Mr. Speaker, strengthening relationships with Indigenous governments is a priority of this Legislative Assembly and a key objective in Housing NWT's renewal strategy, so I am pleased to announce the formation of the NWT Housing Forum as another step toward this goal.
As we have been rolling out changes to Housing NWT's policies, programs, and ways of doing business through our renewal strategy, we have been guided by the Council of Leaders Housing Working Group. The working group told us clearly that it wanted to see more permanent venues to allow NWT governments to collaborate and share information on housing.
Mr. Speaker, we listened, and the result is the NWT Housing Forum, a body cochaired by an Indigenous government and Housing NWT. Based on a proposal brought forward by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the NWT Housing Forum replaces the working group, The structure of the Council of Leaders Leaders through reporting and eligibility for members while providing a more practical and broader focus on the subject matters of housing.
Mr. Speaker, the forum will meet four times a year and inperson. A housing symposium will also be held in Northwest Territories communities every second year. The Indigenous government cochair with an alternative and will be selected every two years by consensus of Indigenous governments members.
Mr. Speaker, this guided body will share information, discuss and advocate for improvements and changes to the NWT Housing's system and allows members to share their own housingrelated plans and activities, and find opportunities for collaboration. The forum also provides an opportunity for Members to interact collaboratively with the federal government on housingrelated matters, especially when speaking with one voice is very important.
Mr. Speaker, addressing the housing needs of the Northwest Territories is something that one government cannot do alone. Formalizing this group as the new NWT Housing Forum will build an already strong foundation and ensure Indigenous governments have a strong voice in the housing needs of their communities.
Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT's renewal is an ongoing initiative and Housing NWT will use this forum to seek input and guidance from members on future changes to programs, policies, and legislation relating to these matters within Housing NWT's mandate as well as provided an important ongoing venue for multilateral housing discussions between Housing NWT and NWT Indigenous governments, and any other groups they wish to include in this discussion. Having the Indigenous governments at the table and leading the discussions on how best to improve housing situations in the Northwest Territories is an example of reconciliation, collaboration, and will lead to improvements throughout the Northwest Territories. The NWT Housing Forum will hold its first official meeting on June 9th to confirm the selection of the Indigenous governments to colead. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Ministers' statements. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Infrastructure.
