Statements in Debates
Mr. Speaker, I am glad that the Minister was able to list some of the other projects in the riding. I am really pleased, certainly, that these projects are moving forward. I just want to get reassurance that it will continue to be moving forward. Mr. Minister mentioned about chipsealing Highway No. 1 and residents of Nahendeh are looking forward to that. I think it was 70 kilometres. Just with that, are there plans also to work on replacing culverts on a further 70 kilometres of Highway No. 1 towards Fort Simpson? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to follow up on my Member’s statement and ask the Minister of Transportation some questions on some of the construction projects on Highway No. 1 and Highway No. 7 just with respect to the reconstruction on Highway No. 7. I think it was kilometre 166, the section that failed last spring. What work is planned for those areas and how much reconstruction will be done between the B.C. border and Fort Liard? Thank you.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would be remiss if I didn’t raise the subject of roads in this city in the Legislative Assembly. My colleague Mr. Krutko indicated that in his visit to Fort Liard, he heard that the solution was housing, housing, housing. But for the whole of my constituency as I travel, the issue is roads, roads, roads, Mr. Speaker.
The highways are an important link to the people in Nahendeh and throughout the North. Roads are the lifeline of our communities and so we are always concerned about them. I am pleased about the work that is going to take place in the summer: the chipseal work...
Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided]
Mr. Speaker, this summer the Deh Cho Hall in Fort Simpson will be demolished. The building that dates back to the late 1950s has housed many different activities over the years.
The Deh Cho Hall was originally named the Lapointe Hall. It was part of the residential school system. Many Northerners were students at this facility. Until recently it was the home of the ECE support office and the Open Door Society. It also housed Aurora College, and several other local organizations benefited from that space. Most notably, I should add it...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today I spoke about return of the public housing rental subsidy to the local housing organizations. I would like to ask the Minister of Housing about the implementation date. I think there was June 1st. Is the target on track and will they be able to meet that implementation date? Thank you.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the maximum rents be looked at at this time during the transition phase? Will there be any adjustments made to the amount that’s being charged as rent? Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, does the department anticipate any challenges for the tenants as the transfer back to the local housing organization? I know it took several months when we went to ECE. What kind of strategy or communications plan do they have to ensure that all the tenants do not fall off track and make the transition as seamless as possible? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I will be speaking about the return of the administration of the public housing rental subsidy to local housing organizations. Responsibility for the public housing rental subsidy was transferred to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment in 2006 in an attempt at a one-window service. Some program improvements were made in terms of accountability and fairness across the NWT, but residents of small communities did not see themselves better served. I’m very pleased that the responsibility for the public housing rental subsidy will be returned to the NWT...
Mr. Speaker, I think that when the program went to ECE there were additional resources given to ECE. Is there some similar plan to return extra resources to the Housing Corporation as to uptake the program once again? Mahsi.
Thank you very much. Perhaps we have to pursue it further tomorrow. I just wanted to get details on the completion of the floor for the Nahanni Butte gymnasium, but if they don’t have that, I can ask that in the House tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.