Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have often spoken about the critical need for housing in my region. Today I would like to focus on one particular part of this very large issue, the need for transitional housing.

Mr. Speaker, historically, transitional housing has been focused in our larger communities through organizations like Inuvik Transition House or the YWCA here in Yellowknife, whose Rockhill Apartments were recently lost in a fire.

We have come to better understand, Mr. Speaker, that homelessness is not a problem limited to the regional centres. Residents themselves have made their voices heard, calling for more transitional housing with options spread across the territory.

The NWT Housing Corporation responded with the Northern Pathways to Housing program, a five-year partnership with three communities, to introduce new transitional housing units and fund ongoing caseworker support.

Mr. Speaker, the program is intended to help tackle homelessness in small communities specifically because, even though public housing is typically the norm, some residents are unable to access housing. They are being left out in the cold, sometimes literally.

Mr. Speaker, Northern Pathways to Housing is making significant headway on a serious problem but unfortunately is not enough. Nunakput communities are among those not included.

Although the funding agreement between the Government of Canada and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation will bring much-needed housing replacements for the region, that money is not going to result in additional units. Today, right now, we have current residents in need and prospective residents looking for options. This is an area that needs urgent attention. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.