Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Lafferty on October 20, 2006, regarding the Behchoko Local Housing Authority.
- Has there been layoffs at the local housing authority in Behchoko since September until present? If there was, how many?
Three casual maintenance staff, hired by the housing authority board in spring of 2006, were laid off in the first week of September 2006. These positions were over and above the LHO staff complement. Funding for these positions was in excess of the maintenance salary budget. In addition, one vacant position -- administrative secretary -- was deemed redundant by the LHO board in September 2006.
- How many more layoffs are we expecting within the local housing authority in Behchoko?
There is the possibility of one more layoff occurring. In April of 2005, a term tenant relations officer assistant position was created, over and above the Behchoko Housing Authority's staff complement. This position was created on the understanding that the position could be funded through increased rent collections from 60 percent of assessment to 90 percent of assessment. Rent collections increased to approximately 73 percent of assessment in fiscal 2004-05 but decreased to 61 percent of assessment in 2005-06. At an October 1, 2006, meeting in Yellowknife, the Housing Corporation and the Behchoko Housing Authority board agreed to retain the TRO assistant's position on a temporary basis, subject to improved rent collections.
- With these proposed layoffs, are there any impacts on the local members living in the community, those that speak the Tlicho language? How many are impacted?
Of the 12 budgeted full-time positions and one unbudgeted position in the Behchoko Housing Authority organizational chart, 11 positions are filled by incumbents who speak fluent Tlicho.
- Was there any consultation between the Housing Corporation and the local housing authority of Behchoko on these proposed changes? When and how many meetings took place?
Ongoing consultation between the Housing Corporation's North Slave district office and the LHO manager and board took place regarding the 2005-06 deficit and $100,000 in additional funding provided by the NWTHC to cover unbudgeted maintenance expenses undertaken by the LHO during the months of August and September 2006. A meeting was held on September 6, 2006, to outline the serious deficit situation and to develop an action plan for financial recovery. A second meeting was held on October 1, 2006, to seek input on the contents of the action plan. The North Slave district director has subsequently written to the LHO to confirm the action plan that was agreed to.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.