Frieda Martselos

One of the concerns, Madam Chair, within the Fort Smith and the area that's affected with the green energy proposal is that a lot of the homes in the community and businesses are not able to hook up to the power grid as a form of green energy. So is that going to be part of the upgrades. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I guess one of the things I also want to talk about are the hydro infrastructure, the Power Corporation upgrades. The upgrades, could you please explain how much that is and how it entails to the Taltson hydro expansion.

Mr. Speaker, will the Minister commit to have her department examine the possibility of converting the old Trailcross building into a territorial aftercare facility? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell us if there are any plans in place for what the old Trailcross building will be used for once the treatment centre is closed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on August 2ND, 2022, the Minister of Health sent me an email providing advance notification that the Trailcross Treatment Centre in Fort Smith would be closing at the end of October. The Trailcross Treatment Centre is a group home for youth which takes in young people from across the NWT between ages 12 and 18. Since the 1970s this facility has provided treatment for youth experiencing addiction, trauma, and behavioural issues.

Mr. Speaker, it's unfortunate to see the closure of this facility because it has been a mainstay in Fort Smith for many years now. I...

No more questions, Madam Chair.

Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. For clarity, I want to ensure that small business and other public buildings and residents of Fort Smith have the option to connect to the green energy proposal that's before us, and is that going to happen even before the expansion takes place, because we have all this excess energy that is not being used, and I'd like to have clarity on that. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. As you know, I'm a great supporter of green energy, and especially of the expansion of the Taltson, and it's in the area of the center of Fort Smith and our Thebacha riding. And I guess I'm you know, I've always been a strong supporter right from time that I've come here as a new Member in this Assembly, and I still continue to support this project tremendously. I also want to make sure that we look to the future and have a full board of people from across the territories. And I know there's lots of excuses being made for keeping deputy ministers but it's you know, if...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want some clarity, and in dollars, the hydro Taltson hydro expansion planning process and where it's at. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Mr. Speaker, would the Minister consider converting the old Trailcross building in Fort Smith into a new territorial aftercare facility for the people of the NWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.