Fort Simpson (Oct 13/06) - MLAs in the Northwest Territories are getting ready for the next sitting of the legislative assembly from Oct. 17 to Nov. 2.

While some MLAs have described the next session as legislatively "light," members of communities in the Deh Cho have lots to talk about, according to MLA Kevin Menicoche of the Nahendeh region and Minister Michael McLeod, MLA for the Deh Cho region.

Tthek'endeli/Jean Marie River

Menicoche said the hamlet is having trouble getting care for the elders living there.

When the community is no longer able to care for the elders, they leave, often taking younger members of the family with them.

The hamlet is asking for better access to health services to help stop this trend.

Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson

In Fort Simpson, the village council made it clear to Menicoche at a recent meeting that alternate energy and water and sewage subsidies were important issues for the community.

Deh Gah Got'ie Koe/Fort Providence and Ka'a'gee Tu/Kakisa

According McLeod, the communities he represents have similar needs.

With new funding agreements coming into effect, including gas tax money, communities like Fort Providence need to agree and plan how the funds could be spent.

Two issues that are continually coming back to the table are lack of housing and road quality, said McLeod.

With the possibility of the Mackenzie Gas project "looming on the horizon", McLeod said these communities are realizing capacity is an important issue, whether within the hamlets themselves or simply dealing with traffic coming and going. McLeod said constituents are also talking about climate change and how it affects the North -- particularly dealing with shorter ice road seasons and infrastructure problems with the ground shifting because of melting permafrost.

Tthenaago/Nahanni Butte

Residents have taken it upon themselves to build an all season road to the community, said Menicoche.

Though residents weren't able to put gravel on the road this year, they were able to build it up and widen the road.

"Basic services should be available to all communities," said Menicoche, something he said smaller communities like Nahanni Butte have been fighting to get.

Sambaa K'e/Trout Lake

Trout Lake residents have asked that government officials and those seeking to meet with band members should take more time to see the community, said Menicoche.

Instead of simply flying in and then immediately flying out again, Menicoche said residents would like visitors to spend the night and enjoy the traditional life led by community members.

The hamlet is also having trouble accessing health services for elders.

Pehdzeh Ki/Wrigley

Residents in Wrigley are asking for a full-time nurse to be stationed in the hamlet instead of periodical visits from health care professionals.

Last winter, two girls fractured their legs and weren't diagnosed until four days later, said Menicoche.

Wrigley constituents would also like to see a full-time RCMP member in the community, he said.

Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard

In Fort Liard, a community Menicoche describes as feeling "left out" because of its geographic location in the NWT, he said housing is at a "crisis level."

Teachers coming to the community did not have a place to stay and had to live in make-shift accommodations.

Menicoche said a question for the territorial government is housing for professionals working in communities across the North.