Debates of June 2, 2021 (day 78)

Date
June
2
2021
Session
19th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
78
Members Present
Hon. Diane Archie, Hon. Frederick Blake Jr., Mr. Bonnetrouge, Hon. Paulie Chinna, Ms. Cleveland, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Hon. Julie Green, Mr. Jacobson, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Lafferty, Ms. Martselos, Ms. Nokleby, Mr. O'Reilly, Ms. Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek
Topics
Statements

Oral Question 747-19(2): State of Housing in Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like  today my questions  or my Member statement was on housing. You know, we have the overcrowding. We have houses that are sitting dormant. We have old housing that needs in dire need of repair. I'd like to ask the Minister if she's willing to commit to doing a constituency tour with me to see firsthand and hear it from the people on what's happening with the community and the housing situation that we're in. And when we're doing that tour, to bring a staff member to travel with her to see what's needed, like ordering windows and doors and that. I don't have very many houses in my riding in Nunakput, but I think what we could do is do a list because I know MTS is going to be coming and getting ready for the barging season and hopefully we could do it before then and get if they don't have that information already to do the proper renovations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Minister responsible for Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I will commit to go into Nunakput to do a constituency with the MLA. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to that day.

Can the Minister provide an update regarding the summer retrofit programs in renovation season specifically for Nunakput before MTS day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did receive a list from my department. Currently we have in Ulukhaktok we have four units, Paulatuk four units, Sachs Harbour two, and Tuk nine as well. I also requested from my department the activity that had happened over the past five years, and it's quite detailed and I will provide that to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I should have asked her last week, it's so good news. Now we need windows and doors, Mr. Speaker, and insulation for the floors. You know, I really  this last about a month ago, you know, I really got a disturbing text message in regards to Sachs Harbour, one of the housing members there that's really going through a tough time. The house is in really dire need of repair. I really look forward to seeing him and the individuals that sent that message in regards to bring the Minister to hear it from them as well to get the problem fixed.

The renovation, can the Minister make sure that we're committing to local contractors in the communities, the work that's provided that's being put out for renovations, making sure they're local content. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Working with Indigenous partnership is a priority of our department and my leadership as Minister as well. When we had announced the $60 million coinvestment and the allocation of the government's 25.5 million, all Indigenous leaders were consulted. So I will follow up with the Member to see if there's any interest at the community level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With all the work, for instance, in Tuktoyaktuk that's happening with regards to the housing units, they got a note from the mayor regarding the gravel haul and working together with the school and piggybacking at the same time because the gravel trucks are so wear and tear on the road in the community, and I'm hoping that they could  Housing and Minister Archie to work together to get the gravel haul at the same time if it's possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Member for the question. I will follow up with my colleague, Minister Archie. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Thebacha.