Debates of February 14, 2005 (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Social Services and it’s on the old seniors' home in Deline. I would ask the Minister, given that today is Valentine’s Day, has he had a change of heart in terms of the facility in Deline? The old people really want a facility opened in the region. I understand from speaking to the Minister of Housing that there are some proposals being developed to have a facility looked at and see its use and viability. Given the numbers by the Minister of $22,000 of a mortgage payment and the facility was closed down in 1994, almost 10 years, will the Minister look at directing his department to help people in Sahtu to do a proposal for the department and get a contract?

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 381-15(3): Long-Term Care Facility in Deline

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will work with the Member and the people of Sahtu, as well as the Minister of Housing to see what is the best use that can be made of that facility. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 381-15(3): Long-Term Care Facility in Deline

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister. I would ask the Minister if he would look at some dates in terms of when the people in the Sahtu can foresee the opening of a seniors' facility and quit paying the $22,000 a month and put it to good use. Would the Minister commit to some time frame within the life of this government? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya, Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 381-15(3): Long-Term Care Facility in Deline

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it would be my hope that this time next year we won’t be having the same discussion. Thank you.

Thank you. The time for oral questions has expired; however, I will allow the Member to finish his supplementary questioning. Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 381-15(3): Long-Term Care Facility in Deline

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I really don’t know how to take that answer, Mr. Speaker. Let’s hope for the best. Thank you.

---Laughter

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. I didn’t hear a question there. The time for oral questions has expired. Mr. Pokiak.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time I would like to request unanimous consent to go back to item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.