SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Problems with the Nahanni Butte gymnasium are expected to be dealt with in time for the Christmas season, according to the minister of Public Works and Services.

Robert McLeod addressed questions from Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche about a variety of problems with the new community gymnasium such as the floor lifting, creating large bubbles caused by moisture getting under the synthetic flooring.

"There are a number of other deficiencies," Menicoche said Tuesday in the legislature. "Light diffusers need to be replaced and there is water seepage in one of the back rooms."

McLeod said the problems are being addressed and the last thing to be fixed is the floor, which should be done by the end of this month. The work is covered by a warranty he said, since the gym only opened in January of this year.

Delta last for shots

Nunakput MLA Jackie Jacobson is concerned about the long wait for the H1N1 mobile vaccination team to come to his region.

The vaccine won't be administered in Nunakput communities until Nov. 9, when Tuktoyaktuk is scheduled to begin vaccinations. Sachs Harbour, Ulukhaktuk and Paulatuk will be covered even later.

Sandy Lee, minister of Health and Social Services, said her department had to decide on who got the vaccine first in the territory, something Jacobson didn't like hearing.

"Well, it just shows that the minister's categorizing us again in regard to putting us on the backburner here in regard to our dates for our communities," Jacobson said on Wednesday.

Lee said communities are being monitored very closely and the first sign of an outbreak, the mobile vaccination team will be sent out.

Lee said she would look and see if there could be possible adjustments to the schedule to move some of his communities up.

More housing needed

The government must do more to deal with the shortage of housing for teachers in the community of Lutsel K'e, Tu Nedhe MLA Tom Beaulieu said Wednesday.

Beaulieu said with people returning to live in the community and the hiring of two new teachers, adequate housing isn't available.

"This government has a responsibility to deliver a certain level of education to all its residents, and this has to include the provision of adequate housing for our teachers," Beaulieu said.

Robert McLeod, minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, said the issue continues to plague smaller communities and once the school year is out, they will look for long-term solutions.

"We are hoping to have something together very shortly here to share with committee before we go into the next session," McLeod said.