Caroline Cochrane
Statements in Debates
Thank you, Mr. Chair. We work very closely. We participate in a working group with the RCMP to determine what their needs are. They are very specific in what they are looking for in units, so it is imperative that we work closely with them to make sure that we meet their needs. That you can, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Minister. Mr. Thompson.
I do, thank you.
I'm going to take the opportunity to actually address two issues that were brought up by the Member. The first one was that there is no coordination within the departments to deal with seniors specifically; that is not true. My understanding was there is an interdepartmental group. There is no interdepartmental group; however, we do have a Minister responsible for seniors who works with all of the departments to compile the information supports and to lobby and advocate with us to provide supports to seniors.
The second thing I will address is the question. It was talking about the 55+. Like I...
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I can confirm that, at this point, we are in the process of negotiating seven parcels of land for these units. Once the negotiations are complete, I will update the Member. At any time the Member wants to know the status, he is more than welcome to send an e-mail as well. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Yes, I'll talk to them. I will not commit to doing five in the communities. I try to honour my word and I try to be reasonable and be able to achieve what I commit to, and so I will commit to doing one pilot project of a four-plex and after that do an assessment.
Yes, I think that we don't do a good job in actually promoting the benefits of sports and recreation. I think we do but we could do better, and so we will work on developing that as well. Again, it is something that we should be bringing to the five organizations because I also think that they have a role in the promotion of sports and recreation throughout the Northwest Territories. So again, like I said, I will commit to bringing that issue to the table when we meet with them all and see if it becomes solely a department issue or if it's something that all of the organizations should take...
Mr. Martin will address that.
Yes, I will commit to doing a pilot project of at least one four-plex for seniors in a small community. I will not commit --
So I can say that the five sports and rec organizations will be at the table. I can get a list of the five. I knew it yesterday, I'm thinking I'm forgetting a few of them today so I don't want to state and forget some of them, so I will provide that to the Members. The timeline is difficult. It's really hard to say what time that it will be finished. I am respectful that there are some issues with the groups; they might not want to hear about overlaps, there might be some contention. So I can commit, though, that it is a priority for me and that as soon as the results are in I will get that to...
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'll let Mr. Martin address that question.