Iqaluit Manirajak MLA Adam Arreak-Lightstone has been urging the government to make changes to tackle the the SA国际影视传媒渋nequity of staff housing and homeownershipSA国际影视传媒 since he was elected two years ago.
SA国际影视传媒淧ublic housing and staff housing tenants have no incentive to transition into homeowners because there is no incentive,SA国际影视传媒 he said in the legislative assembly on Monday.
Arreak-Lightstone describes the current system as SA国际影视传媒渧ery unfairSA国际影视传媒 and expressed frustration with ministers repeatedly telling him that existing arrangements are being reviewed, but no action has been taken.
Premier Joe Savikataaq didnSA国际影视传媒檛 have anything new to offer on Monday.
SA国际影视传媒淲e know there are inequities between subsidized public housing and subsidized staff housing to homeowners. We know that, but itSA国际影视传媒檚 being reviewed and looked at. We want to make sure any decision made by this government is fair, is reasonable and makes sense,SA国际影视传媒 the premier said.
Arreak-Lightstone asked whatSA国际影视传媒檚 taking so long. He noted that the housing minister last year referenced a cabinet document thatSA国际影视传媒檚 exploring increases to household allowance for homeowners and private market rentals, the potential to expand income-based down payment assistance program and potential to develop a down-payment savings matching program. Why has that not moved forward, Arreak-Lightstone asked.
Savikataaq said itSA国际影视传媒檚 a complex issue.
SA国际影视传媒淲e hear that there are inequities between someone in public housing and someone in home ownership. We also hear from other members that public housing rents are too high,SA国际影视传媒 he said. SA国际影视传媒淲e want to promote home ownership as youSA国际影视传媒檝e heard that from the housing minister. HeSA国际影视传媒檚 a big advocate of home ownership, because we know that once a person is in their own home, then the government subsidizes that a whole (lot) less.SA国际影视传媒
The premier added that the GN is currently in negotiations with the Nunavut Employees Union and SA国际影视传媒渨hen you are in negotiations you canSA国际影视传媒檛 change the rules during those negotiations.SA国际影视传媒