Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 19)

Thanks, Madam Chair. All equipment, all of the computer equipment and technology that the users, the staff in the GNWT use, has a lifecycle as determined by the CIO’s office and it is replaced on that lifecycle. That lifecycle is basically what evergreening is. When a piece of equipment hits the end of its lifecycle, it is replaced.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 19)

The Member shares exactly the same concerns I have with this same process. We still need to get a sense of space. There may not be as much and it may not be appropriate for all purposes. We certainly aren’t a retail outlet for art and we don’t want to be a retail outlet for art. We don’t want to challenge or compete with those outlets that are involved in selling art. It’s about displaying local artists. It shouldn’t be too complicated to figure out, but we will, absolutely, work with our colleagues.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 19)

Thanks, Madam Chair. There were some delays. There were some issues around design and whatnot and some budget issues as well. I believe for certain aspects of it, in particular the chimney systems, a contract has been awarded. The kitchen is out for tender right now, but with the chimney we were notified, I believe it was last week, about some issues that they’re having with the chimneys that I shared with Members. Those issues have been dealt with and they should be proceeding with the chimney and moving to the kitchen once the RFP is concluded. Just as a note, the work is scheduled to be...

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 19)

We’re not convinced that there’s 1 percent. There might be more, there might be less. We need to really assess the space, the public space.

As far as the performing arts, I don’t recall that and I haven’t directed the department to look at the performing arts side of things. I apologize for that. I would say that it would fall under the same category of art.

Once we talk to the arts associations in the Northwest Territories, I think we’ll get some good input from them, but I’m not prepared to go to them until we have some sense of how much space is available.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 19)

Thank you, Madam Chair. I’m not sure about all of the specifics of that question, but we can certainly provide a breakdown of where we are now, the items that need to be dealt with sooner than later. Once they’re dealt with, obviously, bad aspects of the deferred maintenance come off the list. So we can do a bit of an analysis.

What might actually be useful here is if I offer the committee a briefing on deferred maintenance and that we can all get on the same page. I’m happy to come before committee, whether it’s P and P, Economic Development and Infrastructure, whichever committee would be...

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Piling remediation work has been completed. It was completed in September 2008 and it provides a permanent foundation solution for the school. Remedial work is certified by an engineer and it has been given a life of 25 years. So the pilings under the school are good for 25 years.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

That’s a discussion that’s going to need to be had. Fiscal year 2018-2019 is a little ways off and it will have to be a discussion between Education, Culture and Employment, the community and the builder, in this case Public Works and Services. I imagine and I expect those conversations will take place.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

I can’t say. The foundation work was done in 2008. I will commit right now to having staff from the Department of Public Works and Services contact the leadership in Deline and set up a meeting where they can come and talk to them about the work that has been done in that particular school.

Over $1.64 million in maintenance and other activities has taken place. We do have some work scheduled for 2013-2014. We are planning to do some envelope work and some roof work. I understand there are some concerns about the roof and we’ll have some work done there.

I’ll commit right now to having staff...

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize a couple of interns working for the Government of the Northwest Territories. Krystal Shaben, who is the Public Works and Services policy and communication assistant intern; Rebecca Dupuis, who is the Justice policy intern; and Harjot Sidhu who is the HR policy intern.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document, entitled Northwest Territories Coroner’s Service 2010 Annual Report including a 10-year review 2001-2010. Thank you.