Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the most important purchases an individual makes in his or her lifetime is the purchase of a home. Over the years, as a mayor and MLA, I have received many concerns from homeowners whose homes have been built through programs delivered through the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.
The majority of these homes are constructed by independent contractors through the tendering process administered by the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. The problems brought to my attention are primarily due to shoddy workmanship, projects not being completed in a timely manner and some projects that are never 100 percent completed.
Many times, some of the homeowners, out of frustration, are forced to move into an unfinished house that has the potential for safety and health concerns. Some projects that should take four to five months are still under construction many months after the expected completion date.
Mr. Speaker, inspections for these projects are primarily the responsibility of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. The payment to the contractor is based on delivery of materials and the completion of various stages of construction. Some homeowners have indicated that when the houses are turned over to them, it is not always complete and there is work remaining. In some instances, they are never completed.
Mr. Speaker, when the contractor has received all, or nearly all, the tendered price less the required minimal hold back, there is little incentive for the contractor to finish the project. This leaves the homeowner with an unfinished and substandard home. If the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is responsible for overseeing the building of homes for a segment of people in the Northwest Territories, they should ensure that the inspections are completed in accordance with the current legislation, policies and building codes.
Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, holdbacks from payments to contractors must be consistent, administered and maximized to an amount allowed by legislation that will influence the contractor to complete the project. Mr. Speaker, I ask what process is in place to ensure the contractors are qualified to undertake the construction of a new home? What process is in place to hold accountable those contractors who consistently deliver substandard workmanship or are consistently behind...