Debates of October 14, 2016 (day 30)

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Question 316-18(2): Fort Simpson Health Centre Building Site

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I spoke about the Fort Simpson Health Centre. During the oral question period, I asked the Minister of Health and Social Services a question and was advised that the Department of Public Works and Services was the person to direct the question. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of DPW please explain why the fenced off area was built behind the school on the new proposed site for the new health centre? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Masi. Minister of Public Works and Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It was during the phase one process of the Health Authority's new building in Fort Simpson. On the location of the lot, there was ground penetrating radar done, and there were graves discovered on this property. With ongoing consultation with the municipality and the Band of Fort Simpson, the planning process was moving forward and with ongoing discussions with them we're figuring out what's the best way forward with putting the fence in and what we're going to do with the grave sites moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the Minster for that answer. The second question has kind of been answered, but I'll ask it anyway. Was the finding shared with the band, village and the Metis local so that they were aware of this site and that they can make proper postings on the site?

During consultation, like I said, we talked to the band and the municipality regarding the management of these grave sites. I'm not quite sure if we've talked to the Metis or if the municipality has, but I can assure the Member I'll follow up on that and make sure the Metis are included in the conversation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I again thank the Minister for his answer. As he's aware, that community is a tricouncil, and so I would hope that information will be shared with them. Can that information also be shared with the Department of Health and Social Services and myself?

This information already has been shared with Health and Social Services, and I believe it was also shared with the Member of the 17th Assembly, and I will make sure that any information that was shared previously gets to the Member of this Assembly.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.