Debates of October 27, 2006 (day 17)

Mr. Speaker, thank you. My questions this afternoon are again for Mr. Roland, the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, it was about a year and a half ago that the government decided, surprised us all, actually, with a decision to relocate the Territorial Treatment Centre, a facility for children between the ages of eight and 14 who have severe behaviour disorders, to move this facility from Yellowknife to Hay River. In the meantime, or recently, Mr. Speaker, we were advised that there was a kind of a change in plans here. The government might be looking instead of renovating the Dene K'onia facility in Hay River to take this on that they were going to build a brand new facility. I wanted to ask the government what's the latest chapter in the Territorial Treatment Centre saga of renovation and/or new construction, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 214-15(5): Territorial Treatment Centre Relocation

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the treatment centre is, as the Member pointed out, a decision was made to relocate and look at one of our existing facilities in the community of Hay River for a renovation projection. We've worked with the Department of Public Works and Services on a cost analysis of that, and it was decided, after a second review of that, that we would proceed with a renovation of that facility and are continuing to work with the Department of Public Works and Services to come up with some final options on that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 214-15(5): Territorial Treatment Centre Relocation

So, Mr. Speaker, could the Minister advise the House what is the timeline before us now as regards the relocation of this program? We've obviously seen considerable delays in the decision-making about this. In the meantime, the families and the staff are wondering what's going on, and so am I, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 214-15(5): Territorial Treatment Centre Relocation

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, it was hoped to have the start of the renovation or the project itself in the community of Hay River at some point in this fiscal year. As we're still in the planning process, we will continue that step. I'd have to get an update as to the actual timelines. I know we were trying to get something started as early as this fall, and I'm not sure where we are with those timelines. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 214-15(5): Territorial Treatment Centre Relocation

Okay. So we still don't know exactly what the government's plans are with this, Mr. Speaker. I think in our deliberations on this, we had originally started out with a budget of $3.2 million and I’m wondering if the Minister can assure the Assembly that even after all these delays and the costs of inflation and things in construction, are we still going to be able to see this project achieved for that budgeted amount, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 214-15(5): Territorial Treatment Centre Relocation

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the direction was given to live within the budget and that's the intent and that's the work that's being done, is to do the work that's necessary within the budget. We're waiting for our final layout as to what renovation will be taking place, and then I can come back to this House with further information. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Final supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 214-15(5): Territorial Treatment Centre Relocation

Mr. Speaker, the TTC, the Territorial Treatment Centre, now presently being used located in my riding of Great Slave still has I think some viability potential as a facility of some kind in this community, and I'm wondering has the government looked at potential future uses for this facility? Or if it's going to require demolition, is this also included in the $3.2 million budget cost for the transfer of this program, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 214-15(5): Territorial Treatment Centre Relocation

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the budget that has been identified is for the renovation of the facility that we've been discussing in the community of Hay River. The plan for the existing facility and future potential it may have, I have not been involved with to date. I can check with the department to see if there has been any discussion around that facility. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Time for question period has expired. Written questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to seek unanimous consent to return to item 6 on the agenda, oral questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to return to item 6, oral questions. Are there any nays?

Nay.