Regular MLAs have called on cabinet to freeze evictions while the territory weathers the global health pandemic.

In a motion passed by regular members in assembly's accountability and oversight committee on Monday, MLAs asked government to freeze residential evictions for 90 days and for government to offer some relief to tenants and landlords as well.

Frame Lake MLA Kevin OSA国际影视传媒橰eilly is one member pushing for such a pause, and to include support for renters and landlords that own a small number of properties in the territorySA国际影视传媒檚 developing economic response. He said worried constituents are calling him about it.

SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e in an emergency situation and extraordinary measures may be necessary to help with landlords, and tenants, in particular,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

NWT cabinet has so far avoided any definitive statements on the issue.

To support some struggling residents, finance minister Caroline Wawzonek announced on Tuesday an income assistance benefit of $500 for individuals, and $1000 for households of two people or more.

Those benefits came into effect immediately, in time to help cover rental costs paying March rent, she told reporters.

The territorial government didn't respond to a request for comment by press time.

However, with the onset of another confirmed COVID-19 case in Inuvik, Tu Nedhe - Wiilideh MLA Steve Norn is another member supporting an evictions pause.

He said that's because it allows residents to better follow chief public health office Dr. Kami KanodolaSA国际影视传媒檚 social distancing recommendations. However, Norn added, it would have to be in conjunction with support to property owners.

SA国际影视传媒淭his is all unprecedented ground weSA国际影视传媒檙e on right now,SA国际影视传媒� he said, adding that the fragility of NWTSA国际影视传媒檚 economy meant it had to cover property managers whose tenants struggle to make rent. 

A rent rebate would help weather the storm, he said.

Landlords have mixed response to COVID-19

NWTSA国际影视传媒檚 landlordsSA国际影视传媒� responses to the crisis have varied.

In a letter to tenants, Northview REIT, the territorySA国际影视传媒檚 largest private property manager, recently promised to SA国际影视传媒渞each a solutionSA国际影视传媒� with those struggling to pay.

The letter also said the landlord has scrapped SA国际影视传媒渋ssuing rental increases, or enforcing increases that were to come into effect on April 1, during this crisis.SA国际影视传媒�

Midwest Property Management is also telling tenants to contact the landlordSA国际影视传媒檚 community site managers and office for options. Both companies have directed tenants to government supports like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has allowed tenants to defer payments. Further, in March 20, it cancelled evictions SA国际影视传媒渦nless there is a significant matter including risk to other tenants or the NWTHCSA国际影视传媒檚 building.SA国际影视传媒�

Meanwhile, the NWT Rental Office, which services eviction notices, has suspended services for all in-person inquiries or hearings. It continues to offer services by phone and email.

For his part, OSA国际影视传媒橰eilly said he hoped larger landlords like Northview would find a solution with tenants. But if there was a problem, he said it may be subject of regulation or legislation.

That said, he it was time to follow in the steps of other jurisdictions.

SA国际影视传媒�(These circumstances) are particularly problematic for people who have lost their income or are in self-isolation because of possible COVID exposure,SA国际影视传媒� he said. 

As potential options, he pointed to the rental assistance program in Manitoba; a one-time ; and . 

He also referenced varying degrees of eviction freezes put in place in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and British Columbia. 

ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 echoing the calls from other MLAs like Norn and Hay River South MLA Rocky Simpson, who also called for putting evictions temporarily aside as early as March 16.

Nunakput MLA Jackie Jacobson called for a pause to evictions prior to the pandemic, citing the extreme temperatures and weather facing tenants in his constituency. 

OSA国际影视传媒橰eilly said he hadnSA国际影视传媒檛 seen many programs specifically geared to small landlords who manage one or two properties as a primary source of income. HeSA国际影视传媒檚 advocating that they be a considered in any territorial response to the issue.

That could mean loans for landlords, or backing tenants entering into arrears and who canSA国际影视传媒檛 make timely payments. He also suggested a grant program, or tax deferrals.