Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding the contract to complete a planning study on the Fort Simpson Health Centre was awarded in March 2015. In October of 2015, the previous Member for Nahendeh requested an update. During that update the then Minister for Public Works and Services estimated the first phase of the plan he said would be finished in February 2016, and then the second phase would be in the fall of 2016.

Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that this facility is needed to be replaced due to age, quality control and maintenance costs. A new health centre helps improve the quality of healthcare service delivery in Fort Simpson and the five neighbouring communities. Mr. Speaker, during the fiscal year of 2011-2012 the government undertook work to maintain, renovate, or replace health centres in Fort Good Hope, Fort Res, Fort Providence, Fort Smith, Hay River, Norman Wells, as well as work to renovate or replace hospital in Hay River, Inuvik and Yellowknife. As the government continues to improve our healthcare, one department and a transformation system, we need quality medical workspace in offices as well.

Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the government, our own engineers, are doing the studies and recommended replacement of the facilities due to its age and increased maintenance costs. With the new building, the efficiencies will bring down the O and M costs. I've heard the Minister of Health and Social Services speak about the importance of the health centre replacement to deliver improved services and better equipment to the residents of Fort Simpson and the region.

It is my understanding that this project is very important to our residents. We are waiting for the completion of the planning study so we can consider it seriously during the capital planning session for 2018-2019 which begins next spring and summer.

Mr. Speaker, as a previous Member for Nahendeh stated, "The capital needs for the health facilities in the communities are just as important in my region and the communities I represent as the needs to replace the existing Stanton Territorial Hospital." I'll have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services about the status of the planning study at the appropriate time. Thanks. Mahsi cho.