Mr. Speaker, I am proud of Housing NWT's successful partnerships. Housing NWT works with Indigenous governments, the federal government, non-governmental organizations, municipal and community governments, and industry, to support more homes for Northerners across the Northwest Territories.
Today, I want to highlight Housing NWT's relationship with an important, but often overlooked group of frontline workers, who deserve recognition: The dedicated staff of our local housing organizations.
If you are from a small community, you already know who they are and what they do. Local housing organizations are the property managers and skilled tradespeople who ensure tenants have a safe and secure place to live. Across the Northwest Territories, 24 of the 33 communities have local housing organizations. While local housing organizations are agents of Housing NWT, they are governed by their own board of directors. This allows the LHOs to make decisions that best serve their communities, as they have a deep understanding of their community's needs and challenges. Yet, their role involves so much more.
Increasingly, local housing organizations are playing a vital role in community safety. Not only do their staff ensure that housing units meet safety standards, including fire regulations and structural integrity, They also collaborate with the RCMP to address illegal activities in public housing and expedite the related eviction process when necessary.
This partnership helps manage illegal activities and ensures tenant safety, emphasizing a shared commitment to community well-being. While evictions are always a last resort, they are sometimes necessary. Additionally, local housing organizations play a vital role in emergency preparedness as demonstrated during the unprecedented and devastating floods, fires, and the pandemic of the past five years.
Mr. Speaker, the health and well-being of our residents is paramount to the work we do in this House. I have set a goal to work towards eliminating smoking in Housing NWT owned homes, which has received broad support from the housing forum and the 19th Legislative Assembly's Standing Committee on Social Development.
Eliminating smoking in our owned units will have positive health outcome for our residents and reduce asset damage. Smoking will not be permitted in all new buildings and in any new or amended leases for existing public housing and market rentals. This week, Housing NWT will begin engaging with LHOs on how this work can be implemented in a staged approach across all Housing NWT owned units, including public housing and market rentals. It is time for us to join all the other jurisdictions in Canada by eliminating smoking in our owned social housing units.
Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize that Housing NWT and LHOs serve vulnerable populations. Ensuring that our residents have access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing is a fundamental aspect of reconciliation and social justice. The LHOs work diligently within their means, and it is up to Housing NWT and our partners to deliver the infrastructure that their communities need. I am grateful for the dedicated staff of our local housing organizations and want to recognize their challenging and critical work. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister responsible for housing NWT. Ministers' statements. Minister for Health and Social Services.
