Debates of May 11, 2007 (day 5)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today, I spoke about my constituent, Ms. Carmen Tees, who is in the gallery today who is suffering from MS, as well as depression, austio arthritis, sleep apnea, and she’s shut in most of the year. She is not allowed to move into the new apartment building that is barrier free because she has a cat. Mr. Speaker, I have two small points to make. The Yellowknife Housing Authority has made a no pet policy for this building and that is a human rights breach. Mr. Speaker, I would like to hear the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation position of whether the NWT recognizes medical therapeutic, other benefits companion pets can provide our elderly and disabled constituents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 60-15(6): Pet Policy In Disabled Housing

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We certainly respect and recognize the use of animals, pets, if you want to call them that, who are considered to be service providers. For example, a seeing eye dog. But in terms of companion pets, I really don’t know, Mr. Speaker, that the Housing Corporation has a position on that.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 60-15(6): Pet Policy In Disabled Housing

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, I have letters that have been sent in from doctors, clinical therapists, even the former president of the Housing Corporation and directors of the Housing Corporation that have all said in a timely way they will make sure she gets a unit. By the way, Ms. Tees was one of the genesis clients to go out there to find out what they need for a disabled building to suit disabled people’s needs. So, Mr. Speaker, will the Minister of the Housing Corp go back and have this policy reviewed in a fair way, because it’s my opinion that it’s a human rights breach? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 60-15(6): Pet Policy In Disabled Housing

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is the Yellowknife Housing Authority that is responsible for the policies with regard to the management of the units that the Member is referring to. Mr. Speaker, it’s their policy decision. I will ensure that they have knowledge of the Member’s concern and that they take it into consideration. But we have to keep in mind they are responsible for managing the units. They have the authority to set the policies and we don’t want to interfere in something that is their authority. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 60-15(6): Pet Policy In Disabled Housing

Mr. Speaker, if I can refer without reading them, I have two NWT Housing Corp letters, one from the president and one from the director of policy and programs, instructing the Yellowknife Housing Authority to accommodate this constituent as soon as any facility becomes available that is absolutely suitable. Mr. Speaker, we have an eight-plex next door right out her front window, Mr. Speaker, or side window, sorry. The fact is it’s there and now they have obstructed her entering this building because she has a cat. Are they afraid of a little cat, for goodness sakes, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Speaker, will the Minister of the Housing Corporation go back and tell the housing authority to let this woman in, because it is an absolute necessity for her well-being to have this cat in there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 60-15(6): Pet Policy In Disabled Housing

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not sure they are afraid of a cat, but they might be.

Mr. Speaker, I will make sure that they are aware of the issue that the Member has raised. But as I said before, this is their authority. They are the Yellowknife Housing Authority. They have the right to set the policies. They have no right to break human rights legislation or rights, but, Mr. Speaker, they have to take into consideration the needs of all of the tenants in the units that they occupy. I will make sure they are aware of this concern. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 60-15(6): Pet Policy In Disabled Housing

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Minister’s position on the fact that they are not allowed to breach human rights. So, Mr. Speaker, I would like to get a commitment from the Minister today because we own the buildings and we can set policy, territorial-broad policy, not just one housing authority, all housing authorities. I would like him to agree today that he will go in and investigate this problem and make sure that we do not have to march down to the Human Rights Commission office downtown to make sure this lady gets into this unit, because she absolutely deserves to be there. Even the Housing Corp president has mentioned that and the director has mentioned that she should be in this building. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 60-15(6): Pet Policy In Disabled Housing

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said, this is within the jurisdiction of the Yellowknife Housing Authority. I will make sure they are aware of the concern the Member has raised. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.