Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana on Thursday told the NWT Assembly smoking will not be permitted in all new buildings and in any new or amended leases for existing public housing and market rentals.
She said: “Eliminating smoking in our owned units will have positive health outcomes for our residents and reduce asset damage. It is time for us to join all the other jurisdictions in Canada by eliminating smoking in our owned social housing units.”
This week Housing NWT will begin engaging with Local Housing Organizations on how this work can be implemented in a staged approach across all Housing NWT-owned units, including public housing and market rentals.
Kuptana said it is important to recognize that Housing NWT serves vulnerable populations.
She said: “Ensuring that residents have access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing is a fundamental aspect of reconciliation and social justice.”
Kuptana has come under fire from several Regular MLAs for the bad behaviour and alleged criminal activity in public housing units.
She emphasized that it is Local Housing Organizations who play a vital role in community safety.
Housing Organization staff ensure that housing units meet safety standards, including fire regulations and structural integrity.
Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana in NWT Assembly on March 13. Health Minister Lesa Semmler is seated at left. (Image courtesy of Assembly livestream)
Said Kuptana: “They also collaborate with the RCMP to address illegal activities in public housing and expedite the related eviction process when necessary. This partnership helps manage illegal activities and ensures tenant safety, emphasizing a shared commitment to community well-being. While evictions are always a last resort, they are sometimes necessary.”
Later, Mackenzie Delta MLA George Nerysoo questioned what Local Housing Organizations can actually do.
Nerysoo followed up on his statement made in the NWT Assembly on Tuesday alleging complaints of drug dealing in public housing are ignored by authorities at all levels.
“The Voice of Denendeh (CKLB) made it one of their stories, and it was placed on social media,” he said. “I’ve received a lot of feedback from people throughout the NWT in my efforts to find ways to combat this criminal activity that is happening right within our backyard.
Drugs, gun and money seized in an Inuvik hotel room in November. (Photo courtesy of RCMP)
“The local housing authorities and other agencies that are in place to protect our residents cannot protect us because of policies and procedures.
Nerysoo said when a person tries to call the local RCMP, they are directed to the Yellowknife detachment and have to answer “numerous questions” before they even hear the complaint.
“By this time, the individual who is trying to give the authority a tip feels frustrated and hangs up,” said the MLA. “The community’s hands are tied. They are fighting a losing battle.”
Also on Thursday, the final day of the session before members return on May 22, Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek announced an additional $41.6 million was added for housing in Budget 2025-26.
That amount will be added to the $2.5 billion for GNWT programs and services.
“Seizing opportunities is made easier through our consensus style government where we respect and listen to all perspectives and together weigh our options for the best path forward,” she stated in a late Thursday night release.
Regular MLAs Richard Edjericon, Robert Hawkins and Kieron Testart — the newly formed Independent Members Caucus — believe the 20th Assembly is not moving fast enough to meet the moment and address the many serious challenges facing the NWT.
The MLAs acknowledged in a release the injection of the $41 million in new capital for housing projects.
However, the members stated it was a previous commitment from the last round of budget negotiations that was not acted on until the intervention of members.
“By not bringing forward a modest housing plan as they promised last fall, Cabinet created their own problem and then solved it,” stated Hawkins. “MLAs should be focused on new issues, not fighting old battles.”
