Mr. Chair, I am pleased to present the 2019-2020 Main Estimates for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. Overall, the corporation's estimates propose an increase of $284,000 or 0.3 percent over the 2018-2019 Main Estimates.
The proposed estimates include forced growth of:
- $515,000 for public housing water and sanitation services; and
- $100,000 for Habitat for Humanity Northwest Territories, the first of three $100,000 annual contributions to assist Habitat for Humanity NWT with the delivery of their affordable housing program.
In 2019-2020, to assist with the strategic alignment of the government's emergency shelter programming, the responsibility for Northwest Territories emergency shelters will be transferred from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, along with new initiative funding of $397,000 for additional support personnel for emergency overnight shelters.
With respect to support under the National Housing Strategy, the federal government is allocating $1.9 million to address territorial housing priorities, including affordability, repair, and renewal, and $531,000 to protect and regenerate the social housing sector. These amounts will be cost-matched by the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. The Northwest Territories will also receive $3.6 million under the National Housing Fund to the Northwest Territories housing issues. This amount does not require a cost-match.
These estimates support the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly and address the cost-of-living priority, especially through our commitment to implementing northern solutions for northern housing:
- This includes investing in energy efficient solutions for both new construction and repairs.
- We will ensure that land is available for new housing by disposing of a minimum of 50 surplus Northwest Territories Housing Corporation units per year.
- We are continuing to work with other governments to support the housing needs of their staff, and in so doing, ensure that community service levels are maintained. An example of this is the development of 45 rental units for use by the RCMP.
- Another priority is continuing our success under the Community Housing Support Initiative. In partnership with Indigenous and local governments, such as the Jean Marie River First Nation and the Salt River First Nation, this initiative has led to the development of more affordable housing in communities.
- To ensure that the network of Government of the Northwest Territories homelessness supports continue to be effective, a homelessness strategic plan will be completed in 2019-2020.
- We will also continue to address the rising demand for seniors' housing by planning for the construction of new seniors' complexes, including mixed-rent projects.
- Finally, we will continue our successful engagement with the federal government under the National Housing Strategy, focusing in 2019-2020 on clarifying federal Indigenous housing support for the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Chair, that does conclude my opening remarks. I would be happy to answer Members' questions. Thank you.