Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) My Member's statement will be on the elders' senior home in Behchoko regarding the back-up generator. When the power is out, they have a back-up generator. (Translation ends)
...operates at Jimmy Erasmus Seniors' Home in Behchoko. It is a residential facility that accommodates eight elders whose needs are classified as level two and level three care. This means that, although they are considered to be somewhat independent and mobile in walkers or wheelchairs, they can still be very fragile requiring 24 hours of medical care.
The facility is owned by the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Speaker, which is responsible for maintenance of the building. There is no accelerated power source or generator in the elders' home in the event of an emergency, Mr. Speaker. During the past month, ice damage to power transmission lines affected power to both Yellowknife and Behchoko. In Behchoko, the power disruption was potentially very serious, with one disruption lasting over 10 hours, Mr. Speaker. Other disruptions followed almost on a daily basis and there is a significant uncertainty over whether this disruption would be of a shorter or longer duration; consequently whether it would be necessary to evacuate the elders, Mr. Speaker.
Actions taken during the last incident to keep the home warm have been vetoed by the fire marshal for future occurrence, and the elders' home will need to be evacuated for the safety of the elders in the event of any extended power outage.
Opportunities for evacuation in Behchoko are the health centres, the Elizabeth Elementary School, the Chief Jimmy Bruneau regional high school in Edzo and the residents, all which have back-up power generators. However, none of these are appropriate for a number of fragile elders requiring oxygen and 24-hour medical services.
Mr. Speaker, Tlicho Community Services Agency staff have expressed concerns for the NWT Housing Corporation that the home does not have a back-up generator.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.