Caroline Cochrane

I would like to start by reinforcing that hydro is actually a renewable energy and one of the most cost effective as well, and we have a good supply as related in the Member’s opening speech. It’s sufficient for 90 per cent of our needs at this time. Unless there’s a major mine would we actually have to look at expanding upon that. Within the cost analysis it was shown that the current system as we have now is cost effective versus bringing in something such as a solar system which would cost millions of dollars, and that cost would actually have to be transferred to the ratepayers. We’re on...

As stated in the previous question, the Housing Corporation is using its definition of needs based on the needs assessment that was done. We’ve also met with members of the IRC individually, representatives, to see what they define as the needs. The final process that we’ll be doing is actually calling a meeting with the IRC, which will be happening within the next couple of weeks, to show the results of what we’ve compiled and actually to hear what they have to say. They will take the lead on defining where we go with that. I have committed, as the Minister, that I will actually attend that...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Unfortunately, the contractor was unable to complete the gravel pad last year. I’m happy to advise the Members, though, that all of the materials to complete the installation of the duplex are in the community at this point. We’re anticipating that the duplex will be fully operational prior to August and allocated shortly after. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The NWT is actually the second in Canada in regards to renewable resources and I really want to keep that title. In fact, I would like to be number one if we could get there. Arctic Energy Alliance is really key in distributing the renewable energy resources to communities, so we are committed to maintaining an Arctic Energy Alliance within our programs and projects to work with renewable energy within the NWT.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Climate change was taken into consideration, but the focus was really on the previous 30 years and that is why one of the recommendation is to consider an upgrade and to keep monitoring our hydro production so that we can keep better statistics on the water levels and where we’re going in the future with climate change. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Housing Corporation has identified needs within the communities from our previous needs assessment, and so we’ve identified that we need to replace older public housing; we need new affordable housing; we need major renovation projects on public housing. However, we have committed to working with the IRC, and, as such, we will do so before we define exactly what our priorities will be for that region.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the follow document entitled “North Slave Resiliency Study Final Report.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes, the senior management within the NWT Housing Corp. also recognizes the aging-in-place for seniors issue is huge and that we need to address it. We are taking a really proactive approach to actually providing housing so that people can age in place.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Selfgovernance is an aspect that I actually take personally, and that I do respect and honour and believe it is the right way to support First Nations people and give them back ownership of their people and all of their culture, et cetera. I am committed to working closely with the First Nations communities and seeing what we can do to provide them, because at some point within selfgovernance, there will come a time, maybe not in this government, but soon, that they will need to take ownership of all of their services, housing, child protection, income support, all of...

Yes, the NWT Housing Corporation is committed to doing a community housing development plan, specific for every community. We will be looking within that to get answers from people who live in the homes, the LHO’s within every community, the community government and the staff of course, of the corporation. As well, I will be asking feedback from our MLAs in, to also give feedback into the questionnaires within this survey before it is put out.