My motion today is flexible transition period to rent adjustments.

WHEREAS adequate and affordable housing is the most important concern of many Northerners;

AND WHEREAS one of our collective goals is to develop homeownership and financial management skills of tenants without resorting to evictions and other drastic collections actions;

AND WHEREAS housing subsidy programs should be structured so that employment opportunities, even short-term opportunities, remain an attractive option for tenants;

AND WHEREAS the program guidelines currently require immediate increase in rent for tenants who earn increased income;

AND WHEREAS it is completely unrealistic to expect tenants to pay these very high rent amounts without sufficient notice;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that the Legislative Assembly recommends that the NWT Housing Corporation change its program guidelines in order to provide responsive and meaningful flexibility;

AND FURTHER, that the proposed changes to the guidelines should allow for a transition period, such as a gradual increase of rent, for these tenants;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the Government of the Northwest Territories shall provide a comprehensive response to this motion within 120 days.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.