Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to find out that the extended care facility identified for Hay River has been delayed to 20272028 came as a great disappointment not only to me but to the residents of Hay River and to those persons and families in need of the facility for loved ones.
Mr. Speaker, when I heard of the decision to delay the project, it did not come as a surprise. I knew the reasons used would be multiple and would touch on insurance coverage, loss of utilities, and flooding that occurred in the immediate area where the building is to be located. Mr. Speaker, upon visiting the site last weekend, looking at the available area and reviewing the footprint of the proposed building, there appears to be sufficient room to place the building well outside the area that was subjected to flooding. This, Mr. Speaker, would allow the project to proceed.
Mr. Speaker, the logic used to delay construction, although reasonable, fails to account for the urgent need of those beds and services for the community. This project, originally based on 48 beds, was reduced to 24 on the premise that this government wanted to support the initiative of keeping seniors in their homes. The question is, what has this government provided in the way of additional home and medical supports for those seniors remaining in their homes? Have we increased home care hours, home care visits, and have we added additional support staff? Will we add to that if the project does not proceed?
Mr. Speaker, looking after family members at home is admirable but it's not realistic for some. Without the experience of patient care, with the rising cost of living, with minimal free time, families today are working just to make ends meet. This government does not appear to see much value in supporting those needing 24/7 care, many who are seniors and who have provided so much to the NWT. Mr. Speaker, my priority has always and always will be the people. This government must make people a priority, and it must place people first.
Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister of Health to revisit the decision on the extended care facility identified for Hay River and to either reposition the building on the proposed site or identify an alternate location at the earliest so this project can get back on track. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
