Debates of November 29, 2007 (day 5)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this technical review that I am making reference to with respect to the Diamond Jenness Secondary School in Hay River was completed in August 2006. Might I compliment the Department of Public Works and Services for actually a very comprehensive and thorough review of the school. However, I don’t know what has been done with this information since. There aren’t too many pieces of infrastructure or buildings that would be allowed to go into this state of disrepair. There are health issues. There are safety issues. There are code issues. This is a piece of infrastructure and a building that is owned by this government. I would like to know from the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment or PWS, I guess whoever feels responsible, to tell me what has been done since this report was compiled to address the deficiencies that are identified here which are too long a list to even stand here and list. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.

Return To Question 60-16(1): Diamond Jenness Secondary School Retrofit

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the Member is right about the evaluation report that has been conducted in the community of Hay River. Based on the technical report, it is estimated that it will cost approximately $22 million plus in, of course, July 2006 dollars at that time, to upgrade the facility. But at the same time, this does not take into account the relocation of the students and also the alternate location while the work is being done. Of course, there will be additional costs here. But, Mr. Speaker, I would just like to highlight that as we move forward in the 16th Assembly, we will be discussing this as part of our capital projects among other projects for the Northwest Territories. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 60-16(1): Diamond Jenness Secondary School Retrofit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have a way of assessing our priorities when it comes to capital planning in this government. It is the protection of people and the protection of assets. I would like to suggest that the people are not being well served by this building. I would suggest that this is an unhealthy building to go to school in and to work in. The asset is not being protected either, because it is being allowed to go further and further into disrepair. There are some basic, not-too-costly things that could be done to at least maintain the school until a major retrofit is done. I would like to ask the Minister, who is responsible for coordinating the maintenance of this facility? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 60-16(1): Diamond Jenness Secondary School Retrofit

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the report again does highlight the deficiencies and also the work that needs to be done in Hay River, on the Diamond Jenness School. Also with moving forward we need to identify this as part of capital project planning. That will certainly be our discussion here with our government as we move forward and with the setting of priorities and planning which area should have the most priority for the Northwest Territories, because we do have quite a few capital projects that are in line. This will certainly be one of the issues that we will be tackling in the near future. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 60-16(1): Diamond Jenness Secondary School Retrofit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what I want to hear today is that this school is a priority on this government’s agenda. That is what I want to hear today: a priority. Now, I know there is a lot of competition for capital projects, but we have had an increase in our ability to borrow money. It has gone to $500 million now, I think. I would suggest that this is important enough that if there are competing projects, the government should borrow money to fix this problem as opposed to letting it languish. But in the meantime, will the Minister commit that the things that can be addressed will be addressed immediately? I am not talking about the major retrofit for $22 million, but the small things will be addressed immediately. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 60-16(1): Diamond Jenness Secondary School Retrofit

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this report is in front of us. Our department will certainly look at it with the Cabinet and will be highlighting the key areas where there needs to be some renovations happening here and there. The major project, if that needs to take place, we will certainly look at that, as well. At this time, I cannot make a commitment to say we will move forward with this. We need to identify our priorities with the colleagues, as well, priorities for the 16th Assembly. Which capital projects should we pursue? At that time, we are open for discussion and moving forward with that. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Final, short supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 60-16(1): Diamond Jenness Secondary School Retrofit

Mr. Speaker, if I owned a building that had code deficiencies like those listed in this report, somebody who is an inspector in the government would be all over me. Who can I call to report the disrepair and the code deficiencies in this school? To whom shall I report it if it is a government building? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 60-16(1): Diamond Jenness Secondary School Retrofit

Mr. Speaker, this is one area that we will certainly look into with our department. We will certainly be getting back to the colleague that is asking the question. These are technical areas that we will certainly look into, as well. Mahsi.