Debates of February 27, 2020 (day 10)

Date
February
27
2020
Session
19th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
10
Members Present
Hon. Frederick Blake Jr, Mr. Bonnetrouge, Hon. Paulie Chinna, Ms. Cleveland, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Ms. Green, Mr. Jacobson, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Lafferty, Hon. Katrina Nokleby, Mr. Norn, Mr. O'Reilly, Ms. Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Rocky Simpson, Hon. Diane Thom, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek
Topics
Statements

Question 102-19(2): Arnica Inn Transitional Housing Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Arnica project is a good project in that it brings in federal dollars. The other thing it does is: it will create employment and also provide some opportunities for contractors. Most importantly, it provides 42 extra beds for people who need housing. Mr. Speaker, I have asked the Minister of housing if she will commit her department to develop a policy setting a process that would ensure future proponents accessing federal housing programs are provided timely assistance with completing such applications. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With this new federal funding that is rolling out with the $60 million co-investment fund, it is a new set of money, and it does come with a unique approach. We are willing to work with people within the Northwest Territories to complete their applications and to assist them the best that we can.

In Hay River, the family support centre is trying to, over the past the couple of years, they have been trying to get a housing project off the ground, and again, non-profit limited resources and running into a bit of a problem. I know the Housing Corporation has been assisting, but will the Minister of housing structure the department to assist the Hay River Family Support Centre with their co-investment application, as well?

Yes. The Housing Corporation, we are there to help and assist with the application process. It is quite lengthy. I just want to explain to the Member, as well, that this is a federal program. It is offered through CMHC, and we don't even see the applications. It would be two different approaches, that the family support centre in Hay River would be working solely with CMHC and their representative, and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, we are here as a support system for people of the Northwest Territories to access this program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.