Latest news with #LucyKuptana
CBC
16-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Territorial ministers seek full funding for national plan on gender-based violence
Amid the federal government's bid to reduce spending, territorial ministers are asking the Carney government to fully fund a national plan to end gender-based violence. Women and gender equality ministers for the N.W.T., Nunavut and Yukon met with their federal counterpart, Rechie Valdez, last week. They asked her to secure funding for the remaining six years of the national plan's 10-year lifespan. In an interview, Valdez said she's committed to backing the plan, which was originally announced in November 2022, even though the federal finance minister has asked ministers to find savings within their departments. Last week, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne directed Cabinet ministers to find areas to reduce spending by 7.5 per cent starting in 2026, 10 per cent in 2027 and 15 per cent in 2028. Asked whether her department would see any reduction in programs or services, Valdez said her department is seeking "more clarity around the details" from the Prime Minister's office. N.W.T. Status of Women Minister Lucy Kuptana said territorial governments want firm commitments on the plan's funding. Funds from Women and Gender Equality Canada flow to the N.W.T.'s Gender Equity Division, which works with Status of Women, Native Women's Association, Northern Mosaic Network and shelter networks. Military spending has implication for women, girls Aside from spending cuts, Prime Minister Mark Carney also pledged to NATO allies in June to increase military spending to five percent of Canada's GDP by 2035. As the federal government pushes to fast track resource development projects and pledges billions to militarize Canada and the North, Kuptana said there similarly need to be resources and services for women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people. From the time of the fur traders, to the establishment of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) line, increasing industrialization and militarization of Northern communities have historically brought violence upon women and girls, said Kuptana. "Women and families were affected [deeply] by all of that," she said. In a meeting with all three ministers, Valdez also heard that housing is key to ending gender-based violence, and these disparities which make women vulnerable are more prevalent in the North. Valdez said she'll push on commitments under the remaining years of the national action plan to support frontline workers, especially through the Women's Shelter Network. Programs educating men and boys Yukon's Minister for Women and Gender Equity, Jeanie McLean, said much of the work achieved in the Yukon in the last 10 years has been in part because of the direct access to cabinet through the federal minister. She said the Yukon government matches federal funding from the national plan. Among other things, it uses it to help fund First Nations projects educating men and boys to help end violence against women. McLean, who is also the Yukon's education minister, said she is considering curriculum-based education for grades 6 to 9, replicating programs like the Nova Scotia-born GuysWork, which explores alternatives to pervasive and unhealthy norms around masculinity. McLean said she has also met with national Indigenous organizations looking to connect the goals of the national action plan to end gender based violence and MMIWG in areas of justice reform and human trafficking. Territories have responsibilities for community safety and justice, but the federal government holds "tremendous responsibility" for reform on release conditions considering emergent technologies that enable digital abuse, she said. "Women particularly can be tracked just on their devices on Snapchat, on all of these other types of platforms. That needs to be emphasized at the federal level with our criminal justice system," said McLean.
Hamilton Spectator
30-06-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Housing NWT to ban smoking in rental units
Smoking is banned for all new tenants of Housing NWT and will be phased out of existing units by spring 2026. The NWT is the last jurisdiction in Canada to implement a smoking ban in public housing after Nunavut introduced similar regulations in 2023. The ban will ultimately be applied to all units owned by Housing NWT. 'There is extensive research on the negative impacts of smoking and second-hand smoke on health and social outcomes,' said Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana, who announced the smoking prohibition while speaking in the legislative assembly on May 29. 'During the development of Housing Northwest Territories' strategic renewal in the 19th Legislative Assembly, Housing NWT consulted with Indigenous governments, elected representatives, local housing organizations and tenants about smoking in public housing units. There is strong support for measures that protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke, and broad support for efforts aimed at reducing smoking overall. 'It is the GNWT's responsibility to support individuals and families to stay healthy. It is also our responsibility to reduce damage to units and loss of units, as we are currently experiencing a housing crisis,' Kuptana added. A spokesperson for Housing NWT explained the ban is now in place for any new tenants and a 'grace period' for existing renters is being considered up until spring 2026. Exceptions for tobacco use in traditional ceremonies and cultural practices will be included in the implementation. 'The approach is trauma-informed and non-punitive, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and respect,' said Housing NWT communications manager Jeanne Gard. 'Housing NWT is committed to implementing this policy in a fair, respectful and compassionate way, with a strong focus on education, support and collaboration with Indigenous governments and community partners. Long-term tenants will be informed through a supportive education campaign, and, once implemented, will be subject to the full smoking ban.' Designated smoking areas will be created for tenants who continue to smoke. Gard added that smokers would be provided with access to educational materials and access to cessation supports before the ban is fully implemented and the penalties for not complying with the ban would escalate if the problem persists. She noted that only in worst-case scenarios would a rental agreement be terminated. Kuptana said the ban is as much about promoting better health as it is to protect the government's assets. 'This policy is not just about prohibiting smoking; it is about promoting healthier lifestyles and creating supportive environments for people who wish to quit,' she said. 'The ban will also reduce the risk of smoking-related fires and decrease the costs of cleaning and repairing smoke-damaged units. That means we will be able to put more resources towards other critical housing needs.' A 2021 GNWT public service announcement noted that smoking 'is a leading cause of home fire fatalities.' According to the 2023 NWT Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Survey, there were 10,084 active tobacco smokers and 13,349 cannabis users in the territory. Among tobacco users, 4,792 make less than $40,000 per year. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CBC
21-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
50-unit public housing complex in Yellowknife takes next step
