Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to bring attention to the homeless shelters in Inuvik as I have many times in this House. Early on in this Assembly, I raised the concerns of the emergency warming shelter and the issues that they were having and having to close its door due to internal issues just as the temperatures were dropping. Mr. Speaker, the Minister's response at that time was to assume control over these shelters, and both shelters were dissolved -- the shelter boards were dissolved. I have asked the Minister what is the future plan of these shelters in Inuvik many times since then. What will happen with the current staff that are now government employees? What is her department doing for a long-term plan for the residents that utilize these shelters? Mr. Speaker, there was a request for proposal at one point to have a non-profit organization run the shelters. Nothing has come of that. And her department is still running the shelters. The Minister also met with leaders in my community. Did they come up with a plan? I'm not sure.
Mr. Speaker, the residents, staff, and the community of Inuvik want and need to know what is the short and long-term plan.
Mr. Speaker, according to the information I have, the staff contracts are until August 31st, 2023. That is also the beginning of fall when the temperature begins to drop. If we don't have a plan now, we'll be making drastic decisions again come August. And I want answers, and I will be questioning the Minister responsible for Homelessness. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.