Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce today the launch of Housing Choices, the new program structure for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, Housing Choices is designed as a progressive and flexible program structure that will allow the corporation to be more responsive to the needs of our people and to contribute to this Assembly's goal of promoting self-reliance.
The consolidation of programs, from 14 to four, meets many of the priorities identified by stakeholders during the consultations undertaken on the Housing Corporation's mandate. It also reflects the input and suggestions we received from Members of the Standing Committee on Social Programs and individual Members of this Legislative Assembly. I would like to thank all Members for their valuable contribution and support to this effort.
Mr. Speaker, under the new program structure, more people will be able to access programs than previously possible and residents who have previously accessed programs but remain in need can more easily access additional assistance.
Housing Choices offers many benefits to those in need. These benefits include new education and counselling modules designed to promote and enhance responsibility and increase capacity for success. It is important to note the new programs provide a clear path for both prospective and existing homeowners to follow to seek assistance.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to outline the four new programs:
- • The Solutions to Educate People Program, STEP, provides participants with education and counselling consisting of four courses to prepare them for the requirements of homeownership;
- • The Homeownership Entry Level Program, HELP, provides assistance to prospective first-time homebuyers by providing the opportunity to
experience homeownership commitments before purchasing a home;
- • The Contributing Assistance for Repairs and Enhancement Program, CARE, enables existing homeowners to make necessary repairs to their home to ensure a safe and healthy residence and to increase the useful economic life of their home; and
- • The Providing Assistance for Territorial Homeownership, PATH, allows clients the opportunity to become homebuyers by assisting with the construction or purchase of a modest home.
Mr. Speaker, while the number of programs offered by the Housing Corporation have been reduced, we have broadened access and expanded the eligibility criteria to increase the number of residents we can support. The delivery of these new programs also recognizes the needs of our seniors and persons with disabilities by having broadened access to programs that meet their needs.
Mr. Speaker, along with the affordable housing initiative, the launch of Housing Choices represents a renewed commitment by government to reduce core housing need and to ensure all residents of the Northwest Territories have access to adequate and affordable housing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause