Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, can the Minister of Housing NWT explain why constituents would receive inconsistent information from officials at the South Slave district office versus officials at the local housing authority in Fort Smith? Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1208-19(2): Housing Policies
In the Legislative Assembly on October 20th, 2022. See this topic in context.
Question 1208-19(2): Housing Policies
Oral Questions
Page 4739
Question 1208-19(2): Housing Policies
Oral Questions
Page 4740
Paulie Chinna Sahtu
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question. The local housing authorities, they run under a service agreement that is provided by Housing NWT, and they operate under our policies. Unfortunately, in the last couple of years we weren't able to provide training to the local housing authorities but we've just recently completed workshops with the district offices, the LHO managers, and we are going to be also providing a workshop for the maintenance employees as well too that run under the local housing authority. We did have issues with this office in the past before, and I'm willing to send the officials into the office to provide further training and further distinctions on consistent information that should be provided to our tenants. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1208-19(2): Housing Policies
Oral Questions
Page 4740
Frieda Martselos Thebacha
Madam Speaker, can the Minister explain the reasoning why a destroyed and unlivable house would be used against someone who is applying to public housing? Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1208-19(2): Housing Policies
Oral Questions
Page 4740
Paulie Chinna Sahtu
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Homeowners are not eligible for the public housing programming. But if those units are deemed not repairable, we do make exceptions with the local housing authorities as well too. And if their income levels exceed for the programming for public housing, we do make exceptions for market housing. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1208-19(2): Housing Policies
Oral Questions
Page 4740
Frieda Martselos Thebacha
Madam Speaker, can the Minister explain why Housing NWT had failed to reach out to my constituents once their destroyed home was sold and the property it sat on was sold so they could adjust their rental agreement and enter public housing? Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1208-19(2): Housing Policies
Oral Questions
October 20th, 2022
Page 4740
Paulie Chinna Sahtu
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And you know, I just wanted to comment that when these units are sold, we don't necessarily keep track of all of the units that are -- private homeowners that are selling their houses in the community. But I can have the LHO office reach out to the individual as well too. But right now, I'm assuming that the individual is housed in our market housing units right now but is just not eligible for public housing. I will follow up with the Member. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1208-19(2): Housing Policies
Oral Questions
Page 4740
Question 1208-19(2): Housing Policies
Oral Questions
Page 4740
Frieda Martselos Thebacha
Madam Speaker, will the Minister commit to initiate the process of an independent oversight into my constituents' housing situation, to understand all information regarding the rental agreement they have with Housing NWT, and fix this unnecessary situation for two elders who should not be penalized by this government? Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1208-19(2): Housing Policies
Oral Questions
Page 4740
Paulie Chinna Sahtu
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I look forward to following up with the Member. It sounds like the circumstances for the individuals have changed. We are currently under a policy review as well too, and I will commit to looking at that file. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1208-19(2): Housing Policies
Oral Questions
Page 4740