Debates of October 28, 2004 (day 30)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the renovations in Hay River are slated to go ahead. We are just in the process of concluding a report that’s been looking at the facility review of all the facilities in the Northwest Territories on the acute care side, the long-term care side and the usage and anticipated needs in the future. Once that report is done, we will be moving ahead with the actual master planning for the mid-life renovations in Hay River. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 326-15(3): Renovations To The Hay River Hospital

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, so at this time then the Minister can confirm that there have been no alterations made to the renovation plans and the capital dollars that have been identified for future years for the Hay River hospital. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 326-15(3): Renovations To The Hay River Hospital

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the project is in the capital plan and main estimates and it will be done.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 326-15(3): Renovations To The Hay River Hospital

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, then in keeping with other commitments that I’ve had issues and concerns raised to me about, that I have been in the presence of the Minister on visits to Hay River, which I thank him for, but there was an outstanding issue with respect to wage parity for the workers in health and social services in Hay River who are not UNW employees and have a separate collective bargaining union. I was wondering if the Minister could confirm for the House that this commitment has been delivered upon. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 326-15(3): Renovations To The Hay River Hospital

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this issue has been on the table for some time. There’s another round of collective bargaining that’s going to be underway here and that will continue to be discussed. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 326-15(3): Renovations To The Hay River Hospital

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if the Minister could indicate for us, are the workers of the Hay River Health and Social Services Board at parity and equity for benefits and salaries as are the UNW employees who are employed in the other communities in the Northwest Territories at this time? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 326-15(3): Renovations To The Hay River Hospital

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is one of the key pieces in the negotiations that are going to be underway. One of the outstanding issues, let me put it this way, is the issue of pensions. That has yet to be resolved. Thank you.