Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak on the issue of federal government funds for First Nations and the NWT and that not all the funding reaches community government or band councils for housing.
Mr. Speaker, this past year I met with many constituents in my riding, which includes community and Indigenous governments. They have expressed their concerns on the lack of programs and service funding that can help address all aspects of their community members. I will be attending an Akaitcho Territory Government's 25th annual assembly held in Fort Resolution October 31, 2017 to November 2nd. I believe the issue will be expressed there, and I would like to see changes in the near future to address future housing funding for Indigenous communities. It was noted on CBC News that the national chief of the Dene Nation, Bill Erasmus, wants Ottawa to fund First Nations communities in the Northwest Territories directly instead of funneling funding through the territorial government. The national chief noted that money goes through the territorial government; from there it goes to the public purse and is disbursed so that the whole population has access to our dollars. I support Bill Erasmus, and I would like to see action on this issue. I would like to see the territorial government working with the federal government and First Nations to implement the process as this will see funding flow directly for housing programs flow directly to First Nations in the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, this process may address the homelessness and housing issues across the North. I have received many complaints from my constituents that they have issues obtaining a dwelling in their communities that is available, affordable, and fair. We also have too many families sharing two- and three-bedroom units with extended family. Also, I have received complaints from young people who are homeless and are going from home to home and with no place to stay. These communities do not have shelters to help with the homeless.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that our MP for the Northwest Territories, Michael McLeod, who sits on the finance committee, supports Erasmus' proposal. He said it is time for Indigenous communities in the territory to control their own finances. "If we are going to support the whole notion of Indigenous government, we have to let them govern and give them the tools to govern when they are ready." Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted