Robert C. McLeod To Meet With Territorial Housing Ministers

YELLOWKNIFE – September 15 – Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC), Robert C. McLeod will meet with territorial colleagues in Whitehorse September 16-17th.They will discuss issues of mutual concern; notably their efforts to tackle the economic crisis through the development of stable, affordable and good quality housing for their citizens.

Improving the quality and cost of shelter in the NWT continues to be a key element of the GNWT’s ongoing work in its Reducing the Cost of Living strategic initiative in support of the 16th Legislative Assembly’s goal of Sustainable, Vibrant Safe Communities.

Over the next two years, the NWTHC will match nearly $59 million being invested by the federal government under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. This will mean approximately $117 million in housing investment in the NWTover the next two years. The first year of delivery will include the construction of 100 new replacement public housing units, the modernization and improvement of 230 public housing units and over 220 homeowners being assisted with repairs.

Over the past three years, the NWTHC’s Affordable Housing Initiative has added some 450 new dwellings, which include construction of units under the NWTHC Housing Choices Program and replacement units under its Public Housing Program.

While in Whitehorse, Ministers will also discuss federal funding and the need for unique arrangements for Territorial Housing Corporations as well as the impact of climate change on housing delivery. Ministers will develop a consistent and unified message on the state of housing in the North in anticipation of an upcoming meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Housing Ministers in late 2009.

For more information contact:

Drew Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 669-2304