Mr. Speaker, today I'm going to be talking about land transfer or title transfer. I want to draw some attention to a problem people face getting certificates of title transferred in Tlicho region.
Mr. Speaker, there are people in my riding who are living in houses on land they should rightfully own but they cannot get a certificate of title to prove their ownership. There are about over 50 members in Tlicho region. They live in a house for over 20 years with no legal title of ownership. This then would make the person or a person, people, a squatter, and this is a shame. There's over 50 of them in my region alone. Some constituents have said that their house, a house without any liens or mortgages, that they lived for years -- that they have lived in it for years which would qualify for community home repairs, is still in the name of deceased parents.
I have heard from elders who wish to transfer title for their house to family members while they are still able to do so, but they need support to navigate the system, whether that means help with the land titles office, the Department of Justice, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. Mr. Speaker, my constituents say they were told to get a lawyer to deal with these matters, but people need more directions and they need money to pay for legal fees. It's range from $10,000 to $40,000 to settle a land title claim. The land titles office does not issue leases or grant title to property. It is responsible only for the registration of ownership to privately owned surveyed land.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the Government of the Northwest Territories has different programs in place to help with these types of problems, but residents need more information and more help. Mr. Speaker, I will be preparing a written question for the Minister of Justice on this matter. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements.
