Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.] We have the will to resolve this problem. We have a new 18th Legislative Assembly, one which appears committed to making positive changes. Today I am asking the GNWT to demonstrate the political will needed to get people into these vacant houses without further delay. If the problem lies with the eligibility criteria for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Home Ownership Program, then change the criteria. The program should meet the needs of the people living on the Hay River Reserve not the other way around. If this won't work, then convert these vacant units to social housing units so that people meeting the criteria for social housing programs can get into them. If the problem lies with land tenure, then work with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada to re-designate the lots that the houses sit on so that those parcels of land may become lease lands. Above all, work with the K'atl'odeeche First Nation to get this matter resolved and get people into these houses while the houses are still serviceable.
The band is in the process of negotiating issues of jurisdiction and governance on the reserve. If the band is willing and able to resume responsibility for funding housing on the reserve rather than having it flow through the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, they should be supported to do so. After all, the provision and management of housing on reserve lands is the responsibility of most First Nations in southern Canada. I urge the GNWT to work with the band and Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development Canada to maybe sort out the jurisdictional matters related to these houses, re-classify the empty units as public social housing if possible, and make them available to band members as soon as possible. Masi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members, I would like to draw your attention to the visitors in the gallery. We have Yellowknives Dene Chief Edward Sangris, here with us. Welcome.
---Applause
