Letter to the Editor

Half Truth, a housing crisis… 

During the early 1980’s, and maybe even earlier than that, there was a huge push to send into the northern isolated communities many skilled tradesmen to teach, to provide hands-on training, and to impart knowledge of their trades to members of these communities.

Confederation College, and others, structured numerous training programs to teach locals a variety of carpentry skills (including cabinet making), plumbing skills, electrical skills, etc.

Workshops were even set up, filled with the finest professional tools and equipment available, so that furniture, cabinets, and other household needs, and other items (doors, windows, cabinets, truss fabrication, etc,) could be made “locally” (within these communities). 

The knowledge imparted would in turn create local employment, supplying the needs of each community long into the future. Self-sufficiency, sustainability, long term employment, and pride were words bandied around.

Then why is Cat Lake showing a chronic housing crisis? Apparently 92 of their 128 housing stock need replacing.

So, what happened to self-sufficiency? A sense of pride (of ownership)? Are we sustaining a flawed system?

This crisis is not an overnight sensation.

I believe that the Political Charlies of our open society should connect first with the social workers involved, the Police Detachment that has to constantly deal with the unusual behaviors (to put it lightly).

Furthermore, it shouldn’t be too difficult to cover a bare wire, or put a cover on an electrical outlet? It may take more effort to make other repairs.

However, with a little bit of perseverance and the right attitude, it is amazing what obstacles can be overcome.

Ninety-two homes out of a hundred and twenty-eight, eh?

Band Council ownership of homes? 

Any signs of a focused effort?

Repairs could be a sign of pride. 

Pointing fingers at others, blaming Government, and not facing up to the true realities of this situation cannot be steps in the right direction. Or into a bright future.

Especially when you’ve got plenty of time on your hands.

Michael Quince, a concerned citizen