Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this government has committed to working in partnership with other governments to address affordable housing requirements in support of their service delivery to Northwest Territories residents. The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has made progress in meeting this mandate commitment in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement that reflects our shared goals of affordable, adequate, and suitable housing for Inuvialuit and residents of the region as a whole, as well as improving the economic and social well-being of the region’s people.
The agreement, officially signed September 4, 2018, will see the Inuvialuit construct 34 public housing replacement units in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region this year and next, with support from the federal government under their Indigenous Housing Strategy.
Once constructed, these units are turned over to the Housing Corporation for a nominal price. They will replace aging public housing units that have reached the end of their useful lives, that are not energy-efficient, and that have become too expensive to maintain.
To date, 12 units have been constructed in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This includes a four-plex project in Tuktoyaktuk, a six-plex in Inuvik, and, most recently, a duplex in Aklavik.
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the Inuvik six-plex. I am proud of the quality of work by our partners that went into the units and the benefits the project brought to the community in terms of housing, skills development, and economic opportunities.
Work has started on the other projects, with most expected to be completed by February 2019. Land has been identified and provided to the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation to incorporate into their plans.
These projects will stimulate economic development in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region by adding important social infrastructure, supporting local and regional businesses, and creating a wide range of training opportunities.
I am glad that the Government of the Northwest Territories has been able to work together with the Inuvialuit to forge this important partnership. The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation is truly a valued partner. Moving forward, Northerners will reap the benefits of affordable housing through this partnership for many years to come. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.
