Robert Bouchard

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. Mr. McLeod.

Thank you. Committee, page 4-25, activity summary, intergovernmental relations, operations expenditure summary, $1.707 million. Agreed?

Mr. Speaker, obviously I’m concerned about the seniors facility that’s being built and the needs assessment that would be in the community of Hay River. We know the population is aging. We want to know what the demands are for five, 10, 15, 20 years from now. Obviously, the 10 beds in that facility are something that we’re pleased that they actually put that back in the budget because it should have been there all along, but we also want to know what the demands are for the community in the years to come.

I’ll ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the witnesses into the Chamber.

Mr. Minister, would you please introduce your witnesses.

Thank you, Mr. Goldney. Mr. Bromley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In follow-up to my Member’s statement about the extended care beds in Hay River, I forgot to mention those valuable elders in our extended care facility, especially my mom.

My question today is for the Minister of Health. When will the study be completed on the extended bed facility in Hay River?

Thank you, Minister. I’ll ask the Minister if he has any witnesses to bring into the House.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Mr. Premier.

Thank you. Page 4-15, corporate management, active positions. Are there any questions? Agreed?

I have difficulties believing the Premier when he talks about decentralization and phase 2 of devolution, which put more than 200 positions into Yellowknife and only 90 out to the regions, so how is that decentralization? It sounds like centralization to me.

What is the government’s plan going forward to decentralize positions and what is that plan specifically? We’re currently planning to build houses in certain communities. We must have a plan that we’re going to put specific positions into those communities. What is that plan?