Debates of October 18, 2004 (day 22)

Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. Recently, the Housing Corporation undertook an assessment for Fort Liard. I am just wondering if the Minister can comment whether that assessment has been completed for the community of Fort Liard. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Krutko.

Return To Question 239-15(3): Housing Assessment In Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not aware of this study being done in Fort Liard. We based our information on lead surveys that we have conducted on that. That is how we allocate our budget.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 239-15(3): Housing Assessment In Fort Liard

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister for that response. I was under the impression that they were addressing the special needs of Fort Liard. With that being said, it was highlighted as a key community. I was just wondering what the corporation plans to do about Fort Liard, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Krutko.

Further Return To Question 239-15(3): Housing Assessment In Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in regards to Fort Liard and the information that we have been looking at and where we know there is a need, we have been implementing housing programs by way of the EDAP programs and also the Independent Housing Program. There has been an increase in the number of housing units that have been built in Fort Liard. We are seeing more people apply for programs. I think that is one thing that we are trying to do, is get more of our field staff from Fort Simpson into the communities to make people aware that these programs are out there to make improvements to their houses, and also give them opportunities to either outright purchase a home through the EDAP program or through the Independent Housing Program for seniors. We saw an increase last year with regard to what has been spent. Last year, it was over $900,000. Again, it is almost $900,000 being spent in Fort Liard for housing.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 239-15(3): Housing Assessment In Fort Liard

Mr. Speaker, just with respect to Fort Liard, I believe it was identified as a special concern to the Housing Corporation because of the recent mould problems. I would just like to ask the Minister again if there was special consideration taken to retrofitting and renovating the homes that had been identified with the mould problems last fall. That is what I was addressing, Mr. Speaker. Has the corporation identified some extraordinary funding to help the community of Fort Liard?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Krutko.

Further Return To Question 239-15(3): Housing Assessment In Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in regards to the community housing cooperative, we are working with the community. We have identified money in next year’s budget to do a maintenance program in regards to the mould problem, and also to bring that building up to certain standards so we are able to occupy the whole building. There is a report on that particular project. I thought you were talking about the programs in general. So we are looking at that. We have a plan in place. I will then share that with the Member.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 239-15(3): Housing Assessment In Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister if he can make some time and provide that so we can sit down and discuss some of the preliminary plans that they have for Fort Liard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Krutko.

Further Return To Question 239-15(3): Housing Assessment In Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I am willing to sit down with the Member and go over the plans for that particular project. Thank you.