Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask the Minister of Housing a couple of questions on his statement. As July 1, 2012, is the implementation of the Shelter Policy review, will the Minister consider an extension to mid-August for evictions, as many people in the smaller communities have seasonal employment?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to address the anti-bullying campaign. I fully support the initiatives that our schools have taken on and our communities’ support. We must remind ourselves time and time again to keep up our work to stop bullying. It will not stop itself.

Some victims take out their pain by turning to alcohol and drugs. It can be a vicious cycle.

The more we educate our children and let them know that there’s help for them, the more they will not be afraid to step forward. When our children do step forward, they have to know that action will be taken so the bullying stops.

I...

What is the minimum amount of funds that is needed for the payment plan?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize Mr. Charlie Furlong, who is with us in the gallery, who has served as a community leader for many years in Aklavik.

Is the Minister going to increase the amount of home care workers as an interim measure until we receive a long-term care facility? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has almost been a year since the government closed the Joe Greenland Centre in Aklavik to elders who cannot live independently. Now there is a line-up of elders waiting to get into the facility in Inuvik which serves the entire Beaufort-Delta region.

I am not convinced that the Inuvik facility can handle all of the elders who need care. I am not convinced that sending the elders to Inuvik and Yellowknife from the communities is the best way to care for our elders. In my riding alone, there are more than 300 elders over the age of 60. In Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic...

Thank you. At this time I have no further questions. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services. Is the Minister willing to review the decision to end long-term care at the Joe Greenland Centre and come up with a plan that meets the needs of elders in the Mackenzie Delta? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you to the Minister for that. I look forward to that response. Mahsi.

My next question is: Will the Department of Education be willing to sign a long-term lease with the communities to provide staff housing for teachers?