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Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

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Crucial Fact

  • His favourite word was cho.
Historical Information Steve Norn is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly November 2021, as MLA for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Lost his last election, a byelection in 2022.

Statements in the House

Motion 11-19(1): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment December 10th, 2019

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that, on Thursday, Dec 12, 2019, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River North, that the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment:

  • Mr. Ronald Bonnetrouge, the Member for Deh Cho;
  • Mr. Kevin O'Reilly, the Member for Frame Lake;
  • Mr. Jackie Jacobson, the Member for Nunakput;
  • Mrs. Frieda Martselos, the Member for Thebacha; and
  • Mr. Rylund Johnson, the Member for Yellowknife North.

And further, that the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment as alternate members:

  • Mrs. Lesa Semmler, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes;
  • Ms. Caitlin Cleveland, the Member for Kam Lake; and
  • Mr. Steve Norn, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today.

Question 9-19(1): Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Policies Audit December 10th, 2019

One last question, and I don't expect a response right away on this, but, just from what you're telling me, it would be nice to know what some other key indicators would be. My last question is: I would like to ask for some stats on the number of applications and the number of denials in terms of program requests, housing program requests, by community. Mahsi cho.

Question 9-19(1): Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Policies Audit December 10th, 2019

Again, just to follow up with that, I'm just trying to wrap my head around this. What concrete changes within the NWT Housing Corporation have occurred since the last audit? Mahsi cho.

Question 9-19(1): Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Policies Audit December 10th, 2019

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In October, when we did a roundtable in this House, I mentioned briefly about how a lot of our people in the North face obstacles and barriers when it comes to accessing government programs, specifically housing programs. I firmly believe there are too many barriers for our vulnerable populations, our elders, low-income, disabled, and what I have been noticing during my campaign and even during the last few weeks is that a lot of language that is used is "too complicated" and that it needs to be simpler.

I have heard countless accounts of denied program applications for housing. Before I ask this question, I have a couple of elders in mind in my hometown in Deninu Kue. They didn't make a big ask. They didn't ask for a large mansion or a large home. They asked for some simple renovations to some doors and windows that would help them save some heating costs. It costs a lot to live in the North, and they're not asking for a lot. I felt it was so undignified, the way they were treated, and I want to speak to that.

I'll ask my question to the Minister. My question to the Minister of the NWT Housing Corporation is: when is the last time the NWT Housing Corporation conducted an audit of the policies, and how often do they occur? Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

Improving Housing Programs December 10th, 2019

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Since coming to the office in this 19th Assembly, I have noticed a number of common issues that people seem to be encountering when dealing with the NWT Housing Corporation. In the multiple housing-related constituency issues I have already begun dealing with, it's become quite apparent that there exist some very noticeable cracks in the infrastructure of the NWT Housing Corporation, which many people, mostly vulnerable populations, are falling through.

I believe part of the reason for this, Mr. Speaker, is that too many of our government policies have become overly prescriptive and are not properly serving the people we're meant to protect and represent.

I have talked to many people how are in need, some in dire need, in cases, of certain housing programs for things like home repairs and renovations, basic home maintenance services, and better outreach when it comes to assisting the elders in applying for housing programs.

Mr. Speaker, our housing programs cannot exist only to serve our bureaucratic needs, but, in my view, that is what they have slowly become, whether we know it and whether we want to acknowledge it or not. Why do these programs exist if our most vulnerable citizens, like elders, low-income people, and young people cannot properly access and make use of them? We need to rethink how we are delivering programs and services through the Housing Corporation. We need to reduce barriers and be more flexible to people's circumstances, and be open to new ideas for ways to improve service delivery.

We also need to look after our elders. They deserve and should live in comfortable and affordable homes.

Mr. Speaker, among the 19th Assembly's mandate items is to increase the number of affordable homes and reduce core housing needs, so, if we want to make good on a commitment like that, we must work to improve aspects of the Housing Corporation wherever it is needed, including the areas I identified today. Our housing policies are outdated and are not working for everyone as they should. This is not sustainable, and we have a duty to change course if something is not working. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.