Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I've said numerous times, one of the main things we hear about from residents is housing, and, in my constituency, I hear mainly about Norseman Manor and Simpson House. Both properties are privately owned by Northview REIT however several Housing Corporation clients have been placed in these buildings rather than in ones owned by the GNWT. As such, this government, as a landlord, has the responsibility to ensure these homes are safe and suitable for habitation. However, this is not always the case.
I receive numerous calls, emails, and texts with photos, video, and audio clips from housing clients in these particular buildings detailing broken windows, busted locks, filthy hallways, and poor maintenance. Parents feel their children are not safe and report incidents of violence and substance abuse on a regular basis, that no child should ever be exposed to. Told to call the police, residents say they don't show up.
Mr. Speaker, I have been asking for security for two years and I have made no progress to better the situation for my constituents despite repeated efforts with the Housing Minister. With a rental market monopoly in Yellowknife and little to no housing in the communities, housing clients literally have no options but to take substandard, dangerous housing, or couch surf, becoming a burden to family and friends, further compounding mental health issues.
In discussions with Northview, they seem willing to work with the Housing Corporation on these issues, however, point to problem housing clients and a lack of accountability for them for the issues, putting the onus back on the GNWT.
Mr. Speaker, I believe there is enough responsibility to go around and it is on everyone to ensure the residents, especially children, have safe housing.
I want to congratulate the minister on the recent acquisition of the Nordic Arms building. I encourage her and the department to look at this building as an opportunity to create a new housing model, one that integrates social programming and client services, such as was offered at the YWCA's former Rockhill site. I would like to see the prioritization for the new building of vulnerable families on the waiting list, including those waiting to transfer from their current unsafe situation such as at Norseman or Simpson House.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
---Unanimous consent granted.
Chronic problem tenants within the housing system should not be placed in buildings with families with children. Instead, the Housing Corporation needs to work with Health and Social Services to create family friendly spaces where parents aren't afraid to walk down the hallway with their baby and needed supports are just next door. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.