Tom Beaulieu

Just to finish off on the same topic, I think that the department should consider making a shift to our small communities, to start supporting small communities. Make it possible for people in small communities to make the productive choice to ultimately be able to support themselves. The benefits of people working are many in the Northwest Territories. There would be a savings in education, health, housing, income support, all of those areas. If we could support the people to help them with things like taking care of their children when they’re trying to make productive choices, go back to...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On page 8-31, non-government organizations residential care, the…

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not sure if I said a half-time student but I think I meant a half-time teacher.

Mr. Speaker, earlier he talked about buildings that don’t belong to the GNWT. Would the Minister look at Education, Culture and Employment’s infrastructure plan to add funding to build a new building to house daycare and preschool in Fort Resolution? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, if additional space in the current daycare preschool can’t be obtained, whether it is an addition or some internal renovations, will the Minister work with the local district authority to find some temporary space for the community so that these kids can go to preschool prior to going to kindergarten in September? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]

In Fort Resolution there is a daycare and a preschool program. These programs are much needed and appreciated. The main problem is the building that houses the daycare and preschool is an old 1960s trailer that was moved to Fort Resolution from Little Buffalo Junction. At this time the building needs a new roof, a new furnace and many other minor repairs, and about 300 to 400 square feet because it’s too small to accommodate the community’s preschool needs.

I believe this building is beyond economical repair, once the expansion is added...

Mahsi cho, Mr. Chairman. I was happy to hear the Minister say that children and students are the cornerstone of the education system. I think they’re the cornerstone of our society, actually. I find that putting effort into the early childhood development is a very positive move for the small communities, no question about that. I think that it’s important. Even today in my Member’s statement I spoke of the need to support daycares and the need to support preschool and all of those types of programs that support the development of the children in their early years. I’m very pleased with that...

Mr. Chairman, the situation is that I have people coming to me, whether it be dental, eye care, or whatever it is, and saying, where am I going to get support, who is going to pay for this, and stuff like that. I am going back to the department. The department is referring me to a website. I had one situation where I referred an individual to the local nurse and then the situation seemed to have dissolved itself. That may be the health centre is supporting individuals, helping them apply for benefits under the Non-Insured Health Benefits, so if that is the case, fine, that way I just know...

Mr. Chairman, could I ask the Minister why?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am sure there is a logical explanation. Is there no charge to the office base in Deninu K’ue?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is all one section and the previous question was just on 8-31. Okay. Anyway, my question is still the same. On page 8-31, the non-government organization residential care, the drug and alcohol programs and services related to addictions. There is a slight increase there and also there are increases for support workers, for addictions workers and so on. My question is: is the department making any sort of shift towards the addiction works on the land? That seems to be a real, real big item for the small communities. It’s pretty well a feeling among the addictions...