Debates of November 29, 2007 (day 5)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member’s statement, I spoke of a black mould problem affecting the public housing in Paulatuk. I’m concerned with the health and well-being of my constituents. I’m not interested in assigning blame; I’m interested in addressing the problem. Can the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation tell me what the corporation has done to date on the black mould issue in Paulatuk? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 66-16(1): Black Mould Problems In Paulatuk Housing Units

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the issue of the need to inspect and remediate the black mould in Paulatuk was dealt with through a call for tenders. Arctic Builders out of Inuvik, who are certified specialists in this area, got the tender. They’ve been in to Paulatuk; the houses have been inspected and work is underway to remediate the houses that have been identified with black mould. It is anticipated that the project will be complete, I understand, by the end of December.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Jacobson.

Supplementary To Question 66-16(1): Black Mould Problems In Paulatuk Housing Units

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister tell the Assembly whether the corporation has given any consideration to developing a territorial-wide action plan to deal with this issue of black mould in the NWT Housing Corporation housing stocks? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 66-16(1): Black Mould Problems In Paulatuk Housing Units

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d be happy to share with the Member the reports and the findings of the Arctic Builders as they did their house inspections and the work that was required. The Member will note in the report that the majority of the black mould was due to non-structural reasons, but it is an issue in many other communities, as well, and, yes, we are trying to come up with a way to identify and deal with this issue before it becomes severely problematic. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Jacobson.

Supplementary To Question 66-16(1): Black Mould Problems In Paulatuk Housing Units

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister commit to coming to Paulatuk and discussing this with my local housing authority? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 66-16(1): Black Mould Problems In Paulatuk Housing Units

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I discussed with the Member that we would like to, in the new year, schedule time to tour Nunakput and all the communities in his constituency, including Paulatuk where I’m sure we’ll have an opportunity to discuss that particular issue with the Member and with the community members. Thank you.