Norman Yakeleya

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want some clarification from the Minister on this. The GNWT is also responsible for regulating their payments for GNWT boards. Thank you.

Thank you. I would also like to recognize a good friend of mine. It is good to see a reporter, Mr. Paul Andrew.

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Much appreciated, Mr. Speaker. Did I understand the Minister to say God willing and the creeks don’t rise? Mr. Speaker, can the Minister explain to me and give me an answer for the people in the Sahtu? What are some of the barriers that are hindering the move to establish the Sahtu regional health board? Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question concerns the new Sahtu Health Authority. The Department of Health and Social Services was to implement the Sahtu Health Authority by April 1, 2004. As of yet, services are still being delivered out of the Beaufort-Delta region Inuvik office, and the North Slave region Yellowknife office. I am even more concerned when I look at the Health and Social Services web site that still lists the authority in the developmental stages. My question today is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Could the Minister provide an update as to the...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will cross my fingers hoping that some potential development happens in the Northwest Territories. Does the Minister foresee the possibility of regionalizing some of the staff members in terms of the increase of resource development down the Mackenzie Valley? Would he consider putting some part-time people in the regions to assist in the operations? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I really don’t know how to take that answer, Mr. Speaker. Let’s hope for the best. Thank you.

---Laughter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Social Services and it’s on the old seniors' home in Deline. I would ask the Minister, given that today is Valentine’s Day, has he had a change of heart in terms of the facility in Deline? The old people really want a facility opened in the region. I understand from speaking to the Minister of Housing that there are some proposals being developed to have a facility looked at and see its use and viability. Given the numbers by the Minister of $22,000 of a mortgage payment and the facility was closed down in 1994...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister tell the Legislative Assembly what the department has considered for the use of this facility in Deline?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the elders' long-term care home facility in Deline has been closed for a number of years. To date the government continues to pay operating and maintenance costs on the facility, but have yet to determine its use. Mr. Speaker, it’s really hard to imagine an empty building in a community when there are not enough buildings to administer programs and services that people have daily access to in larger centres. My question today is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Will the Minister tell me why the elders’ long-term care home facility in...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Has there been any thought about regionalizing the liquor board staff? Thank you.