Shane Thompson

I agree with the Minister. I think that it should be a priority for the 19th, but we will have to wait and see who is here in the 19th Assembly. Looking at the "what we heard" report, I didn't see any specific proposal to create advocate positions, but I have heard this idea talked before, even before I was an MLA. It is good to have the legislation, but we need to be forward-thinking about putting these positions out there. Is this part of the discussion moving forward?

Thank you. That was Sambaa K'e. I apologize if I misspoke. I was talking about Jean Marie River. Sorry. They were looking at a couple of sections that need to be enhanced. I know the government spent some quality money on it this past year, but they are looking at a couple of other spots. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today I spoke about seniors and elders. Today my questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services. My first question: what are the next steps for the department with respect to the continuing care facility legislative initiative? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. The communities of Jean Marie and Nahanni Butte, if there's still work to be done, do they work with the regional office or do they have to make a submission because they're trying to get some work done? I know we've put some money into it already, and I appreciate that. What is their process? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On page 41, it says "community access road improvements." It says "various." Can the Minister elaborate further on this part, please? Thank you.

Just a quick question. In regard to the long-term care facility for Fort Simpson, it was originally planned with a hospital. Is this still the plan? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I thank the Minister for that clarification. I am not asking them to come and administer the funding and do the co-management. I appreciate the department regional staff has reached out. What I am hearing from the communities is they are at capacity. If we get them out to do training, that is the one or two individuals who are actually operating the community. Training doesn't help. They are asking if there is some way that we could build capacity.

Minister, I understand we have talked about it. I am just telling you what I have been hearing again from the communities...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have a couple of concerns with this capital plan as presented here right now. There is a shortfall for municipal funding. It was an issue when I first ran, and I am hearing it again. I am hoping that the government was going to be able to try to help increase this. I know that the government is working with the federal government to try to get more money, but it has been a situation where the communities are asking for more money because they don't feel that they are getting enough.

The other concern that I have, and again, I am probably going to have some questions in...

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that Committee Report 38-18(3): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on Transition Matters be received and adopted by this Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I have to give credit to the Minister and his staff for working on this issue. I know I have been bringing it up for the last four years. They have actually reached out. It's been quite interesting, being at meetings with them there. Can the Minister advise this House: has he made recommendation for the new Minister coming forward that this is an issue that he needs to be kept aware of?