(Translation) Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about the Behchoko housing review. It is clear from the number of questions I get from my constituents in...I will be talking about the views of my people. Later on, it would be good if they can clarify this. (Translation ends)
From the number of questions that I get from my constituents in Behchoko, there is not a clear understanding of the programs available through the NWT Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, there is also confusion over roles between the local housing authority, the North Slave District office, and also the headquarters in Yellowknife. There is also a need for the corporation and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to work with the people with rental arrears. Some people with arrears are in this situation because their rent was recalculated higher at some point and was not recalculated when their income dropped, Mr. Speaker. We need to identify a fair amount that people in this situation owe and work out a repayment plan for all clients with rental arrears.
Mr. Speaker, I will be seeking a commitment from the Minister that he and his officials work with the families who have rental arrears, to work out a reasonable repayment plan based on what should have been charged for the rent over the years.
There is also a need to provide plain language summaries in English and in Tlicho so that people can figure out whether they should be talking to a local housing authority, the North Slave District office, or the headquarters to resolve these outstanding issues and housing problems, Mr. Speaker. The Minister has announced a program redesigned for the NWT Housing Corporation that is supposed to make it less complicated for residents to access housing programs. This is great news, Mr. Speaker. Let's work with it. This is a new beginning that can be used as a starting point to address the housing problems in Behchoko, and improve communication and clearly define the roles. I ask the help of the Minister and the corporation in accomplishing this issue. Mahsi.
---Applause