Bob Bromley

On Thursday we heard in the ITI Minister’s statement detailing the support and subsidies that ITI will provide for the fossil fuel industry. I must observe, once again, there is a clear conflict of interest putting the government cheerleader of this industry in the position of its regulator. Devolution could indeed be great, but I already feel our credibility slipping and public confidence draining away. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just following up on that last one, I’d say especially if they’re outdoor programs, and I mean that, especially for the mental health aspect of it. From time to time I’ve brought up the need for eco-literacy, which is, simply, traditional knowledge, I guess. You know, some understanding of the outdoors and familiarity and comfort with the outdoors can have huge benefits in that area. Just a comment there.

I just wondered how much of the $15.9 million for water and sewer services is going to Yellowknife this year, if that information is handy.

That’s all I had, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

Thank you. I recognize that reality. I don’t have to have these answers right away, but I think we’re on the other side trying to learn about the department too. So maybe we can help each other here.

The capital transfers, $461,000, again, come April 1st it’s a brand new department and we’re already dealing with some capital transfers. I’m just wondering if we know off hand what that’s all about. Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, thanks to the Minister. I guess I agree that it would be worthy to have that discussion. What would be useful would be to know the number of applicants we have had in recent years and the amount that they have applied for, just to get a trend and see what’s happening. I think the Minister started to provide that information in a general way, so it would be good to have that in advance of those discussions. That’s all I had.

That certainly provides clarity. It doesn’t show me much for efficiency, but it does give me an accurate basis on which to discuss the budget.

I appreciate the information here and the tolerance of my colleagues’ new department. I am just trying to get my understanding right here.

Just finally, is this only for lands that we are taking over and Commissioner’s land? Any federal land that is left over, there would be a difference; we would not be having the same authorities and so on. Is my understanding correct there? Thank you.

That’s it. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just my last question here. In terms of oil and gas, obviously a big impact on the land, any role of this department?

I’m just asking because some departments have not been showing. They’ve adjusted their budgets to show what their budgets would have been last year if they didn’t have those positions, so that’s why I’m trying to get clear on this. Despite the fact that we’ve lost 19 positions here, this department has increased its budget slightly is my understanding right now.