Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation runs a program called CARE, Contributing Assistance for Repairs and Enhancements. When residents use the CARE program they can access up to a hundred thousand in a forgivable loan to help them make major repairs and renovations to their homes. Access of these funds helps Northerners make sure that their homes can be safe and healthy residences and that their homes can be maintained for the full lifespan of the building. The Housing Corporation also offers additional assistance to help people with disabilities improve accessibility in their homes.
Mr. Speaker, I want the Housing Corporation to know that this program is very helpful in our communities, but that doesn't mean that there's no room for improvement. Complex and inflexible rules are seeing elders' debts to the Housing Corporation passed on to their families when elders pass away. I've seen this growing issue impact residents in my riding, Mr. Speaker. An elder may use their will to leave their home to a family member, but if that elder has an outstanding loan with the Housing Corporation that family member is expected to pay the loan in full. This can be difficult to accomplish, especially when loans range from whether it's $3,000 to $80,000. That's not small change, Mr. Speaker, that's a lot of money; big money that was once part of a forgivable loan.
Later I'll have questions for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation on the work being done to revise and improve the CARE program and its policies. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.
