Auditor calls for changes to N.W.T. public housing programs

The Northwest Territories Housing Corp. has to improve the way it works with local housing organizations to make sure they follow proper policies, federal Auditor General Sheila Fraser says in a new audit report.

Fraser's report, which was given to the Speaker of the N.W.T. legislative assembly on Friday, says the housing corporation isn't making sure local housing organizations "follow its policies and procedures when allocating public housing to N.W.T. residents," according to a news release issued Friday.

In an examination of 74 applications for rental housing, five applicants were given priority even though they were less qualified than other people seeking housing, and the reasons were not documented, Fraser said. Furthermore, 14 applicants were given housing without being properly assessed, she said.

The audit also said the corporation should help local housing organizations that have trouble collecting tenants' rents or have accumulated deficits.

As well, Fraser's report says a large majority of residents paying mortgages under the housing corporation's home ownership programs are behind in their payments. In January 2007, 81 per cent of mortgages were in arrears, the report found.

The audit also called for the corporation to find ways to improve its risk management and long-term strategic plan.

About 16 per cent of all households in the territory need core public housing assistance, Fraser noted. The corporation should report regularly to the territorial government on how it's meeting residents' needs for housing, she said.