Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, in my Member's statement I referenced the letter I tabled last Thursday from the NWT Seniors Society to the Minister of Housing NWT. Their letter mentions the Minister had missed a meeting with them last month on October the 4th. Can the Minister tell us why she missed that meeting and if she has rescheduled a new meeting with the NWT Seniors Society? Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1287-19(2): Housing
In the Legislative Assembly on November 2nd, 2022. See this topic in context.
Question 1287-19(2): Housing
Oral Questions
Page 5026
Question 1287-19(2): Housing
Oral Questions
November 2nd, 2022
Page 5026
Paulie Chinna Sahtu
Thank you, Madam Speaker. That day that I was scheduled to be meet with the seniors society I was ill. I came down with a cold, and I had to cancel. I did inform the seniors society that I wouldn't be in the attendance. But I am willing to reschedule that appointment and hear the concerns from the seniors society. But once again, I was not feeling very well. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1287-19(2): Housing
Oral Questions
Page 5026
Frieda Martselos Thebacha
Madam Speaker, in the letter from the seniors society, they mention receiving reports of people being subject to ridicule, intimidation, harassment, disrespect, and threats of eviction from Housing NWT. They also state that people must not live in fear and insecurity or be threatened with becoming homeless. Does the Minister agree with that? Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1287-19(2): Housing
Oral Questions
Page 5026
Paulie Chinna Sahtu
Thank you, Madam Speaker. As a Minister, I take these concerns very seriously and as with the portfolio that, you know, we try to change the way that we are doing business and being more client-focused as well. Through our renewal and through our mission, our vision, our values, we strive towards to be more client-focused. And I look for more improvements within the way that we work with the general public. I'm looking for fairness, respect, and compassionate client service working with the people throughout the Northwest Territories. We've also looked at the client service training that will be conducted throughout the portfolio and throughout this time to support the frontline service workers. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1287-19(2): Housing
Oral Questions
Page 5026
Frieda Martselos Thebacha
Madam Speaker, in the letter from the seniors society, they proposed two actions that Housing NWT could begin immediately. One, comparing the maintenance and repair funding allocations to all communities with the actual spending and the number of units repaired. The other is to start a pilot project to address repairs and other needs in a timely manner. Will the Minister commit to look at these proposals and consider them for Housing NWT? Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1287-19(2): Housing
Oral Questions
Page 5027
Paulie Chinna Sahtu
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And Housing has responded to the letter. They are working with the seniors society on the request of these proposals. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1287-19(2): Housing
Oral Questions
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Frieda Martselos Thebacha
Madam Speaker, will the Minister commit to work with the NWT Seniors Society to address all the concerns outlined in that letter dated October the 22nd, 2022? Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1287-19(2): Housing
Oral Questions
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Paulie Chinna Sahtu
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And thank you to the Member as well. I do value all of the feedback that she is providing, the letter that has been received. And, yes, I would like to work with the seniors society and try to come up with solutions for the issues that they've addressed. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Question 1287-19(2): Housing
Oral Questions
Page 5027