Mr. Speaker, it is with great honour that I inform this House of an important milestone that the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has reached. On October 1st of this year, the corporation will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Thirty years ago, the goal of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation was to create innovative housing programs based on need and environment and make available the best possible standards of housing to all residents of the NWT. Thirty years later our goal is still the same and we have made significant strides in improving and supplying housing in the NWT.
Communities in the Northwest Territories have been visibly transformed over the last 30 years. New houses have replaced homes where families once lived in crowded conditions, seniors are enjoying uniquely designed seniors' complexes, and public housing units have been renovated to provide safe environments for singles and families.
In 1974 we offered seven programs. Today the Housing Corporation offers 16 diverse programs to meet the unique needs of all residents. The corporation in partnership with local housing organizations have developed and delivered many successful housing programs, enabling families, singles and seniors to have access to suitable, adequate and affordable housing.
Housing continues to be in high demand, especially in a growing and developing economy. This presents us with many challenges and to meet these challenges, the corporation will work closely with residents at the community level, Members of this House and the business community.
As the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation looks back over the past 30 years, it has reason to be proud of its record. As a result of its efforts, more people are living in better housing.
The corporation, however, is not resting on its laurels, but is continuing to move ahead. The corporation continues to foster emerging housing markets, strengthen its partnerships, and develop more housing opportunities.
The corporation and its partners will be celebrating accomplishments in various ways throughout the upcoming year. I look forward to visiting a number of communities and personally recognizing the outstanding work done by corporation staff and local housing organizations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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