FOR RELEASE     #09-008
January 30, 2009

WHITEHORSE – More federal money toward social housing in the North is an important investment in the territories amid uncertain economic times.

Territorial Ministers responsible for Housing met today in Iqaluit to discuss the challenges they face to improve housing conditions in the north. They agreed that the $200 million for Northern Housing announced in the federal budget on January 27th shows a continuing commitment to address concerns of Northerners. The territorial ministers also look forward to strengthening their partnership with the federal government.

“Housing issues in the North are unique and complex,” said the Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. “We have to build on this momentum now to move forward together to address housing issues.”

The Honourable Michael McLeod, Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation emphasized, “The funding arrangement that the territories will receive under this budget supports the distinctive needs of the North”.

“This investment in housing infrastructure for northern residents demonstrates that the federal government acknowledges the difficulty that the three territories have in meeting these challenges without a partnership”, said the Honourable Jim Kenyon, Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation.

A stimulus to housing infrastructure in the territories will improve the economies of the communities across the north and promote their sustainability and Canada’s sovereignty in the north. This investment will also benefit the economies of the provinces from which the territories purchase goods and services.

The Ministers believe that there is much work still to be done to address housing issues in the north and look forward to the federal government’s continued commitment.  Ministers called on the Government of Canada to work with them on an appropriate plan for long-term, stable and adequate federal housing funding that will ensure effective housing solutions can continue to be developed and implemented for Northerners.

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