Bob Bromley

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize our Pages today, particularly Emma Willoughby. I’m not sure if she’s in the House at this moment, but she’s around somewhere. Also, of course, I’d like to recognize her mother, Catherine Boyd, in the gallery with us today. Thanks very much for all of the things you do on behalf of the MLAs.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Even knowing the opportunities for Member’s statements during this short session are few, I would want to take time today to profile the need for and importance of providing flexibility in part-time versus full-time jobs in government and in our communities. This simple but key act yields benefits ranging from an enhanced quality of life to a healthier society and the retention and attraction of NWT workers and families. The far-reaching impact of this modest tweak to employment patterns is something that job providers throughout the Northwest Territories, both public...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just want to follow up on my colleagues with regard to the new general purpose facility in Yellowknife. I know we’ve had a lot of discussions on getting territorial art into that building and coming up with a policy. Can I get confirmation that indeed the policy is in place and that this building will be, where appropriate, studded with NWT art as per the policy?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I’ll leave it at that. I can inform the Minister of instances where those in fact have arisen, but that’s another discussion. I’m happy to leave it for now.

That’s good to hear. I guess my last question is: So, operating sites, they are not included here. I believe we have another system, security deposits, financial security deposits and so on to look after those when if a mine is abandoned or the company goes bankrupt, which we know happens all too often, we will end up picking up that cost. But I’m wondering, in the consideration of what would go in here, do we include or should we be including, or is the mandate from the Auditor General or whoever is setting these standards, does it include consideration of operating sites for which we have...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I understand this came about as a result of new accounting procedures required by whoever sets those things. I don’t know whether it’s the Auditor General or what. I am happy to see this. I think our government is too. They realize these liabilities are real and are out there, and it’s nice to have some assessments on which to base what the costs are going to be in the future and today.

I understand that there are two components to this. One is assessing existing sites in a little more depth, rather than just knowing they exist and they do have some degree of liability. We...

Thanks to the Minister. I appreciate the commitment. The more flexible suite of job models would give people who would like to pursue local economic initiatives, for example seasonal land-based activities, more family time and opportunities for volunteer service in our communities and the freedom to do so. I can attest that, based on the number of people who are coming to me with this, that’s come up in our recent Local Economies Forum, people have a strong interest in this. Building stronger and more welcoming and nurturing communities, and retaining current residents and attracting newcomers...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to follow up on my Member’s statement today with questions for the Minister of Human Resources. I would like to ask questions about new and innovative solutions for the recruitment and retention of employees for our civil service.

Is the Minister aware of the common interest in reduced work time and job sharing amongst many employees, such as interest in three-quarter time or two-thirds time, half-time, flex-time? Thank you.

Thanks, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to the Minister. We’ve made a lot of progress in the last five years in small communities, but it’s been at the cost of people in Yellowknife and especially people who have moved here from other communities. This is totally unacceptable. The Minister is continuing to focus away from Yellowknife and it’s getting ridiculous.

Reallocating existing housing stocks between programs and changing rules regarding eligibility does not alter the basic fact that there are not enough homes in the territory for the people who live here.

How many new housing units does the...

Okay. So, we don’t know how many families.

Another group of housing clients in desperate need than most are single parents. Not only are they suffering from lack of housing but their children, especially for the very young, are not getting a secure, healthy beginning in life that we desire for all of our children right from the start.

How many of the families on the current waiting list are parents with very young children? Mahsi.