Debates of August 21, 2007 (day 14)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to talk about the transfers of some positions to the Tlicho region. I’m not sure when this will happen. I’m talking about the staff housing. We’re still not sure about what’s happening with that so I’d like to ask the Premier a question. (Translation ends)

I raised an issue on the North Slave staff being transferred to Behchoko, the soon-to-be headquarters for the Tlicho region. Mr. Speaker, today I’d like to focus on a staff housing initiative that the Executive department is currently undertaking. The question is to the Premier. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Premier for the current status of the proposed staff housing in Behchoko for all of these new GNWT employees who are supposed to be transferred. Where are they at with their discussion and plan? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 163-15(6): Status Of Staff Housing Initiative In Behchoko

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The regional director has been dealing with this issue; he has been looking at which staff positions can be transferred, the availability of staff housing and the availability of office space. Mr. Speaker, I don’t have an up-to-date report on exactly where that’s at. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Supplementary To Question 163-15(6): Status Of Staff Housing Initiative In Behchoko

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my next question was to get into detailed questions, but I can probably wait. The next question I have is the Tlicho Government continues in effect as in all two years ago. It is imperative that the GNWT respects the self-governance of the Tlicho people. How soon can we anticipate the building of this staff housing? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 163-15(6): Status Of Staff Housing Initiative In Behchoko

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are continuing to build houses in all of the regions through the affordable housing initiative. We don’t build housing specifically for staff but we’re building affordable housing that people can either rent…We also build public housing that people could continue to rent. Mr. Speaker, I can give the breakdown of where we are with the whole North Slave and possibly by community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Supplementary To Question 163-15(6): Status Of Staff Housing Initiative In Behchoko

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would these staff houses I’m referring to, those GNWT North Slave regional office being transferred to our region, specifically under staff housing, has the Department of the Executive been working with the Tlicho Community Services Agency? Are they working with the Behchoko Development Corporation, the community government of Behchoko? Where are they with that? I understand the regional director is working on it but I’d just like to get a feeling of how far we’re at with that. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 163-15(6): Status Of Staff Housing Initiative In Behchoko

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am sure that the regional director is working with the Behchoko leadership on this one. I’m not sure exactly what the Member is asking. When it comes to housing, then, yes, we definitely are working through the local housing authority, community services agency and also with the Behchoko government on that. Mr. Speaker, there are a number of units going into each of the communities. In Behchoko there are 33 units that will be going in there over the next couple of years. On office space, I’m not sure of any specific discussions that are happening on that front. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Final supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Supplementary To Question 163-15(6): Status Of Staff Housing Initiative In Behchoko

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, on the office space and also the accommodation for the staff that would be transferred to the community, I’m sure they will be needing some accommodations instead of commuting back and forth. As my colleague highlighted, the road is in bad shape so I don’t think they will be commuting back and forth. Mr. Speaker, my final question to the Premier is, when could you provide that information to myself so I can sit down with my chiefs and move forward with this? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 163-15(6): Status Of Staff Housing Initiative In Behchoko

Mr. Speaker, I will undertake to have a report, an update to the Member, before the end of the month from the regional director on where we’re at with the discussions on the transfer of positions, the creation of more job opportunities in Behchoko. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.