Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. This goes back to my Member's statement on the fire hall in Detah. With the firefighting, it's such a dangerous job. All these guys, all these men and women, put themselves in harm's way. Shout out to all the firefighters in the territories. Hard job, very hard job. Now, with this news of the Ingraham Trail, they are going to be cut off for the services here in April this year. I imagine that it might cause some alarm for the residents. When we are here as MLAs, we have got to try to think out of the box to try to find solutions for our people, and I think this might be a good way. If the Detah hall expanded, it might be a good way to serve the residents of the Ingraham Trail. My question is for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, and my first question is, Mr. Speaker: will the Minister commit to have MACA explore increased capacity at the Detah fire centre, including additional funding for equipment, vehicles, and training? Marsi cho.
Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hear the Member's concern about the fire services provided. Right now, MACA is in conversation with YKDFN in looking at fire services to be provided. I will keep the Member informed. Also, as those conversations progress, we are looking at alternative solutions, as well, and we are open to doing things differently. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you for the response from Minister. My next question is: will the Minister consider contracting out firefighting services for Ingraham Trail to Detah since the City of Yellowknife stated they will no longer provide services?
This situation right now is quite complex, and I have expressed previously that we do have similar situations like this throughout the Northwest Territories where we have built-up areas outside of the municipal boundary and outside of the community built-up area, as well. However, it does not stop the department from exploring alternative ideas and solutions. Right now, as we progress with the communication with the YKDFN, right now, I cannot commit to offering further services, but I would like to look at the enhancement that is currently offered in Detah and looking at what we can do to provide adequate equipment and services for that community to respond to fires within that area.
Thank you for that response. I understand. It's still early in discussion phases right now. Like I said, it is early on, and this idea is in its infancy right now, so let's see where this goes. I am hoping we could move forward and have something positive come out of it. My last question, Mr. Speaker is: what issues will need to be resolved to get this idea moving forward, and will the Minister commit to meeting with the YKDFN to discuss this idea further?
Municipal and Community Affairs weighs very heavily on the communication and the relationships we have at the community level and also with the Indigenous groups. Absolutely, I will keep the Member informed and looking at what will progress out of the meetings coming forward and looking at solutions to providing fire services.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
