Jackson Lafferty

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when we first heard of the closure of this facility, it was a one day closure. Our department had been notified immediately. I met with my staff to deal with this issue and what kind of solutions and options that could be offered by working with the facility, working with the communities. Because it is not only one facility, it is across the board, Northwest Territories as a whole we have to look at. It is an ongoing discussion. I can commit to working with the colleague, Ms. Bisaro, to work on this solution. When there is a problem, there is always a...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise Members of ongoing work in the administration of the Public Housing Rental Subsidy Program, PHRS.

As Members are aware, the 15th Legislative Assembly placed an emphasis on helping northerners to move forward on self-reliance. The income security policy framework was developed in 2005 to help us move in this direction and to provide a coordinated approach to the delivery of programs and services. As part of the larger income security reform project, in April 2006, administrative responsibilities for the Public Housing Rental Subsidy Program were transferred...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with these kind of incidents, there are various parties involved. The coroner area, their office. Also the Department of Health and Social Services and our Department of Justice. Certainly I will be working closely with my colleague and also the coroner and see what they have on file. Again, I committed to, and I am willing to share that information with Mr. Krutko. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we’ve outlined in the strategic plan for the 16th Assembly, this can certainly be one of the priorities; it will be up to the Members here to set priorities. But I’m more than willing to sit down with the Member and other Members who are requesting meetings with Ministers on various issues and concerns. This could be one of them that we’ll certainly meet on. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I stated, there is discussion. They are taking place within my department and working with the day care facilities on identifying the needs of the day care facilities. This will be an ongoing discussion as we speak now. I am hoping that we can see a review document by early in the new year somewhat integrated through the strategy planning that we are strategizing for the 16th Assembly. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the funding is, most of the day cares in the Northwest Territories are based on the enrolment of the students. I’m sorry, the children and based on attendance. But there has been some, I would say, increase in the contribution in 2007 in the childcare facilities. So those are the things that we are looking at, that our department is planning on, depending on the priorities and planning that’s coming out as a strategy. So if that fits into that, then we will certainly work with that. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, may I seek unanimous consent to return to item 6, please? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this report is in front of us. Our department will certainly look at it with the Cabinet and will be highlighting the key areas where there needs to be some renovations happening here and there. The major project, if that needs to take place, we will certainly look at that, as well. At this time, I cannot make a commitment to say we will move forward with this. We need to identify our priorities with the colleagues, as well, priorities for the 16th Assembly. Which capital projects should we pursue? At that time, we are open for discussion and moving...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the Member is right about the evaluation report that has been conducted in the community of Hay River. Based on the technical report, it is estimated that it will cost approximately $22 million plus in, of course, July 2006 dollars at that time, to upgrade the facility. But at the same time, this does not take into account the relocation of the students and also the alternate location while the work is being done. Of course, there will be additional costs here. But, Mr. Speaker, I would just like to highlight that as we move forward in the 16th Assembly, we will...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to recognize a true constituent from Behchoko, Eric Gargan and also my brother David Lafferty. Mahsi.

---Applause