Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about my recent visit with the Prime Minister of Canada.
I was joined for the bilateral meeting by the President and Vice President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. We spoke about the urgent need to close Nunavut’s housing gap. Addressing Nunavut's housing gap is key to bolstering Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic. Strong, resilient communities are supported by reliable social infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker, at our last meeting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked me to show that our government was working in unison with Inuit organizations on a plan for housing.
Mr. Speaker at this meeting together we told the Prime Minister: our housing strategies align.
The Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated provided the Prime Minister’s Office with a letter – a joint ask of $500 million to be considered by the upcoming federal budget. This money would be split between our government and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. to allow for distinctions-based funding.
Mr. Speaker, housing is the number one priority of our government's Katujjiluta mandate.
Homes play a direct role in the social determinants of health. Closing the housing gap will support education and mental health. It will reduce rates of addiction, domestic violence and even suicide.
Mr. Speaker people are asking for action. My government is willing to see a deficit to meet this urgent need. The Nunavut Housing Corporation is ready to build homes now.
Mr. Speaker, in parliament the Prime Minister told our Nunavut MP Lori Idlout: the federal government will show up for housing. After our recent meeting in Ottawa I am optimistic to see that Canada’s support will translate from words to roofs over people’s heads.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.