Housing officials formally broke ground on a future public housing building Tuesday. The building, set to go up on empty lots on 50th Street between the Raven Pub and the Gold Range Bistro, is expected to bring 50 public housing units to Yellowknife's downtown area by fall of 2026. It's expected to include 25 barrier-free bachelor suites for single people and seniors, and 25 two-bedroom units for small families. It'll also provide office space for Housing N.W.T.'s North Slave district office and the Yellowknife Housing Authority. At a ceremony Tuesday, Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana described the project as "the beginning of new opportunities, new stability and a new hope" for people in Yellowknife who need homes. "We know that housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing the Northwest Territories," Kuptana said, noting the current housing waitlist through the Yellowknife Housing Authority has more than 300 families on it. "We also know that when people [have a] safe, affordable place to call home, everything else becomes more possible." The project, originally announced in 2023 by then-prime minister Justin Trudeau, comes at a cost of $20.8 million, funded through the federal government's rapid housing initiative. The land, worth $825,000, was provided by the City of Yellowknife, and the territorial government is expected to subsidize operating costs. The city issued a development permit for the building's construction last October. At the time, it said foundation work would begin in the spring. In a news release Tuesday, the territorial government said "substantial construction work" is set to begin shortly on the building. It also pointed to plans for sustainable design, including biomass heating and mass timber construction — light, load-bearing wood that's engineered for high strength.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lack of rent control in N.W.T. to be reassessed this year, minister says
Northwest Territories ministers have responded to criticism over recent big rent increases of hundreds of dollars for some Housing N.W.T. owned units. Last month, rent increase notices were sent out to residents who rent market-rate units from Housing N.W.T. Housing N.W.T. has said they wanted to better match unit rent rates with territorial averages. However since there haven't been rent increases to their market units since 2012, residents will see their rent go up anywhere from around $300 to over $700. The market-rate units in small communities are typically occupied by essential workers such as teachers and healthcare workers or community members. Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana said increasing the rents was a "tough but necessary decision" in a statement to CBC. She said the adjustment was crucial to maintain fairness in the housing market, and the additional revenue is needed because of declining federal support. "No one wants to increase rental rates, but with increasing cost and decreasing operating funding, we needed to make this hard decision so that we can continue to offer housing programs. Heating costs are included, along with maintenance and repairs," the statement reads. Justice Minister Jay Macdonald wrote in a statement that the territory has also explored implementing some form of rent control in the past, and will soon be revisiting those discussions. "Given the issues raised by the Rental Office and other stakeholders, the Department of Justice has committed to a new, thorough review of the [Residential Tenancies] Act, in 2025," wrote MacDonald. "The issue of rent control will be re-evaluated as part of this review, ensuring that we address current challenges and consider all perspectives." Many of Canada's provinces and the Yukon have some form of rent increase caps, but the N.W.T. does not. MacDonald said the government looked into rent cap measures a few years ago, during the 17th Legislative Assembly, when they did a review of the Residential Tenancy Act. But they ultimately decided against them. "[That] decision was based on research, experiences in other jurisdictions, and the unique housing situation in the N.W.T.," wrote MacDonald. Rent increase limits typically apply to all landlords in a jurisdiction, and would likely apply to Housing N.W.T. as well as private landlords. Kuptana concluded her statement by saying that other supports are currently of the supports she mentioned was the Canada-NWT Housing Benefit, which can provide up to $800 a month for eligible residents who pay over 30 per cent of their gross income in rent. "This benefit is here to support people who may be affected by the recent rent change. If you think you might qualify, I encourage you to apply or reach out to the Housing N.W.T. team for more information."
CBC
06-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Lack of rent control in N.W.T. to be reassessed this year, minister says
Northwest Territories ministers have responded to criticism over recent big rent increases of hundreds of dollars for some Housing N.W.T. owned units. Last month, rent increase notices were sent out to residents who rent market-rate units from Housing N.W.T. Housing N.W.T. has said they wanted to better match unit rent rates with territorial averages. However since there haven't been rent increases to their market units since 2012, residents will see their rent go up anywhere from around $300 to over $700. The market-rate units in small communities are typically occupied by essential workers such as teachers and healthcare workers or community members. Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana said increasing the rents was a "tough but necessary decision" in a statement to CBC. She said the adjustment was crucial to maintain fairness in the housing market, and the additional revenue is needed because of declining federal support. "No one wants to increase rental rates, but with increasing cost and decreasing operating funding, we needed to make this hard decision so that we can continue to offer housing programs. Heating costs are included, along with maintenance and repairs," the statement reads. Justice Minister Jay Macdonald wrote in a statement that the territory has also explored implementing some form of rent control in the past, and will soon be revisiting those discussions. "Given the issues raised by the Rental Office and other stakeholders, the Department of Justice has committed to a new, thorough review of the [Residential Tenancies] Act, in 2025," wrote MacDonald. "The issue of rent control will be re-evaluated as part of this review, ensuring that we address current challenges and consider all perspectives." Many of Canada's provinces and the Yukon have some form of rent increase caps, but the N.W.T. does not. MacDonald said the government looked into rent cap measures a few years ago, during the 17th Legislative Assembly, when they did a review of the Residential Tenancy Act. But they ultimately decided against them. "[That] decision was based on research, experiences in other jurisdictions, and the unique housing situation in the N.W.T.," wrote MacDonald. Rent increase limits typically apply to all landlords in a jurisdiction, and would likely apply to Housing N.W.T. as well as private landlords. Kuptana concluded her statement by saying that other supports are currently of the supports she mentioned was the Canada-NWT Housing Benefit, which can provide up to $800 a month for eligible residents who pay over 30 per cent of their gross income in rent. "This benefit is here to support people who may be affected by the recent rent change. If you think you might qualify, I encourage you to apply or reach out to the Housing N.W.T. team for more information."
