R.J. Simpson: A Way Home: Government of the Northwest Territories Homelessness

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, homelessness is a complex issue that touches all aspects of society and all NWT communities. Every jurisdiction across the country is facing the same issue, amplified in recent years by the pandemic, the rising cost of living, illicit drugs, and climate related emergencies. What causes people to lose their housing, and the cascading effect on their lives and the communities where they live, are varied. This is why A Way Home, the Government of the Northwest Territories Homelessness Strategy, is a whole-of government approach that requires partnership and collaboration with all stakeholders in order to be successful.

To ensure we maintain this comprehensive and collaborative approach, implementation of the strategy is led by the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs under a newly formed Governance and Service Integration division. In addition to A Way Home, the new division will also be responsible for service integration efforts across the territory, anti-poverty and food security initiatives, as well as strengthening our relationship and support with non-government organization partners.

The Division will focus on increasing transitional and supportive housing options across the territory and beginning to close this specific gap in the housing continuum. We know that stable housing is foundational for people to address other challenges in their lives. We also know that moving from shelters straight into independent housing is not often possible and can create additional challenges for some people. By increasing transitional and supportive housing options, we ensure people have access to on-site wrap around supports and person-centered services that are critical to helping people create the stability to be successful tenants and reach their own goals.

This is where efforts towards service integration come into play. Over the course of this Legislative Assembly, we will establish four service integration teams across the territory; three teams focused on homelessness, and one team focused on family preservation.

These teams will streamline access for residents and ensure services are provided in a timely, agile, and culturally safe manner and that there are supports to keep people housed and prevent homelessness, rather than only responding to crisis. These teams have already been established in Yellowknife and Fort Simpson, with plans to launch in Inuvik in December.

Non-government organizations play a critical role in the service delivery continuum, and we are committed to strengthening these relationships, ensuring that NGOs remain resilient and provide sustainable services. As such, EIA has established an NGO support position within the division to better understand NGOs’ needs, reduce barriers they face in interacting with government processes and systems, and address the recommendations outlined in the Strengthening the Non-Profit and Charitable Sector final report.

Mr. Speaker, addressing homelessness in the territory is not an easy or quick task. Homelessness is a complex issue with many moving, everchanging parts, and solutions will require effective partnerships and collaboration. However, the GNWT’s recent experience working with various partners to find solutions for Yellowknife residents staying at the  encampment on 51st Street clearly demonstrated that collective problem solving and working together towards common goals, is not only possible, but strengthens us as a system; and provides the space for us to learn from one another and build the trusting, mutually respectful relationships between service providers and with the people we serve that are required to do this kind of work.  Collaborative experiences such as these make me hopeful that, together, we can address homelessness across the territory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.