Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I gave an update on items I was working on in Lutselk’e. Today I would like to update the
people of Fort Resolution on issues that I as MLA have been working on.
Mr. Speaker, working with the Minister of Transportation, it was agreed that the department would spend $6 million on a highway between Fort Resolution and Little Buffalo River, a very dangerous and rough part of the highway to Fort Resolution. Mr. Speaker, the local government has been working with the Department of MACA to construct a youth complex which will house, among other things, a summer swimming pool and a soccer pitch. In addition, Mr. Speaker, I have been working with the Minister of MACA and the Minister of infrastructure to discuss some additional capital dollars to be allocated to the municipality so that the entire community of Fort Resolution can be chipsealed. Some money has been allocated in 2010-11 by the municipality to start the chipsealing project.
Mr. Speaker, like most communities in the NWT, housing issues consume the majority of my time. I have brought over 100 housing issues to the Minister of Education since my election. Mr. Speaker, ITI is continuing to provide support to trappers. I have discussed a few small business opportunities in Tu Nedhe with the Minister. With the new SEED money, it gives me some hope that some new businesses could start in Fort Resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I have discussed the need to provide proper industrial arts and home economic areas for the students of Deninoo School with the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. There will be a meeting with the local DEA soon. The cost of living is not as big an issue in Fort Resolution as it is in Lutselk’e, but with limited incomes in the community and the ones that cannot afford to travel to Hay River to buy their food, gasoline and other items, find it very costly in Fort Resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I have had a few meetings with the Minister of Health and Social Services to discuss better use of the great elders’ facility and will continue discussing the use of this building by the residents of Fort Resolution. I also feel the Department of Health and Social Services should have a rehabilitation aide that would be stationed in Fort Resolution to assist the therapist that is working in Fort Resolution from time to time to create continuity.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
