N.W.T. budget passes with $41.6M addition to housing

N.W.T. ministers and regular members are crediting the consensus process for a boost in housing money in the 2025/26 operating budget. 

The budget passed Thursday in a 15-3 vote.   

It's a $2.5-billion plan with a $41.6-million boost for investment in public housing.

"This is probably the single biggest budgetary change, that I'm certainly aware of, ever being made, but we're proud of it," Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek said in the legislature. 

"It's one that does reflect the priorities of the assembly and I thank my colleagues for getting us here."

The new $41.6-million investment, together with funds already in Housing NWT's capital plan, is a sum of $50 million to build, modernize and replace public housing units. The territorial government also committed to an annual $50 million housing investment over the next two budgets. The government had previously committed to this funding during capital budget discussions last fall.

"These homes will change lives and this investment means that more N.W.T. families will have a safe and comfortable place to call home," Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana told reporters in a news conference after Thursday's session. 

She said that each region would see the benefits of that investment, but couldn't yet say specifically what each community would receive. 

Three members opposed the budget: Robert Hawkins, Kieron Testart and Richard Edjericon. 

"I don't feel like we negotiate, I feel like 'what are you going to let us have?'" Hawkins said in the legislature.

He said the investment barely makes a dent in the housing needs in the territory. 

"I don't think it's going to change anything."

Testart also thought there should be more money toward housing, and more resources for the RCMP.

The three opposing members have pitched the idea of voting with all regular MLAs as a block, though other members haven't committed to that.

Community learning centres, Arctic defence

Other members spoke about the collaborative process that led to the additional housing investment. 

Denny Rodgers, chair of the Accountability and Oversight Committee of all regular members, said the budget reflects input from all 19 members. 

"Whether you thought the budget went far enough or not, you certainly had the chance to contribute," he said. 

Rodgers said the investment will help get residents into homes and will also creates work across the territory.

On top of the housing investment, the territory also restored $100,000 for in-person training and meetings for family violence shelters and committed to developing a forgiveness program for elders in public housing who are in arrears.

Minister Wawzonek said solutions for the closure of Aurora College's community learning centres and plans around Arctic defence sovereignty were also significant issues brought up in budget discussions. She said the government will have a strategy ready for the assembly's next sitting in May. 

Yellowknife MLA Kate Reid said the budget is proof that cabinet is listening, even if it can seem slow going. 

"We are spending on core social needs for the benefit of our residents, which is something we talk about every single day in this house, and I am glad that we are making notable progress," Reid said. 

"While we have a lot further to go, the tortoise may yet win."