Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Vanthuyne. Minister Abernethy.

Thank you, Mr. Vanthuyne. Minister Abernethy.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize our Pages from Tsiigehtchic that we have, Shayleen Shae and Thomas Norbert; also their chaperone, my CA, Liz Wright. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Next we have Ms. Green.

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Mr. Simpson.

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Mr. Simpson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the community of Tsiigehtchic is hopeful that, in the near future, they will have a resident in our renewable resource officer to turn to in emergencies. Up until now, we have had to place calls to Inuvik, then wait for staff from Inuvik or Fort MacPherson to visit the community. In the past, that worked for Tsiigehtchic, but now the situation has changed.

Wild animals are entering the community. Just last month, wolves came into town and attacked and killed two dogs. In a separate incident, wolves also approached other residents. We have also seen bears...

It sounded like the Minister had some positive news to update me on that, hopefully a handy van or something that would make access for elders a little easier. As our elders get up there in age, just to drive a couple of kilometers down the Water Lake Road, you know, that sure brings life to them, and if we can do that for them, I am sure they would appreciate it. A lot of times, our elders do not get a chance to even go outside the community boundary. It is unhealthy, and we need to ensure that we do as much as we can to give them a good life. Thank you, Mr. Chair. That is all I have.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I see some new health centres coming into some of the communities here, replacements. I did hear rumours they were going to be replacing the one in Tsiigehtchic.

---Laughter

You know, somebody was telling me that this summer here. I said that is the first I have heard of it, but I would be sure to bring it up here and hopefully get some sort of commitment, as that building is almost as old as I am. It is getting up there.

Also, with extended care, we do have a couple of facilities, one in Aklavik right now, the new Joe Greenland Centre, and hopefully within the...

Mr. Speaker, roughly when can we expect to see the new officer position filled and a new officer taking up their work in the community?