Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, the residents of Fort Simpson are concerned because with the closure of the old Deh Cho Hall, the John Tsetso Memorial Library is gone. Over the years, with one full-time staff member, the community library has been a place to browse, to pick up reading material for youth and adults. As well, the library has offered literacy programs and various activities including movie night, opportunities for adults to purchase books, to read to children, readings by visiting authors and access to computers and Internet.
I would also like to thank the members of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure who were visiting Fort Simpson. I took them on a short tour to see where the library had been and how our library is presently reduced to a resource centre. It offers only the use of computers and access to books on-line. Residents want at least the same standard of library that they had in the past. In the Public Library Act designation that came into force on April 15, 2009, the John Tsetso Memorial Library continues to be designated as a public library.
A community of 1,200 people deserve a good library, especially since the community has made good use of it. We have benefited greatly in the past and we want our youth and adults to continue to enjoy the services of a public library. In fact, a region of our size -- about 4,200 residents -- could benefit from a regional library located centrally in Fort Simpson. Such a library could house a larger collection of books and these could be circulated to our smaller communities.
I continue to support and encourage the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to help Fort Simpson work towards a solution. I believe that having the John Tsetso Memorial Library designated as a regional library is the best solution. This will allow for proper planning of a permanent facility and for a solution for Fort Simpson and residents of the Deh Cho region. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.
