Debates of November 28, 2007 (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to direct my questions today to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Going back to my Member’s statement on the transfer of rental assessments back to NWT Housing Corporation, I’d like to ask the Minister, there’s been a lot of concerns regarding this and it’s coming from constituents, it’s coming from a lot of people. I’d like to ask the Minister if a review has been done of the transfer of rental assessments to ECE from the Housing Corp? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.

Return To Question 38-16(1): Transfer Of Rental Assessment To NWTHC

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, I appreciate the Minister’s question in this area because it is a growing concern in the communities. We are serving 33 communities and there is currently a review that is taking place at this time. We have initiated community consultation with the regional representatives, LHOs at the community level, and right now they’re touring the South Slave area the 26th and 27th of this month. So that will wrap up our discussion with the communities and the committee will be meeting early in December and discuss those issues and concerns and come out with a solution to move forward. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 38-16(1): Transfer Of Rental Assessment To NWTHC

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to thank the Minister for that information. I’d also like to ask him who is conducting the review. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 38-16(1): Transfer Of Rental Assessment To NWTHC

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are various parties involved. We are involved as the ECE department with local regional representatives, the communities, LHOs, local housing authorities. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 38-16(1): Transfer Of Rental Assessment To NWTHC

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following the review, if it’s recommended that the transfer be brought back to the NWT Housing Corporation, will the department honour that recommendation and transfer it back to the Housing Corporation? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 38-16(1): Transfer Of Rental Assessment To NWTHC

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we will be reviewing the document that will be produced and the consultation with the Members around the table, and then proceed forward because we have to consider also priorities and planning, the strategic plan for the next four years. So we have to take that into consideration, as well. So we will be reviewing the document that will be presented to us and then at that time we will have a clear direction. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Final supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 38-16(1): Transfer Of Rental Assessment To NWTHC

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister again for the information and my final question I’d like to ask the Minister is that he said they’re doing a review. I’d like to know if the tenants are part of the review process, because they’re the ones most affected. Who will have the ultimate decision as to whether this program is transferred back now? Will it be the department or the tenants themselves? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 38-16(1): Transfer Of Rental Assessment To NWTHC

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, the tenants will be consulted and the present summaries of the surveys will be available to them mid-December. Mahsi.