Debates of February 3, 2006 (day 22)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past few months, it’s become quite clear that there is a lack of a comprehensive and consistent policy in place to deal with the provision of fire emergency and ambulance services to NWT communities and surrounding regions. This was very recently raised by myself in the context of liability and appropriate levels of funding to the volunteer ambulance and fire services in Hay River. I have been informed that an interdepartmental response on this issue is in the stage of being developed.

Hay River emergency services received a record number of calls during 2005, and I can only surmise that the anticipated economic activity and growth will place increased demands on the Hay River fire and ambulance services for the immediate future. A comprehensive plan would allow us to access resources, perhaps even from industry. But, Mr. Speaker, we need a plan. I have met with the chief and officers of the Hay River volunteer fire department. After discussing a number of current priorities and imminent future demands on services, we agreed that Hay River needs to commission the development of a proposal regarding fire and ambulance services. We want to contract an independent consultant to undertake this work. We would work with the Town of Hay River, the Hay River Health Board, various government departments and agencies and, most importantly, the volunteers of the Hay River fire department to develop the terms of reference for such a proposal.

I am requesting that the GNWT contribute the cost of a consultant for the preparation of this comprehensive proposal. This proposal would indicate adequate capital, equipment, infrastructure, operations and maintenance funding for the Hay River fire department. I presume this amount would be in the neighbourhood of $10,000. I will have further questions on this matter for the appropriate Minister in question period today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.