From: Bernice Lavoie, Inuvik
It is disappointing to have read Catherine Lafferty's article ("The hidden costs of public housing") in the Dec 17, 2018 News/North issue, blaming housing for many tenants' woes. It is with trepidation that I do state, that yes there is a history of land rights disputes regarding the indigenous people, but you can't blame public housing for issues where people are making choices.
The policy could probably use an overhaul like most government programs, but at some point, we need to take responsibility for our own actions. It's those that work and pay taxes that make up for the shortfall, and yes that includes the countless number of indigenous people that do make an honest living and are paying taxes too.I do agree that it was meant to be a "stepping stone" but given something practically for free opens it up for abuse.
Having worked in the Social Work department back in the '80s I found it sad that people chose to spend their funds on other unnecessary or other means rather than pay the $32 a month rent at the time, thus accumulating arrears. As an employer, we have at least 3 hardworking employees that work in our company and live in public housing.
To my knowledge, they do not resort to illegal means. There was an elder from my home community who also lived in a tent practically his whole life. He was given the choice to move into public housing but refused, until he was no longer able to cut and chop his own wood. There is plenty of opportunities out there that requires motivation, focus and drive. We need to set goals if we wish to succeed. Ultimately, we are masters of our own destiny and the choices we make.