R.J. Simpson

Motion is on the floor to report progress. The motion is in order and non-debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is passed. I will now rise and report progress.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the Minister has cleared up a lot of the lingering questions we've had. I know the Minister doesn't have a long-term plan yet, they said they're working on the action plan to address the needs by 2026. I'm just wondering: when can we expect to know. And I understand there's needs all over the territory, there's 286 or 256 beds needed across the territory, and so I know Hay River is not the first in line. When can we expect to know when a solution will be presented? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I guess my government math was wrong; it's 10 beds, not nine beds. Regardless, even if it's 10 beds, it still isn't going to address our needs. It's going to replace what we have now. This piece of land, it can't accommodate an expansion; there's the manor there, there's the hospital there, there's the ravine there. Is there another piece of land in Hay River that's suitable? By suitable, I mean large enough to build on and economical?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I spoke about the situation that the Family Support Centre in Hay River is facing, and I have some questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services in that regard. I stated that the shelter is underfunded, not just in general, but in comparison to other shelters in the territory. There doesn't seem to be any sort of funding formula based on beds, based on needs or anything like that. I'd like to ask the Minister, does he plan on coming up with some sort of formula so we can adequately fund all of the shelters? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was speaking of the wraparound services and up to four-week waiting times to receive counselling. In addition, victims are often forced to return to abusive relationships because of homelessness, poverty, problems securing housing, employment, and lack of daycare. Mr. Speaker, obviously two and a half minutes is not enough time to address all these issues, but I just want to make sure that this government and the public are aware of this dire situation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For my final question, I just want to ask if the building can't be saved and this non-profit can't continue doing their work, what's the government's plan? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I'm glad to hear that there's work started on that. Given that these shelters are NGOs; they're non-profits; they're not government-run facilities. The buildings they're in are owned by the non-profit, so in the case of the Family Support Centre in Hay River, they're in need of major renovations. Frankly, they're probably in need of a new building. Given this big capital cost, does the Minister and his department have any plans to provide any funds for physical infrastructure, either to improve or building a new building for the shelter?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my constituent and my constituent assistant Anne Peters. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have to bring to light a serious issue that affects residents of Hay River and many other communities. The Family Support Centre in Hay River has been serving the Northwest Territories for nearly 30 years; it provides a safe and supportive place for women and their children who are fleeing abusive and potentially failed relationships. Despite offering an essential service, the GNWT provides funding that is inadequate even in relation to other shelters in the territory. The mandate of this government states in plain language that we will take action on the...

The Minister stated that he's aware that there's some major problems with that facility. My question is: if the government can’t help renovate that facility, if it's beyond repair, if it needs a new building, is the department prepared to help provide that building or are they willing to let this service just disappear from the community?