Debates of October 27, 2004 (day 29)

Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. My question today is for the Minister of the Housing Corporation. One of the things that I’ve been addressing ever since I’ve been elected was in Fort Liard we had a huge mould problem and I was trying to get the government to come up with some kind of mould action plan. I was just wondering if the Minister can tell me to date what has occurred with respect to this. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are taking this issue very seriously. Mould is a very big health problem that we see and it does have direct effects. I know this is more than just a housing problem; it’s also a health problem. We have hired an environmental company to look at the mould problem in the Fort Liard area and also look at a way that we can deal with that problem. We have put forward a report that we are looking at dealing with this problem with regard to Fort Liard. There is presently someone who has been hired who is doing a thorough review by way of a report to look at those units in Fort Liard and come forward with recommendations on how we’re going to replace that. We’re looking at coming forward during the March budget to ensure money is in the budget to deal with this problem next year. Thank you.

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

Supplementary To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was just wondering if the Minister can assure at least the residents of Fort Liard that, yes, we are addressing the problem. I think environmental inspection is key, as well as -- I don’t know if I have the right Minister for this -- a lot of it is health. It’s becoming more and more of a health issue, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps the Minister can speak to whether that concern will be addressed, as well; like immediately. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Krutko.

Further Return To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have raised this with my colleagues on this side of the House to make them aware that the mould problem is a health problem and I think with the dollars that we do get from Ottawa with regard to health, this has to be considered as a health issue where it’s having an effect on people’s breathing problems, asthma and also probably with regard to the whole family. When you have overcrowding and mould, that’s a bad mix. I think it is definitely a housing problem. Also we have to work with the other colleagues on this side, especially the Minister of Health and Social Services. I have spoken with him on this and we are working in conjunction to ensure that we deal with this problem as a health issue, as well.

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

Supplementary To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess another key component of constructing the houses is that there have to be adequate inspectors there, and that’s one of the things that occurred out of Fort Liard this summer. Repairs were happening, construction was happening, but the constituents are telling me they don’t see adequate inspectors coming to look at these homes to assure us and give us the confidence that the homes are being constructed and renovated to an acceptable standard. Just the presence of those inspectors alone will help the constituents there, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister inform me of the inspection program that goes along with house construction?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Krutko.

Further Return To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues

Well, like I said, Mr. Speaker, we have hired someone to look at this problem and also make recommendations back to us. One of the problems that has been pinpointed to us is the flood that happened in Fort Liard a number of years ago, during which these units were flooded. Because of that, the basements underneath these units were flooded with water, which got into the structure and that is one of the things we’re focusing on. I know I heard a couple of other concerns about people’s basements flooding and whatnot. Again, moisture can cause mould. I think it’s important to try to avoid those things in our construction habits. We are looking at bringing forward and reviewing a report from the consultant and making sure that we find recommendations to go forward on resolving this problem. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Your final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was just wondering if the Minister can, for the record, tell me when the report will be completed. He mentioned it a couple of times during this question period, so I’ll be looking for an affirmed date of completion of that report and perhaps some costs associated with it. That would be of particular interest to myself and to the communities. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Krutko.

Further Return To Question 316-15(3): Housing Health Issues

Mr. Speaker, I hope to have the report concluded before we go to Fort Liard. We are scheduled to go to Fort Liard the 4th and 5th of November. So at that time when we have our public meeting, we should be able to inform the residents in Fort Liard exactly how we’re going to deal with this problem and, at that time, present them with aspects of that report. So we should have that report and have a briefing for the community at that public meeting. Thank you.