The Minister also proposed holding an annual open meeting in every community with representatives of the local housing organization, local government, community stakeholder groups and the general public.
The purpose of the annual meeting would be to provide a forum for local residents and community leaders to raise housing issues and concerns directly with the corporation. It would also provide an opportunity for information to be shared between the corporation and members of the community at large. Since community consultations have already planned, with respect to the housing needs survey and other matters, this initiative could likely be undertaken with little additional cost to the corporation.
The Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions responded to this element of the consultation model with enthusiasm. The concept of bringing interested parties in every community together for discussions of housing policy and programs was seen as a potentially effective approach to two-way communication. It was also noted that this would be in keeping with the northern tradition of holding community meetings to consider important subjects.
The need to maintain a continuing yearly commitment to the process in all communities should be emphasized. However, since there is always a risk that the initial motivation for such meetings may lessen over time, the Minister will need to take an active overseeing role to ensure that the annual public meetings are, in fact, organized for each community every year and that information generated within the meetings are transmitted clearly to his senior management.