Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with regard to the 10-year plan, it has been presented to committee. I have presented a briefing to committee on the 10-year plan and some of the initiatives that we're looking at doing. Also, the whole idea of selling off these units is one of the ideas in the plan; replacing that with the revenue we get. At the present time, we receive almost $70 million a year from the Government of the Northwest Territories. That's about seven percent of the total budget of this government. In order to meet that goal, we will have to lobby my colleagues on this side of the House to put more money into housing to ensure that we're able to meet that goal. Right now, seven percent of the $70 million comes forward by way of a grant program through the Government of the Northwest Territories with regard to our operational costs for the Housing Corporation. In order to achieve that, we have to increase it.
Debates of Oct. 27th, 2004
This is page numbers 1013 - 1040 of the Hansard for the 15th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was housing.
Topics
Further Return To Question 315-15(3): Future Investments In Housing
Question 315-15(3): Future Investments In Housing
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1018
Further Return To Question 315-15(3): Future Investments In Housing
Question 315-15(3): Future Investments In Housing
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1018

The Speaker Paul Delorey
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
October 26th, 2004
Page 1018

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh
Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. My question today is for the Minister of the Housing Corporation. One of the things that I've been addressing ever since I've been elected was in Fort Liard we had a huge mould problem and I was trying to get the government to come up with some kind of mould action plan. I was just wondering if the Minister can tell me to date what has occurred with respect to this. Thank you.
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019

The Speaker Paul Delorey
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, the Honourable Mr. Krutko.
Return To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are taking this issue very seriously. Mould is a very big health problem that we see and it does have direct effects. I know this is more than just a housing problem; it's also a health problem. We have hired an environmental company to look at the mould problem in the Fort Liard area and also look at a way that we can deal with that problem. We have put forward a report that we are looking at dealing with this problem with regard to Fort Liard. There is presently someone who has been hired who is doing a thorough review by way of a report to look at those units in Fort Liard and come forward with recommendations on how we're going to replace that. We're looking at coming forward during the March budget to ensure money is in the budget to deal with this problem next year. Thank you.
Return To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019
Supplementary To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was just wondering if the Minister can assure at least the residents of Fort Liard that, yes, we are addressing the problem. I think environmental inspection is key, as well as -- I don't know if I have the right Minister for this -- a lot of it is health. It's becoming more and more of a health issue, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps the Minister can speak to whether that concern will be addressed, as well; like immediately. Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019
Further Return To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have raised this with my colleagues on this side of the House to make them aware that the mould problem is a health problem and I think with the dollars that we do get from Ottawa with regard to health, this has to be considered as a health issue where it's having an effect on people's breathing problems, asthma and also probably with regard to the whole family. When you have overcrowding and mould, that's a bad mix. I think it is definitely a housing problem. Also we have to work with the other colleagues on this side, especially the Minister of Health and Social Services. I have spoken with him on this and we are working in conjunction to ensure that we deal with this problem as a health issue, as well.
Further Return To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019
Supplementary To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess another key component of constructing the houses is that there have to be adequate inspectors there, and that's one of the things that occurred out of Fort Liard this summer. Repairs were happening, construction was happening, but the constituents are telling me they don't see adequate inspectors coming to look at these homes to assure us and give us the confidence that the homes are being constructed and renovated to an acceptable standard. Just the presence of those inspectors alone will help the constituents there, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister inform me of the inspection program that goes along with house construction?
Supplementary To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019
Further Return To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Well, like I said, Mr. Speaker, we have hired someone to look at this problem and also make recommendations back to us. One of the problems that has been pinpointed to us is the flood that happened in Fort Liard a number of years ago, during which these units were flooded. Because of that, the basements underneath these units were flooded with water, which got into the structure and that is one of the things we're focusing on. I know I heard a couple of other concerns about people's basements flooding and whatnot. Again, moisture can cause mould. I think it's important to try to avoid those things in our construction habits. We are looking at bringing forward and reviewing a report from the consultant and making sure that we find recommendations to go forward on resolving this problem. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019
Supplementary To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019

Kevin A. Menicoche Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was just wondering if the Minister can, for the record, tell me when the report will be completed. He mentioned it a couple of times during this question period, so I'll be looking for an affirmed date of completion of that report and perhaps some costs associated with it. That would be of particular interest to myself and to the communities. Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019
Further Return To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Mr. Speaker, I hope to have the report concluded before we go to Fort Liard. We are scheduled to go to Fort Liard the 4th and 5th of November. So at that time when we have our public meeting, we should be able to inform the residents in Fort Liard exactly how we're going to deal with this problem and, at that time, present them with aspects of that report. So we should have that report and have a briefing for the community at that public meeting. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019

The Speaker Paul Delorey
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
Question 317-15(3): Housing Policy For Disabled Persons
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1019

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is in line with all the other Members here on theme day for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, I'm looking for a commitment from this Minister. Will this Minister develop a policy that
will meet the existing standards based on accessible living for people with disabilities in social housing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 317-15(3): Housing Policy For Disabled Persons
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1020

The Speaker Paul Delorey
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, the Honourable Mr. Krutko.
Return To Question 317-15(3): Housing Policy For Disabled Persons
Question 317-15(3): Housing Policy For Disabled Persons
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1020

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I know the Member raised this issue in the House before. We have completed our phase two report with regard to our needs survey. On page 7 of that report, it identifies that we do have 194 dwellings which have been modified for people with disabilities. So we do have that stock in house. Also, I'd just like to inform the Member that we also have programs for people in the private sector who can apply for a grant of up to $25,000 to renovate their units to make them accessible for people with disabilities. Thank you.
Return To Question 317-15(3): Housing Policy For Disabled Persons
Question 317-15(3): Housing Policy For Disabled Persons
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1020
Supplementary To Question 317-15(3): Housing Policy For Disabled Persons
Question 317-15(3): Housing Policy For Disabled Persons
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1020

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate what the Minister is saying about 194 people in our housing. Mr. Speaker, what I'm looking for is a firm commitment on national guidelines, something that is clear cut. Can the Minister commit today that his department will create a policy, be it a booklet or whatever, on national standards and this can be applied to all of our social housing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Supplementary To Question 317-15(3): Housing Policy For Disabled Persons
Question 317-15(3): Housing Policy For Disabled Persons
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1020
Further Return To Question 317-15(3): Housing Policy For Disabled Persons
Question 317-15(3): Housing Policy For Disabled Persons
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 1020

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta
Mr. Speaker, at this time I can't commit to that because I'm not aware of exactly what standard you're talking about. I don't believe that we do have programs and services to assist people with disabilities and ensure that we make them one of our high priorities when they come forward to access public housing. I cannot commit for the private sector or commit for any other agency that's out there until we know exactly what the cost is of implementing this policy. I'm not aware of that policy, so I'll have to look into it. Thank you.