Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services. The new Fort Providence Health Centre has been under construction for some time.
Can the Minister confirm the dates of the opening of the Fort Providence Health Centre?
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Abernethy.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The original completion date for the contractor was March 31, 2015, and we are still within that date. We were a little bit ahead of schedule through last summer and were hoping to do final construction and interior finishes through January and February. Unfortunately, we had an inspection on the 25th to determine if the building was ready to be opened and there were some deficiencies identified that the contractor is currently working on. We still have until March 31st to complete those final interior finishes. The original plan was to begin moving furniture and equipment in in March with the actual opening in early summer/late spring. That is still the plan and we are still on target. I can’t confirm an official date for the opening, but I will talk to the Dehcho Health and Social Services Authority. In light of this new information, I will get a date for the Member.
Can the Minister give the reason in terms of the delay and the nature of the deficiencies? Mahsi.
I am not aware of the specific deficiencies, but I understand there were some life safety-related issues with respect to the facility. The contractor is working on those and we expect them to be done shortly, well before the March 31st contract close date. But for specific details, it might be better to go to the Minister responsible for Public Works and Services who is responsible for the build of this facility. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Can the Minister confirm whether the cost of the building exceeded the $11 million target? Mahsi.
Thanks to my conversations with the Department of Public Works and Services, it is my understanding at this time that we are on time and on budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Nadli.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Minister update this House in terms of the discussions with the local community as to the fate of the old health centre? Mahsi.
There have been discussions with the community ongoing, but as far as the most recent round of discussions with respect to the opening, I will have to confirm that information with the Dehcho Health and Social Services Authority. I will commit to the Member to get him an update as quickly as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
