Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Moose Kerr School was constructed in 1969, exactly the same time as Samuel Hearne High School was built in Inuvik. Samuel Hearne was demolished and replaced a couple years ago. My constituents would like to know why is Moose Kerr School still standing. At 46 years old it’s overdue for replacement. The Minister of Education stated in the House that Moose Kerr School is slated for replacement or renovation in 2019. That’s four 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 the same time and in the same region of the Northwest Territories, and it contained asbestos.
There is scientific consensus about the harmful effects of asbestos. Whenever material containing asbestos gets disturbed, the tiny microfibers are released into the air. When they are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs and stay there for many years. Over time, the fibers can cause serious health problems such as lung disease and cancer.
Now is the time to start planning for the replacement of Moose Kerr School.
I will have questions for the Minister of Public Works later today.
Thank you, Mr. Blake. Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
