Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to clearly state my support for the government’s decision to move forward with the construction of the Aven Cottage Territorial Dementia Centre.
I also want to acknowledge the excellent work of a group of volunteers who serve on the board of the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors, YACCS. They have given freely of their considerable experience, knowledge and time to bring this much-needed centre and other facilities to reality. Our government is providing $15 million in capital funding for the centre. Additional fundraising is being done to raise money for furniture and fixtures.
The YACCS will operate the Aven Cottage Territorial Dementia Centre, which will house 28 residents from all parts of the NWT and offer daytime recreational activities for five to eight people. Greg Debogorski, executive director of YACCS, says they want the centre to have as much of a home-like environment as possible. People across the North will be very pleased that our seniors with dementia will now be able to stay in the North with appropriate care and closer to family and friends.
Working with the community of Yellowknife, YACCS resolved cost and logistical barriers through an agreement for project management and construction. The efficiency and savings gained have allowed this project to move forward on an affordable basis. But — and there is often a but — I also want to draw Members’ attention to the forced-growth costs that YACCS has been experiencing in the operations of another seniors’ centre, the Aven Manor. In the fiscal year ’07–08, YACCS submitted forced-growth costs of $38,000 to Health and Social Services to cover the rising costs of utilities, maintenance, taxes, food and insurance. They received zero dollars from the government. In this fiscal year, YACCS submitted for $83,000 to cover these forced costs in operating the Aven Manor. Again, this government has refused to fund these costs.
Other non-government organizations face identical situations — for example, the YWCA — while the government establishes multi-year flat-funding despite the rapidly rising costs. Government’s commitment to building a new dementia centre is a good thing…. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.
Mr. Speaker, government’s commitment to building a new dementia centre is a good thing, but our government must recognize that forced-growth costs accumulate for non-government organizations just as much as they do for government. We’ve seen very significant forced-growth figures for government operations in the budget before us today. Putting these same costs on the backs of non-government organizations is hardly fair.
If this government can wipe out over $11 million in over-expenditures for one institution in Yellowknife — albeit not lightly done — surely they can look after this modest dilemma. Once again, YACCS is a volunteer organization of highly skilled and committed people serving on behalf of all residents.
Mr. Speaker, a big “Yahoo!” to this government for the commitment to build a territorial dementia centre. Now, on the shameful lack of action on providing for forced-growth costs, let’s correct this situation. As Mr. Jacobson says: “Let’s get it done.” Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
