Debates of November 28, 2007 (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my next set of questions will be directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services regarding the dementia centre. Mr. Speaker, the dementia centre has been a dream of many people in the city of Yellowknife to see built. It has been developed. It has been worked on for many years. It keeps getting stalled and redeveloped. It never seems to move forward. So, Mr. Speaker, I would like an update from the Minister of Health and Social Services. What is happening with this project? Can we expect anything to actually finally move forward on this project to break ground and see the development of this? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Lee.

Return To Question 58-16(1): Dementia Facility In Yellowknife

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, certainly, this is an important project that has been worked on for a long time. I don’t think there are any stalling tactics going on. There is a lot of work being done between the department and the YACCS. There are lots of documents and agreements that they are reviewing right now so that we can have the results and have it put before this Assembly and this Cabinet for review and approval. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 58-16(1): Dementia Facility In Yellowknife

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have to admit I didn’t really get anything from that answer. I have heard out on the street, my sources tell me that there was supposed to be a launch for late summer or early fall. There was supposed to be a groundbreaking ceremony. There was supposed to be a public announcement. There was supposed to be something happening on this project, but all of a sudden it has gone to just sort of some dead space. It has just stopped. So, Mr. Speaker, first of all, is this Minister assuring us or would she bow to this House to ensure that this project will be taken upon immediately and forthwith? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Ms. Lee.

Further Return To Question 58-16(1): Dementia Facility In Yellowknife

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this project is very much a live issue. Mr. Speaker, also there was some interest on the part of some Members to have a sod turning ceremony, but it was right smack in the middle of campaigns. That didn’t seem like a very good idea at the time. Mr. Speaker, there is a need for the YACCS and the government to finalize on the access agreement so that there could be more work done to use the space that is owned by YACCS. There are lots of other details that are being worked on. I can assure the Member that this project is very much alive. There is a lot of work being done. There was and is support there on the part of this Minister. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 58-16(1): Dementia Facility In Yellowknife

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It sure sounds like a lot of work is being done, but nothing is being done or accomplished. Mr. Speaker, we could be building this facility now. I think the issue really at hand is what is slowing us down. I can’t see why we would have stalled some type of sod turning just because there was an election. The fact is it sounds like we have delayed this. What is the Minister telling us today? Is there going to be a project? If so, when are we going to start by sod turning, launching it, announcing it, etcetera? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Ms. Lee.

Further Return To Question 58-16(1): Dementia Facility In Yellowknife

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, being a returning Member, the Member is, I am sure, well aware of a lot of the work that was done. Mr. Speaker, there is a lot of work done by the previous Health Minister to agree with the YACCS and the scope and the costs of the project. We need to reaffirm that in this Assembly and the proper documentation will go to Cabinet for further approval. If he talks to his sources at YACCS, they will be able to tell him about the work that has been done. It is very much alive. A lot of work is being done. It is moving forward. The sod turning ceremony will happen when it is appropriate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 58-16(1): Dementia Facility In Yellowknife

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this rate, we can have a snow turning tomorrow. Everybody here is available. The ground is too frozen for a sod turning, but the fact is we could be making some type of announcement. We could be doing something now. We could demonstrate our commitment to this. So, Mr. Speaker, when will this be done? This has been sitting for a long time. When? All this work is accomplished and it is ready to go. So when are we going to do something and show that this project is a real project? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Ms. Lee.

Further Return To Question 58-16(1): Dementia Facility In Yellowknife

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is well aware that this capital project has to be approved by Members. It will go forward. He will be advised as such. When we do plan the sod turning ceremony, I will make sure to invite him so that he can be there along with us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.