Date
August
20
2007
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Debates of August 20, 2007 (day 13)
Topics
Statements
Member’s Statement On Jimmy Erasmus Seniors’ Centre
Jackson Lafferty
Monfwi
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to speak on something very important. It is a seniors’ home. I want to say a few words regarding that. I had mentioned this issue many times in the past. We are talking about the old folks' home in Behchoko. It’s been in existence for over 20 years and we want that facility to be replaced. So I will question the Minister regarding this later. I have mentioned this concern many times. Many past leaders have mentioned this before. So today I want to ask that same question again. (Translation ends)
…on the most important thing for the elders of Behchoko and the surrounding communities and that’s Jimmy Erasmus Seniors’ Home in Behchoko. Mr. Speaker, back in March and May of this year, I spoke of the need for replacement of or repair of the Jimmy Erasmus Seniors’ Home in Behchoko to ensure the well-being of the elders who made their home in the community. Mr. Speaker, during the May session, in questioning the Premier as the Minister responsible, it became apparent the preliminary consultant’s report is recommending replacement of the facility.
Mr. Speaker, Premier Handley also stated that the plan was to repair the building so the building would last the five years it would take to build a new facility. Mr. Speaker, I having been here a couple of years now, I know that my job is to keep the Ministers’ feet to the fire to
get a commitment that will benefit my people. I certainly hope the Premier is wearing good shoes today.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Premier for the commitment, but now we need to move forward and make sure the Jimmy Erasmus Seniors’ Home gets into the capital and that the dramatic population growth is taken into consider when designing a new facility, that a new facility meets the needs of the Tlicho elders.
Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I will have questions for the Premier on the final report of the facility, which was to be completed in June of this year, on the steps the Housing Corporation is taking to repair and replace this facility. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause