Debates of August 22, 2007 (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my Member’s statement with regard to the Ulukhaktok arts and crafts shop earlier today and I recall back in May when I requested information with regard to the renovations to the project, Mr. Speaker, I’m just wondering, if I recall, at that time the Minister of ITI indicated that he will get his department to do a complete study and do the report with regard to renovations in Ulukhaktok…(inaudible)…if that project has to be done. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bell.

Return To Question 174-15(6): Renovations To Ulukhaktok Arts And Crafts Shop

Mr. Speaker, thank you. We have been working with the community, with the co-op in Holman as a stopgap measure because the co-op has been shut down for some time. We found some money to go in and do some repairs to the building envelope and to the heating system I believe to ensure that the building wouldn’t fall into further disrepair. Since that time, and with the goal, of course, of getting the co-op back up and running and producing the art that it is so famous for, since that time we’ve been working very hard with the BDIC to try to generate a business plan for the co-op. As a subsidiary, the government would make an investment here and it would be co-owned, joint-owned, and that’s something that we’ve been working on. I think we’re getting very close to being able to roll that concept out again and I think people across the North, and I know tourists, have been looking forward to seeing those arts and crafts, especially the prints, available as they go to Holman again. So I hope that we have a good announcement soon, but I can tell the Member that we are working very diligently to try to revitalize the co-op. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Pokiak.

Supplementary To Question 174-15(6): Renovations To Ulukhaktok Arts And Crafts Shop

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the response from the Minister in regard to that. I think one of the things that’s important is that, as I mentioned in my Member’s statement, to be self-reliant, this is one of the opportunities that Ulukhaktok will have. The Minister indicated that BDIC is preparing a business plan with the government investment. I’m just wondering how close is that plan in coming into place? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 174-15(6): Renovations To Ulukhaktok Arts And Crafts Shop

Mr. Speaker, we think we’re working out the final details. For instance, we think it can generate somewhere in the neighbourhood of 40 to 60 part-time jobs and a couple of permanent jobs in that community. It really can be an economic shot in the arm and I think it’s going to reinstate a lot of the pride that that community had, and probably still has, in its craft production. But we know that we need to work with that community to make this happen. So I say we’re close. I guess nothing is final until all the details are finalized, but I am optimistic that we will see this craft shop up and running. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Pokiak.

Supplementary To Question 174-15(6): Renovations To Ulukhaktok Arts And Crafts Shop

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks for that, Mr. Minister. I’d just like to ask the Minister on whether they are coming close in terms of funding for the completion of that renovation. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 174-15(6): Renovations To Ulukhaktok Arts And Crafts Shop

Mr. Speaker, I think I got the question. It was about the funding for the renovations. I believe those renovations have been completed. I can’t remember if in the business plan it also contemplates further monies for renovations. My tour, the last time I was in Ulukhaktok, of the facility, from a lay view it seemed to be a very good building. I know that there were some issues that we were seeking to address, but it’s not like it needed a massive overhaul. So I can’t tell you if there are further renovations contemplated, but I know that we did do some building envelope stuff to ensure that the buildings would make it through last winter. Thank you.