Still no houses and no land — why?

It’s nearly impossible to find, afford or even build adequate housing in Nunavut, MLAs told the legislature this week.

Sanikiluaq MLA Peter Kattuk complained about drafty, cold houses, while High Arctic MLA Levi Barnabas said in Resolute Bay there’s no developed land to build homes on. Residents are frustrated, he said.

“What is the use of the new Material Assistance Program or the Nunavut Downpayment Assistance Program for new construction when there is nowhere to build a new home?” Barnabas asked.

Pangnirtung MLA Peter Kilabuk said too many young families are futilely looking for housing in his community. He said the time for talk and consultations about Nunavut’s housing crisis is over.

“Should we not try to help these people?”

Kilabuk said the GN needs a “concerted strategy” to tackle housing.