Debates of February 1, 2017 (day 45)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is to the Minister of MACA in relation to a study done on shoreline erosion or riverbank erosion.

In October of 2006, there was a study done by EBA Engineering referred to as the Review of Riverbank Stability in Fort Good Hope. My first question is: considering this is a liability zone, is the Minister willing to look at some relief on current taxes for the tenants in that zoned liability area? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Shoreline erosion is an issue that we face throughout the Northwest Territories, not only in Fort Good Hope but in many communities. It is not within my jurisdiction to actually say that I can give tax reliefs. We do assessment of properties, but we don't actually provide the tax bills; but we are willing to work with the community to look at doing another hazard analysis and to update their emergency plan. We are planning on updating most community emergency plans in this fiscal year. We can help them apply for funding if they would like to do a study such as what is happening in Tuktoyaktuk at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the Minister for that response. Considering this is a liability against this government through that department and as identified in the 2006 study, is the Minister willing to send, with the document, with the study  I have a copy here, and I'm willing to share that  and review with the tenants or the residents in the neighbourhood, I believe there are about 12, if the Minister's willing to have a discussion with the home tenants to review the liability and the situation there that is bearing against this government and entertain with the tenants on a resolution?

At the beginning of the 18th Legislative Assembly, our Premier made a commitment that he would try to get the Ministers into every community within the Northwest Territories. I am trying to fulfil my part in meeting that commitment by our Premier. I know that we haven't done a tour of the Sahtu at this point, so, yes, when we finalize the dates of the Sahtu tour, I would be more than willing to have a public meeting on the shoreline erosion and any other concerns that the communities may have.

I'll ask that question again. I'm not requesting a delegation of this Assembly or this Cabinet. I'm just asking the Minister if the regional office would also be accompanied by the ministerial office here to review with the 12 tenants that are affected in this liability zone and see if there are resolutions to their concerns and, if so, when.

The regional staff would be able to go in and meet with the community if that is the wish of the MLA. I was just extending that further because I also recognize that we haven't toured that community yet, so it was just another extension of an offer. If the MLA is satisfied with the regional worker or department going in, then we will make that happen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is more of a comment. I'm willing to have discussions with the Minister's office here and share the document of 2006 so we can agree on a schedule and date as to when so the tenants could be notified, to ensure that they're at home during the scheduled time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I will take that as a comment. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.