Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last May, an early morning fire burned down one duplex, one market rental duplex unit in the community of Fort Resolution. Thankfully, nobody was hurt, and the flames were extinguished before the house were impacted. Housing NWT acted quickly to find new homes for the families who were affected by the fires, and soon two new units were brought into Fort Resolution to replace the homes that were destroyed. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the homes which Housing NWT brought into Fort Resolution to replace those units which had burned down were already bound for the community to expand their housing capacity. Community leaders understood this as well. Now, one year later after the fire, Fort Resolution is asking me when their new units will be provided to them. It's not enough to just replace what was lost when they were promised new homes for families to move into.
Fort Resolution, like many other of my communities of Tu Nedhe and across the Northwest Territories, is suffering from severe lack of housing. Many who have homes are living in buildings that are aging severely. Many more are living in conditions that deserve better.
We passed a motion last year declaring housing as a human right. Sustainability, accessibility, and affordability of housing is a top priority of this Assembly. Our Article 21 of UNDRIP, which the previous Assembly passed, states Indigenous people have the right without discrimination to improve their economic and social conditions, including housing.
When I go back to my community after this budget session, I want to bring them good news that Housing NWT is listening and prioritizing their needs and rights. I will have questions for the Minister of Housing NWT at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Members' statements.
