Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week I spoke about the timeline for replacing Moose Kerr School in Aklavik. Today I’m continuing this theme.
Moose Kerr was constructed in 1969, exactly the same time Samuel Hearne High School was built in Inuvik. Samuel Hearne was demolished and replaced a couple of years ago. My constituents would like to know why Moose Kerr School is still standing. At 45 years old, it’s overdue for replacement.
The Minister of Education stated in the House last week that Moose Kerr School is slated for replacement or major renovations in 2019. That’s five years from now.
I’m concerned about potential safety hazards at the school, specifically whether asbestos poses a risk to children’s health. Asbestos was routinely used in building products until the 1970s and 1980s, so a building like Moose Kerr School, constructed in 1969, very likely contains asbestos. Indeed, Samuel Hearne was built at precisely at the same time and in the same region of the Northwest Territories and it contained asbestos. It can be supplied by inference that Moose Kerr School contains asbestos as well.
There is scientific consensus about the harmful effects of asbestos. Whenever a material containing asbestos gets disturbed, the tiny microscopic fibres are released into the air. When they are breathed in, they can become trapped in the lungs and stay there for many years. Over time, the fibres can cause serious health problems such as lung disease and cancer.
Over a decade ago, the Department of Public Works released an Asbestos Management Plan. Surveys and site investigations were performed to determine which Public Works’ buildings contained asbestos. The intent, then and now, is to manage asbestos-containing materials, or ACMs as they are called. Until such time as removal becomes practical or necessary, a detailed inventory of ACMs was prepared for each building and is apparently maintained through periodic inspection reports.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Information is also kept about the condition of the asbestos and the need for repairs, abatement or maintenance.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions for the Minister of Public Works later today.
Thank you, Mr. Blake. Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
