Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today I talked about radon gas and its prevalence in the NWT. We are all aware that climate change is occurring throughout the world, but mostly so in the NWT. We have seen the temperature rise, affecting the permafrost in some instances, as permafrost is indeed melting. My question is to the Minister of the Housing Corporation.
When was the last round of testing for radon done in the NWT communities by the Housing Corporation? Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The honourable Minister responsible for Housing, Mr. McLeod.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Because of the fact that most of our inventory is above ground, it’s really not a factor at this point. Plans are being put into place to look at our inventory and we want to develop some plans to do some testing for radon gas in some of the NWT Housing Corporation homes. That way we’ll have a better idea of the risks that are there and whether there is a presence of radon gas or not. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
What is being done to make sure the public is aware of the dangers of radon gas and how to prevent radon exposure and how to test for it?
This is something that’s starting to develop and is a concern. It is an issue we will have to have a look at. Once we educate ourselves more on the potential risks of this, we will start educating the public out there.
I wanted to use this opportunity to assure the public that our tenants, at this point, there is really not a big risk. Most of our units being above ground helps lessen that risk. As we get into new construction, units are sealed fairly well and, again, that limits the chance for radon gas to accumulate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I’d like to thank the Minister for his reply. I know there are test kits that people can get in stores for about fifty bucks that could be made available.
Will the Minister provide leadership and start a program for spot checks for radon in NWT communities and provide the results? I understand the Minister and the department is indeed taking measures to do tests, but when and where will those tests happen? Mahsi.
Again, it is early in the stages. Once we do start the testing, we will be providing the Member and committee with updates as we go forward on this. Again, I just want to assure the public out there that this isn’t a crisis and they don’t need to run out and buy gas masks or anything like that. It is under control and the Housing Corporation will ensure that there is no risk to the tenants in our units. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Nadli.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The commercial builders, especially in office and apartment buildings with enclosed foundations, have to test for radon and publish the results. If not, why not? Mahsi.
I’m not sure if the Member was asking if we have done the tests yet or he wants us to publish the results of the test. As I’ve said, we haven’t started the testing yet. Once we do start the testing, if there is an opportunity for us to publish the results or put the results on our website, we will look at that option and see where we go from there. If the opportunity is there, I will assure the Member that we will do our best to ensure the Member and the public are informed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.
