Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I'm rising once more on the subject of the John Tsetso Memorial Library in Fort Simpson. In February I spoke in the Assembly about my concern that the library needs a home. In May I spoke about the value of the community's library as a place to pick up reading materials and for many literacy programs it has offered over the years. Yesterday my colleague Mr. Abernethy spoke about the limitations of the Fort Simpson library. The facility is currently too small and the foundation cannot support the library's collection of books. Currently, due to the relocation from the old Deh Cho Hall, we are now a resource centre and a virtual library there, Mr. Speaker.
The John Tsetso Memorial Library is a designated public library and the residents of Fort Simpson deserve to have one restored. In fact, I think a region of our size, about 4,200 residents, should have a regional library located centrally in Fort Simpson. I support and recommend upgrading and designating a regional library for Nahendeh. Such a library could house a larger collection of books, and books could be circulated to our smaller communities.
The Department of Public Works and Services is currently sending in an engineer to determine where to locate the library. I support a facility that could be a regional library. This library will not only include computer access for patrons but also a book collection and resources that could be accessed by the entire region.
Mr. Speaker, the government has made a firm commitment to promoting and fostering literacy. A library that provides a welcoming space and a good selection of books in Fort Simpson will contribute to literacy. Once again, I support a regional library that will provide additional service throughout Nahendeh. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.