Debates of November 28, 2007 (day 4)

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment with respect to the large Deh Cho Hall building in Fort Simpson that’s going to be shut down sometime next year. I know that the government is fully engaged in their own transition planning, but I’d like to ask the Minister if he’s willing to look at assisting the non-government organizations in doing transition planning, as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.

Return To Question 34-16(1): Assistance For NGO Transition In Fort Simpson

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NGOs at the community level have been stressing for office space in Simpson, but at the same time the new building that’s coming up to be opened early in the new year will be for the Education department. We are willing to work with the community in that area to that respect, but at the same time the community needs to take on that initiative, as well. We did have the consultation with the community late last year and those options were given out at that time, and certainly there can be more ongoing discussion on this particular topic. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 34-16(1): Assistance For NGO Transition In Fort Simpson

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I don’t know if it was because it was an election year or anything like that, but the non-government organizations have been left out in the cold and they’re going to be faced with being left out in the cold there, Mr. Speaker, if the government doesn’t jump in and assist them with some transition planning. I would like a commitment from the Minister if they will re-engage the community and the non-government organizations in these discussions. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 34-16(1): Assistance For NGO Transition In Fort Simpson

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think we have to be careful here how we approach things as a department, because it is not the responsibility of ECE to find alternative locations for these affected NGOs. At the same time, however, Mr. Speaker, the department has the interest in the community library, the Open Door Society that is looking for a suitable space. Then again, we are looking forward to working with the community on finding a suitable space in the community. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 34-16(1): Assistance For NGO Transition In Fort Simpson

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I do think they are responsible for assisting them. We have them there; we had them there for about 20 years and now we want them out without any assistance whatsoever. I would like to ask the Minister again, can his department, or I believe the government even has a transition team of their own, can they allocate one of those persons to help our community organizations? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 34-16(1): Assistance For NGO Transition In Fort Simpson

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, we are open for discussion on solutions because we, as a department, are always looking for solutions at a community level. We, as a department, will be working with the community on trying to find a solution for space in the community. So we are open for discussions in that area. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 34-16(1): Assistance For NGO Transition In Fort Simpson

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I know that the government is open to discussion. What I’m asking for is to send someone to help begin those discussions and if the Minister can do that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Lafferty.

Further Return To Question 34-16(1): Assistance For NGO Transition In Fort Simpson

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, our department will be working with the regional staff to try and find a suitable space in the community. Mahsi.