right. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 3-16(1): Housing And Income Support Issues In The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I respectfully disagree with the Premier. I do have elders and low income people not accessing the programs. I have one final point, Mr. Speaker. Can this government consider looking at changing the Housing Corporation from a business entity into a housing department which can better serve the public of the NWT? Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 3-16(1): Housing And Income Support Issues In The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, that is the beauty of our system, consensus government. As we sit down and look at the priorities of the 16th Legislative Assembly, if it is agreeable by Members of this Assembly that we take a serious look at how that is structured and how it may be restructured, that is something that we will work together on. I will commit to working with Members on looking at the effectiveness and efficiency of government across the board. Thank you.

---Applause