Mr. Speaker, I move this motion because the Government of the Northwest Territories -- I want the Government of the Northwest Territories to acknowledge that housing is a fundamental human right for residents of the Northwest Territories. This has been recognized by the United Nations, by several countries including Canada.
The Government of Canada amended the National Housing Strategy Act to recognize housing as a human right. In the preamble of the National Housing Strategy Act, it reads: Housing is essential to the inherent dignity and well-being of a person. A national housing strategy would support the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing.
Mr. Speaker, by acknowledging housing as a human right, it means that the GNWT acknowledges that housing is inherent to a person's dignity and well-being. According to the United Nations, acknowledging housing as a human right affirms that the government's housing policies recognizing that all people have the right to live somewhere in security, peace, and dignity.
Recognizing housing as a human right means that the GNWT must evaluate the housing programs and policies to ensure that they are achieving what they are intended to do which is serve those most in need, reduce homelessness, and increasing housing affordability, accessibility, and suitability.
Recognizing housing as a human right aligns ourself with international and national law which may open opportunities for collaboration.
It has been said in this House many times the NWT is in a housing crisis. Mr. Speaker, this Assembly knows there is a lack of housing options. Homes are in need of repair. They are unaffordable. They are inadequately maintained or unsuitable for the family size. Many homes are overcrowded. Many people in small communities couch surf.
Homelessness is a real problem, Mr. Speaker, and we need to do better. We need to recognize that housing is essential to a person's dignity, affirming housing as a human right -- affirming housing as a human right and work towards this realization. Mahsi.