Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Reconciliatory Review of Housing NWT's Collection Approach:

WHEREAS clients of Housing NWT fall into arrears for a variety of reasons and many clients are unable to get out of arrears in their lifetime;

AND WHEREAS opportunities for employment and to generate income are limited, especially in smaller communities;

AND WHEREAS many clients live on fixed income and limited sources of income;

AND WHEREAS it is a mandate item of this government to support seniors to age in place by increasing supports for seniors to stay in their homes and communities;

AND WHEREAS it is a mandate item of the Government to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;

AND WHEREAS there are elders and Indian Residential School survivors in the Northwest Territories with pensions that are being garnished to pay back Housing NWT arrears;

AND WHEREAS the garnishment of a pension to pay off a debt to Housing NWT is unreasonable and unjust;

AND WHEREAS section 62 of the Financial Administration Act provides the authority for the Financial Management Board to forgive a debt or obligation owed to Housing NWT if it is considered unreasonable or unjust;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that this Legislative Assembly calls upon the Government of the Northwest Territories to pause the garnishment of elders and the Indian Residential School survivors' pensions to pay for Housing NWT arrears immediately;

AND FURTHER, Housing NWT identify all elders aged 60 and over and consenting Indian Residential School survivors in public housing who currently owe arrears or who are having their pensions garnished.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.