Debates of October 5, 2015 (day 88)

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QUESTION 920-17(5): DISPOSITION OF THE FORMER HAY RIVER HOSPITAL

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that there is a pre-set method by which capital assets are disposed of by this government. To the fact that the hospital in Hay River, the old hospital, at some point in the next two to three years, two years perhaps, will no longer be used by this government, I would like to ask the Minister of Public Works and Services if this government would entertain an unsolicited proposal from a community partnership coalition in Hay River for the acquisition of that building and land. Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Minister of Public Works, Mr. Beaulieu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I didn’t believe that would be part of the regular disposition process. That would be first released by the Department of Health and Social Services, the building, then the second part would be to see if any departments in the government have any use for it, then after that it would be available for NGOs. Thank you.

We also know that there’s been a precedent set many times whereby the government has made a contribution to create a proposal for a program or activity, and a proposal would have to identify revenue sources, potential sources of grants and contributions to run a program.

Would the government also entertain, please, a contribution agreement to such a coalition or partnership in Hay River to develop this property? Thank you.

I can’t make a commitment from the Legislative Assembly today to contribute to a proposal, but we would be pleased to look at your proposal. If there’s a proposal coming forward, the government would be pleased to look at the proposal. Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.