[English translation not available] ...check point was initially set up at Enterprise. The reasoning, I assume, was to have something in place immediately. Eventually, with some persuasion, reflection, and evaluation, the COVID task force concluded that the appropriate location for the check point would be at the border. In my mind, that was the correct decision then and remains so today.
Mr. Speaker, staff, while at Enterprise, were in a position to travel home after each shift. This was not the case when the check point was subsequently relocated to the border. The border setup with the addition of a portable camp sleeper and use of government equipment already onsite provided an alternative for staff from having to endure a one-and-a-half-hour daily community each way home. The initial services in part were supplied by GNWT park infrastructure and that of private sector. This appeared to work well with the warm weather, where freeze-up of water and sewer lines were not an issue.
Knowing that cold weather would be upon us and knowing the camp business, I provided the task force with a recommendation as to what would be required for accommodation at the border during the winter months. I suggested a two-unit Texas camp, which included a kitchen, washroom, rec room, and six single bedrooms. The camp would further require, of course, lighting, yard lighting, communication tower, power, propane, heated water storage, and heated grey water storage. All this could be set up within eight hours.
Mr. Speaker, operating a camp, big or small, requires qualified and at times certified maintenance staff to ensure worker and environmental safety. I mean no disrespect to the supplier of the current facility, which is made up of infrastructure more suited to remote mining camps that do not have road access. It is important that we provide our staff with safe and comfortable infrastructure while they work to secure our borders and keep us safe. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Premier. Thank you.