YELLOWKNIFE (Wednesday, March 29, 2023) – On March 9, 2023, the Standing Committee on Social Development (Committee), presented the report Homeless Prevention: Supporting Pathways to Housing NWT Residents. Today, the Committee is pleased to release the accompanying Summary Report.
Committee identified housing and homelessness prevention as a priority to focus on given the high rates of housing in need of major repair as well as unaffordable and overcrowded housing in the NWT. Through a culturally safe, coordinated all of territory approach, it is possible to prevent homelessness. Committee made 18 recommendations based on five themes:
- Lifting children and youth in care;
- Supporting gender equity: women, 2SLGBTQIPA+ and gender equity;
- Supporting holistic health: mental health, addictions and healing;
- Indigenous self-determined housing; and
- Policy and systems reform.
Committee used the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to Canada Calls to Action, and the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to affirm the housing rights, needs and priorities of Indigenous Governments, groups and peoples.
Committee heard over 165 unique resident perspectives on housing and homelessness in the NWT in community meetings, presentations, written submissions, and an anonymous survey.
The report and visual summary were discussed in Committee of the Whole today, with their recommendations moved as motions. The GNWT now has 120 days to respond to the Committee’s report.
Quote:
"Gratitude is extended by the Committee to all those who spoke with us, and we emphasize the importance of a culturally safe and inclusive approach to achieving pathways out of homelessness.’
– Ms. Caitlin Cleveland, Chair, Standing Committee on Social Development
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