Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to set the record straight on matters concerning Our Lady of Fort Providence, the Catholic Church in my home community. As most Members are aware, our Lady of Fort Providence has sat empty since it was closed in the fall of 1989, and has suffered further decay from weathering.
Mr. Speaker, Members may not be aware of the historic significance of this church in my community. Our Lady of Fort Providence was built by the people of Fort Providence in 1923. For a week's work our parents received wages of about five dollars and gifts of food or clothing from the missionaries. Since the church cannot be reopened until it is proclaimed safe by the Fire Marshal and the building inspector, I have lobbied extremely hard to force this government to provide at least enough money to stabilize the building so it could be used during the Christmas holidays.
During the final weeks of November the government and the Hamlet of Fort Providence signed a contribution agreement which should have allowed for the church to be reopened in time for Christmas. Due to the fiscal restraint however, the government subsequently decided against proceeding with this project.
I have talked with the contractors in Fort Providence and I have been informed there is not enough time to stabilize this church in time for Christmas. I therefore decided not to pursue this issue any further. Instead, I have consulted with the chairman of the finance committee, the Government Leader and the Minister of Culture and Communications, and have expressed my desire to work with them to ensure that the proper restoration plan is put in place.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to add a brief explanation to the news report that was broadcast this morning. It was announced this morning that Members of this House voted against my motion to divert moneys from the museum for possible use in stabilizing the church in Fort Providence. I would just like to inform the public, Mr. Speaker, that I had planned to withdraw this motion for the reasons I have just stated, but I was unfortunately absent from the chamber when it came time to vote on the motion.
Mr. Speaker, Members of the House were aware of my intention to withdraw this motion and had no choice but to vote it down. I think the public should be made aware that the Members of this House were not voting against the Fort Providence church, but were instead voting according to my wishes. Thank you.
---Applause