Mr. Speaker, we learned of the urgent matter of the possible contamination of the air quality in Hay River’s Diamond Jenness school. I’m very upset to hear that our students may have been subjected to harm. We’ve been raising concerns about the air handling and air quality for a number of years, but I had no idea that asbestos particles might have even been a possibility.
During the last government I learned of a technical review that had taken place on the school. I was unable to get a copy of it because it was confidential. In the closing days of the last government, Mr. Krutko, then Minister of PWS, did provide me with a copy of the document on a confidential basis.
At the earliest possible opportunity we raised the issues with the new Minister, leading to a recent visit to Hay River. I was raising issues such as air quality, water quality, air handling, extreme heat in the spring, cold areas in the winter and possible fire-code violations. But never did I think there was a possibility that the insulation on the heating pipes and elbows had deteriorated, possibly allowing airborne asbestos particles to mix with the air circulated throughout the school.
I don’t want to cause undue alarm to students, staff or former students, but I have to wonder how long this potentially compromised environment may have existed. Air samples are being taken regularly now, and the samples are being sent to Edmonton for analysis. While this process is taking place, not knowing what the results will indicate, it’s difficult to know what to do to prepare for those results. If the school is deemed to be unsafe to occupy, arrangements will need to be made for alternate accommodations for the high school students. The closure of the school for this week will be disruptive enough, not to mention that we need to find alternate classroom spaces if we require them for a period of time.
I would like to be assured that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment will treat this matter as the utmost priority. Right now I’m sure students, staff and parents alike will have many questions on their minds. The school administration and the DEA will need the support of this government in undertaking to answer questions and communicate with anyone who might have been impacted while we wait for these results.
Mr. Speaker, I heard principal Greg Storey interviewed on the radio this morning. I want to commend him for the initiative that he took in requesting the inspection which resulted in this information coming to light. I believe he made the best decision possible to close the school. The well-being of our students and staff must be our highest priority.
I look forward to being kept fully apprised in a timely manner of the results of the testing being undertaken and any contingency plans that must be made in follow-up.
