Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[Translation] It seems like it’s going to be a little hard for aboriginal people in the Nahendeh riding...[Translation ends]

…has managed to increase its available and public homeownership housing stock. This is very good news. Unfortunately, in regard to homeownership, there appears to be problems matching available homes with residents who can purchase them.

Residents are frustrated at the narrow programming guidelines of the Housing Corporation.

It seems that the people who have a decent income and can afford to buy and maintain a home are the ones who cannot access programming. These are the people that we should be allowing and encouraging to access our homeownership programs. We have so many issues with arrears that we should do what we can for people that are willing to pay.

There are also people who cannot get support for homeownership because their income is just below what is required by the guidelines. There should be some flexibility or adjustment for these good, hardworking people. These people will do better if housing is better. Affordable and suitable housing will benefit our families and, in turn, improve strength and quality in our communities.

The government has made a firm commitment to addressing the housing needs of the NWT residents. I encourage the NWT Housing Corporation to broaden our homeownership programs so that more residents can be able to access them.