Debates of May 26, 2005 (day 2)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In talking about poking holes, I want to ask the Minister of MACA in terms of the dust control programs in the Sahtu communities, specifically the chipsealing programs. In terms of the chipsealing program, can he inform the good citizens of the Sahtu if they have to suffer another year with all the dust that is flying around in our communities and will the elders at least be able to breathe a little easier this summer in Fort Good Hope? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. McLeod.

Return To Question 22-15(4): Dust Control Chipseal Program In The Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the main street chipsealing program has been an initiative of this government for the past couple of years now. It was initially budgeted at $1 million. As a part of the reductions required by this government, we reduced it somewhat. This year the program will be carried out in two communities. The communities of Fort McPherson and Tuktoyaktuk I believe are the two communities that the work will be happening in.

The Sahtu has communities that are identified as a part of this schedule. We are only able to carry out the chipsealing program in the communities as the budget allows us to and where our equipment is and where the communities have the streets prepared. There is a lot of work that is required to be done in terms of preparation. This year the two communities that are targeted are Fort McPherson and Tuktoyaktuk, and I believe Fort Good Hope is one of the communities that is targeted in the Sahtu. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Time for question period has expired, but I will allow the Member a supplementary. Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 22-15(4): Dust Control Chipseal Program In The Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now that the dust has settled in the Sahtu, would the Minister of MACA advise the House, maybe there is a possibility that he could help with putting more money into the chipsealing program, because only two communities in the whole Northwest Territories are going to be chipsealed. Larger centres have paved roads, but the smaller communities are suffering with dust. It is terrible in those communities.

Hear! Hear!

It is a crying shame that in this day and age that we get money in and we want to make differences in the communities, yet the people in the smaller communities are suffering through another dusty summer here. I want to see if the Minister would commit to Cabinet to see if they can get more money into the chipsealing program, so the communities in the Sahtu don't have to wait another two, three, or four years in terms of getting the chipseal program in the communities. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 22-15(4): Dust Control Chipseal Program In The Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I certainly have to agree with the Member that the dust in the small communities and the communities across the North is an issue that has been a problem for some time. We do have some money budgeted in the community governments formula to deal with dust suppression. Many communities have come forward to indicate that there is a need to look at this in terms of looking at putting more money towards it.

We, as a government, have undertaken a study to look at the situation in the different communities, to look at the different methods that could be utilized to suppress dust. We have looked at chipseal; we are looking at different types of dust suppression that are available in other jurisdictions. That study is in its final draft form. We will be reviewing the results in the next week or so, as soon as time allows us. We will be glad to share that with the committee members, and we would also be open to consideration to look at our business plan to see how we can accommodate that request that is being made by the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Time for oral questions has expired. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to return to item 7. Thank you.