Debates of May 30, 2005 (day 4)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I’m going to rise today, along with my other colleagues, in regard to the Territorial Treatment Centre that the government has proposed to transfer to Hay River. The concern I have, and I would like to clearly hear it from the Minister today, and I don’t want any long answers, I just want him to clearly say if there was a study and business plan done on this to move it to Hay River. If so, when was it written and discussed by Cabinet? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. That was two questions, but that is almost exactly, word for word, questions that have already been asked here in this House today. I would say those answers have already been provided to almost exactly those words. I’ll let the Minister of Health and Social Services respond to that. Thank you. Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 48-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, a decision paper was taken to Cabinet in March. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 48-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you for that latitude. Would the Minister be able to provide when the study was originated? Was it originated a year ago, six years ago? Was there a study originated or done on this and when was it written? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 48-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, there was, as I indicated, a decision paper done. We also looked at other options prior to going to Cabinet with a final decision paper. I’m not sure what the Member means by a study, but the department looked at options and came forward with a decision paper to Cabinet. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 48-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Is the Minister suggesting any type of study or detailed information wasn’t required at this particular time? Maybe he could elaborate what a decision paper means, for the benefit of those tuning in. The decision paper; was it made by one person? Can you elaborate what it is? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. I think the question is what is a decision paper. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 48-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, decisions are made in Cabinet, based on papers that are brought forward laying out background and recommendations on a particular issue. In this case, that’s the process that was carried out with this decision. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 48-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, what type of consultation did the Minister have that related to this decision paper? Did they go out to the community? Did they do any special surveys? What type of consultation information did they seek in order to bring forward this decision paper that was discussed and decided upon in March? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 48-15(4): Relocation Of The Territorial Treatment Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, part of the decision was to see whether there was a capacity in the community of Hay River to run this program, and there was; whether there was existing resources to do the capital renovations, which there was; and that it was a contract, which it is; and would it be an appropriate decision, and that was what was brought to Cabinet and that was a decision that was made to proceed with the relocation of Territorial Treatment Centre from Yellowknife to Hay River. Thank you.