Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to acknowledge the efforts of Indigenous governments and the federal government on their approach to addressing housing and infrastructure needs. I would like to congratulate the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the Tłı̨chǫ Government and the Délı̨nę Got’ıne Government, on the recent federal funding announcement of $78.6 million for community infrastructure and housing.
This funding includes:
$11.4 million for the Délı̨nę Got’ıne Government
$25.1 million for the Gwich’in Tribal Council, and
$42.1 million for the Tłı̨chǫ Government.
Mr. Speaker, the success of these Indigenous governments in accessing this funding directly from Canada is to be celebrated. It will allow them to chart their own course and address the areas they decide are their top priorities.
Mr. Speaker, this funding does not in any way reduce Housing Northwest Territories’ obligation and commitment to providing housing supports in the regions receiving funding. This funding is in addition to Housing Northwest Territories’ unprecedented new public housing delivery across the NWT.
If and when called upon, Mr. Speaker, I want to confirm that Housing Northwest Territories looks forward to working collaboratively with these and other Indigenous governments to realize their housing-related goals, whether this involves sharing blueprints, expertise, or other assistance.
We also stand ready to support Indigenous governments with applications for other available funding that can be accessed for housing priorities, such as the Rapid Housing Initiative and the National Co-Investment Fund.
Mr. Speaker, consistent with Housing Northwest Territories’ Strategic Renewal, we support all approaches to increase the total funding for housing to serve citizens of the Northwest Territories. The GNWT will continue to advocate for direct housing funding to all territorial Indigenous Governments for funding.
We cannot address the territories’ extensive housing needs alone, collaboration is required. Housing Northwest Territories stands ready to work with our partners, whether that be Indigenous governments, the federal government, private industry, or non-governmental organizations to address the housing deficit in the territory.
Mr. Speaker, it is my hope and expectation that I will have the opportunity to highlight and celebrate the successes of other Housing Northwest Territories partners here in the Legislative Assembly in the future.