Mr. Speaker, in the past two years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and CrownIndigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has provided over $50 million in funding support. This year Housing NWT is again delivering an exceptionally large capital program of over $104 million.
Under the federal budget 2022, Housing NWT will be receiving an additional $60 million for the delivery of 100 new public housing units. This annual capital delivery plan involves the construction and renovation of more than 510 housing units in the Northwest Territories. This plan includes investment in public housing units, hundreds of major retrofits and biomass district heating projects, and supporting the construction of some market housing units.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise that approximately 80 percent of this delivery is now either already completed or in the construction phase. To date, Housing NWT has awarded negotiated contracts to eight Indigenous governments and businesses for the delivery of 30 new housing units that were awarded to:
Delta North Alliance;
Fort Smith Metis Council;
Norman Wells Claimant Corporation;
Hay River Metis Government Council;
Liidlii Kue First Nation;
Deninu Kue First Nation;
MYB Construction in Tulita; and
Techi Limited in Deline.
Also under the Tlicho Infrastructure Cooperation Agreement, Housing NWT awarded the construction of a local housing organization office and duplexes in Behchoko and Whati.
Mr. Speaker, as part of Housing NWT's strategic renewal, Housing NWT has put a focus on engagement with Indigenous governments, and a good example is the implementation of this capital plan delivery. This engagement does not only include negotiated contract opportunities but also opportunities for Indigenous governments to directly participate in housing design and other delivery aspects such as site selection. Engagement and strong communication have been a major focus of our renewal efforts.
In addition to our own delivery, we will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous governments, community governments, and nongovernmental organizations to help them access funding through the Government of Canada’s National Housing CoInvestment Fund.
Mr. Speaker, as part of our renewal, we have taken a more clientfocused approach. The coinvestment fund application process can be very cumbersome and requires significant resources to move through the different application phases. Housing NWT's community relations advisor works closely with Indigenous governments and nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and other partners to support applicants from across the Northwest Territories as they move through this complex process. This supports Housing NWT's mandate to ensure the wellbeing of individuals and communities and assist those most in need.
Mr. Speaker, beyond the benefits of adding housing options in communities where new units are built, the economic benefits of construction delivery can provide meaningful opportunities for employment. Housing NWT is committed to working with northern contractors as much as possible in order to maximize the benefit of these projects. I am very proud of Housing NWT's track record in being able to support our local and northern businesses. 99 percent of Housing NWT's contracts were awarded to local and northern businesses during this past year’s capital delivery and similar levels of support are expected again next year.
Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT's capital plan delivery continues to support critical training and skill development opportunities for our residents.
In April 2020, Housing NWT amended its construction contracts to require general contractors to support at least one northern apprentice for the duration of the construction project. I am very pleased to advise that, in addition to the 12 apprenticeship positions that Housing NWT is supporting with local organizations, this new apprentice hire requires for general contractors to support and create 35 new apprenticeship work assignments to date.
Mr. Speaker, this coming year, we will see the completion of our partnership in building market housing units for RCMP. During the renewal conversation, Housing NWT heard that a number of partners are interested in exploring market housing delivery. As a result of those conversations, Housing NWT will soon be engaging with partners across the Northwest Territories to further explore the need for market housing units in smaller communities. Although this the delivery of housing units and repair projects will make a meaningful difference, there is still a lot of work left to be done to ensure all residents of the Northwest Territories are provided with equality and quality, affordable, housing options. By continuing to work with our partners, I am confident that we will continue to make progress towards our shared goals to be able to help the people across the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment.
