In response to the Auditor General’s report into the operations of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, the Honourable Joedy Wall, Minister of Housing and Deputy Government House Leader, introduced a special debate on housing.

The special debate acknowledges the findings of the Auditor General, supports immediate and decisive action, and commits – as a government and as a House – to ensuring these issues are not repeated.

The report highlights systemic issues with the NLHC that are the direct result of a lack of oversight and support from the previous government. Following a lost decade of housing management, it is imperative for the new government, and any future governments, to ensure that the corporation is supported and can adequately fulfil its mandate.

The new Provincial Government fully accepts the findings of the Auditor General and will act immediately to bring about structural reform. The four areas of critical focus for government in the short term include:

• Addressing the waitlist, which grew by 71 per cent between 2021 and 2025. This will require a focus on increasing housing supply and reviewing waitlist and application processes and policies.
• Strengthening governance, which became unclear during the former administration. This includes board renewal, strengthening oversight and clarifying delegation of authority.
• Addressing inefficiencies through stronger data management with new property management software and an in-depth exploration of the issues of over-housing, under-housing and reconfiguring units.
• Addressing policy gaps through a much-needed policy review.

The Provincial Government recognizes the challenges facing the housing system, and is solely focused on working in partnership with the housing corporation to build a stronger and more strategic system.

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“The Auditor General’s report lays bare the chaos the former government caused in our housing response. From announcing a shift of NLHC into government during a housing crisis to not following through and leaving the corporation treading water, we need to ensure that NLHC received proper oversight and support. Today’s motion sets this government moving immediately to bring about structural reform.”
Honourable Joedy Wall
Minister of Housing
Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being

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