Debates of November 29, 2021 (day 86)

Date
November
29
2021
Session
19th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
86
Members Present
Hon. Diane Archie, Hon. Frederick Blake Jr., Mr. Bonnetrouge, Hon. Paulie Chinna, Ms. Cleveland, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Hon. Julie Green, Mr. Jacobson, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Martselos, Ms. Nokleby, Mr. O'Reilly, Ms. Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Rocky Simpson, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek, Ms. Weyallon-Armstrong
Topics
Statements

Oral Question 828-19(2): Inuvik Warming Shelter Fire

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since the Housing Corporation has assumed the responsibility of both the homeless shelter and the warming shelter in Inuvik, what shortterm measures have been put in place to ensure that those who are using the warming shelter have been taken care of? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Minister responsible for Homelessness.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I would just like to express my sympathy to the Member's riding as well too with the recent fire in her community, and also thank you to all of the Inuvik fire departments, the RCMP, the Housing Corporation, and all that have attended and tried to work with this tragedy in her riding.

Right now, our shortterm plans, we are working with the Department of Health right now, and we have acquired a temporary shelter right now in Inuvik and we are looking at a possible government building. We haven't finalized those agreements yet. The other thing is that we are looking at the possibilities of federal units in the community as well too and just acknowledging that we do have market housing units that are being built for the RCMP. So I'm questioning if those units may be available to the Housing Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And as I mentioned in my Member's statement, you know, moving our most vulnerable from empty building to empty building to empty building is not a solution. So could the Minister elaborate on what are some of the longer term plans for the Inuvik warming shelter and its residents in my community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And as this is unfolding in a community right now, we are working with the Indigenous groups. We have just established a governance committee in the Member's riding. Right now, we are just looking for a building to get started on in making sure that we could find a more longterm solution, and I will update the Member as all of the information starts to come into my office. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, Mr. Speaker, I've asked this question a couple of times I think. I've emailed the Minister, and it wasn't just this government, it was the last government that promised us a homelessness strategy. When are we expected to see that strategy? And I'm hoping to hear an answer and a date. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, during our February sitting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and this may be more of a comment. I just want to thank the department for their quick action, like I said and, you know, and one of the things is that the department has taken on is assumed all the staff within the my community. So maybe it is a question as to what the longterm plan for this is, if she can elaborate. If not, I'd like an answer if I can get it in writing. Thanks.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will follow up with the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you. Member for Yellowknife North.