Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. O’Reilly. Mr. Minister.

Mr. Speaker, you know talking to a number of equipment operators, you know, especially when they first starting putting this application down, you know, when the calcium is laid down it’s always best to grade the road at the same time that way it soaks right into the road ‘because if you just lay it over the top, you know once we get a large amount of rain it usually runs off. Will the Minister ensure that when the crews do work on the highway that that is practiced? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize my two Pages from the Mackenzie Delta, Taylor McLeod and Gordon Papik. Also in the gallery, I see we have Mr. Reid and Mr. Saturnino. Welcome to the House. Mahsi.

Mr. Speaker, you know, it always seems to be cost is always an issue when it comes to whether it’s providing services for elders or people in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, we need to make sure our elders are cared for. You know, cost is no issue. With all the funding we do get here in the Northwest Territories we have to ensure that we are taking care of our elders in our communities, that’s the bottom line, Mr. Speaker, and we need to make sure that our policies make sure that that happens. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, as many of my colleagues have mentioned that aging in place is something that everyone in our communities would like to see. You know, our elders do not want to leave the communities they lived in all their lives, but yet we have some elders that are being asked to contribute up to 25 per cent of the actual costs of renovations to their home, for example. Will the Minister look at ways to either eliminate this or put it to five per cent? You know it’s very difficult for elders to save money with the high cost of living that we have in our small communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize an advocate for NWT seniors, Ms. Ann Firth-Jones from Hay River, originally from Fort McPherson. Also, Florence Barnaby and also Wade Blake who I’m convinced is my long-lost relative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the 2016 Relay for Life kicked off in the Northwest Territories last Friday, June 10th. What is Relay for Life? Whether you are cheering on survivors, walking the track, passing the baton to your teammates, or joining in the exciting activities, Relay for Life is more than just a cancer walk, Mr. Speaker. It’s a journey. Relay for Life is supporting everyone in your life who has been affected by cancer. Mr. Speaker, I’m very proud to announce that one of my communities in the Mackenzie Delta riding, Fort McPherson participated in this very important event...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s good to know what the department has, but I’m talking about the homeowners, Mr. Speaker. Many of my elders that have their own homes, when they need renovations they’re either asked to contribute up to 25 per cent, you know, there’s challenges. I know we have the GSOs in the communities to help them, and also other areas to help the elders, but it’s a real challenge for an elder to come up with, whether it’s $10,000, $20,000, Mr. Speaker. That’s what I’m talking about here. We need to look at this policy and possibly revise it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a few questions for the Minister of the Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, earlier today we had a briefing and the needs in the Beaufort Delta will triple over the next ten years, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask: will the Minister work with the Minister of Health and Social Services to identify the needs to each community in the Beaufort Delta so we can begin planning? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, colleagues. And especially for inspiring our small communities to participate. Mr. Speaker, our community of Fort McPherson raised a total of $11,649.95. Thank you. Please join me in congratulating the community of Fort McPherson on a job well done. Mahsi cho.