Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
WHEREAS adequate and affordable housing is the most important concern of many Northerners;
AND WHEREAS without adequate, affordable and accessible housing, individuals and families lack the basis for healthy living, successful educational participation, security of employment and participation as full members in the economies, health and development of our communities;
AND WHEREAS the NWT Housing Corporation’s program guidelines set a rent scale which can result in a rental rate of 30 percent of assessed gross income and which normally results in rent comprising more than 40 percent of low net incomes;
AND WHEREAS other provinces and territories use different guidelines, such as 25 percent of assessed gross income;
AND WHEREAS the use of the 30 percent of assessed gross income guidelines for determination of rental rates can result in the levying of excessive and debilitating rents, especially upon low income earners;
AND WHEREAS difficulties in the reporting and assessment of rent can result in immediate rental increases and accumulation of arrears;
AND WHEREAS public housing tenants with rental arrears are ineligible to apply for homeownership assistance programs, which further prevents their transition from public to owned housing;
AND WHEREAS the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation is undertaking a review of the Public Housing Program and other programs and policies of the NWT Housing Corporation;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, that this Legislative Assembly recommends that the NWT Housing Corporation reduce the rent scale so the maximum rental rate is 25 percent of assessed gross income.
Mahsi.