Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I wanted to talk about the repair and renovation programs offered by the NWT Housing Corporation. Over the past few years, I’ve had elders, seniors on pension and those with disabilities contacting me that part of the programming that the Housing Corporation offers comes with a co-pay portion and the minimum co-pay portion is about $500. It’s very, very difficult for those on pension and low income to even come up with that type of co-pay portion.
As an example, in Wrigley there was an elder who needs their water tank replaced. Typically in Yellowknife it would be about $1,500, but with the labour involved it adds up to about $5,000 in Wrigley alone and the co-pay portion is about $1,200. They’re living in a remote community with a high cost of living and they cannot make this co-pay portion. It is actually a burden on them and, as well, anybody with disabilities.
Just perusing the NWT Housing Corporation website, they say co-pay may be required, depending on household income, but the program that’s being offered is co-pay is necessary. So that’s a far cry from the guidelines that are listed on our website.
At the appropriate time I will be asking the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation about how do we best serve our seniors and our elders and those with disabilities in accessing our NWT Housing Corporation home and repair program. Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The Member for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny.
