Thank you, Madam Chair. Should the corporation be successful in securing federal financing under the aboriginal housing Initiative and for the Novel housing project, they will be faced with the problem of a lack of suitable, developed land in virtually every community in the Northwest Territories.
Our discussions indicate that the corporation is alive to this issue, but Members were concerned that there was no specific mention in the business plan narrative about the need to cooperate with other departments and levels of government.
When the committee looks at the problems the corporation had and is having in securing land for the 45 units under the market housing initiative, we cannot help but have feelings of trepidation when the corporation is proposing building or placing 1,600 units in the communities over the next 10 or so years.
It is very important the Housing Corporation makes sure that communities and governments understand the magnitude and expectations that will be placed on them, should the corporation secure federal funding. At minimum this would require concentrated and coordinated partnerships and firm agreements with municipal and aboriginal governments to be reached beforehand.
As previously mentioned, once government roles are defined, we can proceed in developing a business plan to engage our aboriginal and community government partners in developing the building lots we need.
Financial Counselling Services
Members are concerned with financial counselling services being delivered by the district offices in the smaller communities. The committee was especially surprised with the RFP looking for a contractor to develop this program since the committee's expectation was that the work would be done in house. Will there be adequate follow-up after the initial meeting to ensure that people stay on track in saving for their first home, or will people be left to sink or swim on their own?
This is the primary concern that the committee will be looking to be addressed in the program, Madam Chair.