Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Honourable Roger Allen, the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. I have been apprised that the operators of the Home for the Homeless have received a letter from this government advising staff that the clients of this shelter must vacate by tonight, March 27, 2000. This letter is contrary to the understanding of the Home for the Homeless residents that they have until March 31, 2000, to find alternative accommodation. Attempts made by the residents to find accommodation by tonight have been unsuccessful, due to the Salvation Army emergency shelter being at capacity.
I am therefore requesting that the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation respond to this urgent matter by addressing the following:
- Is the Minister aware the Home for the Homeless residents are to be evicted as of midnight tonight?
- Were the shelter residents previously advised they had until March 31, 2000, to find alternative living arrangements?
- What is the Minister prepared to do to assist these people who are now without any place to live in this city?
- Is there any form of emergency assistance these residents can access if there is no room at the Salvation Army?
- It is obvious there has been a misunderstanding at some level. Will the Minister ensure he will look into how this situation took place to ensure residents are not placed on the street with just hours of notice given?
Thank you for your immediate attention to this emergency situation.