Statements in Debates
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, I think it is important to have a communication dialogue with the communities. I was there during the ceremonial event and I would be glad to go back there again. I will certainly make a commitment to visit the community. Mahsi.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, there is a review underway to deal with its programs and policies that support community-based cultural programs, culture and heritage organizations. Again, NACC will be one of them and across the board in the Northwest Territories. So there is a review underway. Mahsi.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Member’s question in this specific area because it has been a real critical issue in the community and also for the Northwest Territories. Yes, this has been an issue nationally, as well. I just came back from a Winnipeg meeting with the Justice Ministers from provincial, territorial and federal, and this was an issue; our jurisdiction and also Nunavut. We talked about various options and at the national level they’re talking about introducing the bylaws, introducing community policing; the special constable was one of them. That’s an...
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, I will commit to visiting the community of Tsiigehtchic and the surrounding communities. I did receive a letter from the Member and I am looking forward to that. At this time, my department will be working with the Member to specify a date and time. Mahsi.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, we are open for discussion on solutions because we, as a department, are always looking for solutions at a community level. We, as a department, will be working with the community on trying to find a solution for space in the community. So we are open for discussions in that area. Mahsi.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the plan I am referring to comes out of the Fort McPherson detachment where we do have a presence in the community. The plan is to have monthly visits. Right now as it stands, there have been 21 patrols from July through November of this and they will continue. We will continue to have an officer presence in those communities that don’t have a detachment and with other communities as well that don’t have detachments. Mahsi.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NGOs at the community level have been stressing for office space in Simpson, but at the same time the new building that’s coming up to be opened early in the new year will be for the Education department. We are willing to work with the community in that area to that respect, but at the same time the community needs to take on that initiative, as well. We did have the consultation with the community late last year and those options were given out at that time, and certainly there can be more ongoing discussion on this particular topic. Mahsi.