Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am extremely concerned that a viable, much needed three-year pilot project here in Yellowknife will soon be losing its funding and forced to close its doors. I am, of course, speaking about the Dene Ko Shelter. The benefits of this shelter to the city of Yellowknife are recognized and much appreciated. Just ask the RCMP or Stanton Hospital if the shelter has had a positive impact on their operations. The closing of the day shelter for a month this summer gave everyone involved a true picture of the contribution that the shelter is making to our city.
What is not so well known and appreciated is the benefit that this shelter provides to NWT residents from many other communities. It is not uncommon for community residents to come to Yellowknife for a visit for medical reasons, for school or for other services. It is not uncommon for some of these residents to stay here in the city. But without housing or other basic necessities, these residents become regular users of the Dene Ko Shelter. According to the most recent statistics available, 13 of our 19 NWT ridings have residents who used the shelter in 2011, and 26 of our 33 communities have residents who used the shelter in 2011.
The shelter has been funded for the last three years by three different funders, BHP Billiton, the GNWT Department of Health and Social Services, and the City of Yellowknife. Together they have provided annual funding for the operation and maintenance of the shelter. The City of Yellowknife has recently renewed their funding commitment. In fact, they have agreed to double their funding if the GNWT also increases their funding. BHP’s three-year commitment has ended and it’s not likely to be renewed. To date, the GNWT has given no indication of any financial support for the shelter in the fiscal year 2013-14.
This government has to step up to the plate and needs to acknowledge the importance of the Dene Ko Shelter in providing a service to our residents, all of our residents. The government needs to recognize their financial responsibility and confirm funding for the Dene Ko for 2013-14. Better yet, add the funding to the base funding for the Health and Social Services department and, by that action, commit to long-term, sustained funding for the shelter.
The three-year pilot project has shown that the shelter is a success. To withdraw funding at this point would be a huge step backwards.
I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Bouchard.
