Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I spoke about the need to replace the Fort Simpson Health Centre and the planning for that.

I’d like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services, given that the engineering report dictates that we need a replacement health centre facility, exactly what stages are the Department of Health and Social Services at with addressing this situation? Thank you.

…means that it is classified as very important but is nowhere on the capital plan, even in the long term. The health centre staff and the residents of Nahendeh need answers. Where and when will this facility be built?

Quality health care services are being compromised by the lack of appropriate workspace with current health standards to deliver these services.

I urge the Minister of Health and Social Services to ensure that the Fort Simpson Health Centre replacement is funded and in the capital plan. The future health of our residents rests with the decision of this government.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Certainly the community is awaiting those engagements.

Just for clarity and comparison towards Fort Providence, was Fort Providence a level B/C facility as well?

The Minister was with me in Fort Simpson in the springtime. The residents wanted to be involved in the planning study, so I just wanted to assure that the Minister has heard that, that part of the instructions of the planning study is to engage in the community, the mayor, the Village of Fort Simpson, the LKFN and the Metis local there. Engage the community and show exactly what type of facility we are building. Even as far as the floor plan, we want to see what’s in there. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was pleased to hear Ms. Nancy Noseworthy’s name mentioned. She’s a resident of Fort Simpson. Welcome to the gallery. I hope you’re enjoying yourself here this week. Mahsi cho. Great to see you.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. The Fort Simpson Health Centre provides a range of health services to the residents of Nahendeh and the Deh Cho region. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, the existing facility requires replacement to adequately provide these services. There is an engineering report by Public Works and Services that shows that this infrastructure is aging, has structural deficiencies and is over 30 years old.

Serious consideration for replacement was discussed by the Department of Health and Social Services. It was even unofficially slated to be replaced by a new facility…

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Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to the updated strategy as the Minister had committed. As well, if he can get that to the community leadership that’s been affected as well. Thank you.

Certainly, it’s a concern for the residents. One of the unique things that a resident had brought to my attention was that he had visited his neighbours down in BC, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, and they have managed to curtail a lot of damages to private property by harvesting some of the bison there. Is that something that the department can consider?

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Constituents of Fort Liard, Nahanni Butte and Lindberg Landing have had a summer of discontent with the Nahanni bison herd in that area. The bison have been ruining property, digging up gardens, ruining plants and trees and being a significant hazard to the residents. In fact, one resident was literally trapped in her car as a large single male rested against her car door, damaging it and also trapping her inside. She is elderly. Her family and friends fear that she may be injured if this happens again.

The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources...

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Just a chance to address some of the capital issues regarding… Maybe I can begin in Fort Simpson. I think it was last year I remember the Fort Simpson health budget was actually on the capital plan. I had thought it was in the capital plan, but it certainly is a red flag now. I know that they’ve done the initial work. I think they’ve done a peer review of the project and now they’re looking at doing an RFP for the planning study. I just want to get some details on that. I know that the community is anxious. There has been a lot of discussion in the community and...