Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Social Services announced last week they are establishing a new committee, the Territorial Administration Committee, to look at the administration of applicants to a long-term care facility. Mr. Speaker, I think that we, as a Territory, realize that we have some tenant facilities throughout the Northwest Territories, small facilities like in the Joe Greenland Centre in Aklavik to a large facility such as the Dementia Centre here in Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, I think it is essential that we ensure that we have a fair and equitable access for process but, more importantly, from the aboriginal people and the aboriginal communities that we like to keep our loved ones as close to home as possible in regards to the culture, language and, more importantly, the food that people depend on.
Mr. Speaker, it is critical that, as a government, these facilities are used with the best available clients and the people in need. Mr. Speaker, we do have to ensure that all facilities are operated at their potential capacity and ensure that all treatment facilities or facilities are provided essential services to carry out that responsibility. Mr. Speaker, I state that because the Joe Greenland Centre is repaired and in need of some major repairs in regards to the assessments that have been done. Some repairs have taken place, but a lot of repairs still have to be concluded. This is an aging facility, but again I would like to bring it to the attention of the Minister of Health and Social Services that when we look at facilities throughout the Northwest Territories, we have to assess them all on the same term and basis to ensure that they all operate in regard to the same type of condition rating, but, more importantly, ensure that they are filled to capacity.
Mr. Speaker, my fear is that facilities such as the Joe Greenland Centre are going to be shunned away because of the simple size of this, and the larger facilities will receive all the attention. Mr. Speaker, I hope that is not the case. At the appropriate time I will be asking the Minister of Health and Social Services questions regarding this decision. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
