Bob Bromley

Mr. Speaker, for some time many have warned that the crisis of too few available beds at the Aven Centre here in Yellowknife is coming fast. I rise yet again to remind us all that this catastrophe is not only looming, it’s here. We must address the shortfall promptly.

The problem has been studied to death by all concerned, who say with one voice, “We need more beds.” With a 200 percent growth in Yellowknife seniors over the next 16 years and a 125 percent increase across the NWT, we need several hundred new beds territory-wide. Yet, time is passing with little apparent progress.

We still do not...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am assuming there has been more thinking done on this, but I am wondering if we could get a clear statement on how access to this really state-of-the-art technology is being assured and how it will be improved access for our residents and communities along the line. I understand the situation in Inuvik with the satellite infrastructure and so on, but I am wondering, are homes and residents and families throughout the valley? Thank you.

I will leave it at that. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thanks again for that information. Just the last part, do we now, when we build buildings, routinely sort of consider the design of the roofing or the exterior with the potential of solar in mind?

Will that be all of them arriving at the same time? I guess while I’m asking that, what is the plan? Does it take particular qualifications for these aircraft or can those positions be filled with existing aircraft expertise in the NWT?

Just for the Yellowknife assets, what sort of schedule would you require to come up with those estimates considering the issues that you’ve mentioned there, speaking to the deputy minister, to have some sort of an idea to be able to move to a program of implementation?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 5, 2015, I will move the following motion: now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that the government work with the Northwest Territories Disabilities Council and community councils to assess the reasons for the failure to implement the action plan formulated in 2008;

And further, that the government work with the Disabilities Council to propose the best way to actively move forward with a Disabilities Action Plan;

And furthermore, that the government produce a response for consideration by the House by...

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thanks to the deputy minister for that information. I’m wondering: after lighting, considering electricity demand, what is our next biggest opportunity for energy efficiency improvements in Yellowknife assets.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wouldn’t doubt they are listening, and the most important question will be, when will this happen? When will this be in place? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Would the Minister be able to estimate what our approximate electricity demand is of all our assets in Yellowknife? I know I’m asking for some details here. Thank you.