Bob Bromley

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, March 4, 2010, I will move the following motion: now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, that Tabled Document 4-16(5), Foundation for a Sustainable Northern Future, Report of the Joint Review Panel for the Mackenzie Gas Project, Executive Summary, December 2009, be referred to Committee of the Whole for consideration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, what a scathing comment to our public that is. If there is one possible kernel I could pick out of that it is that the Minister has finally produced initial baseline research that can get intelligent discussion in the public, but it’s initial.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, will the Minister recognize the need, duty and opportunity for meaningful public engagement in the Supplementary Health Benefits Program by extending consultation through the fall with an implementation target in 2011? Mahsi.

I assume the results of that will be brought forward in a timely fashion to the House or at least to Members.

On the question of affordability, I don’t see any analysis of the impact of different means thresholds or consideration of how our high cost of living, which is crucial for the great majority of low-income people who use these benefits, as being considered. Will the Minister commit to doing these detailed analyses and bring them forward as part of our consultation? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister responsible for Human Resources.

In regards to the number of positions that were staffed through the use of direct appointment:

What was the number of direct appointments made in each department during this fiscal year to date and fiscal year 2008-2009?

What reasons were given for the appointments being made directly?

What was the number of positions that were vacant up to and/or at the time of the direct appointment in each of these years?

What was the number of direct appointments that were made after the staging of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the subject of SCAN legislation was raised in the House without any final context provided. This is a big concern to my constituents so I’d like to ask the Minister of Justice where is SCAN legislation at in the priorities of this department. Thank you.

My questions will be very short. I invite you to look at www.snowking.ca for a complete list of all the events over the coming months and I extend an invitation from the king and his intrepid crew to all MLAs, and particularly to the staff of ITI, to drop by for a visit and some fun. It brings a whole new level of appreciation for this event.

Congratulations to the Snow King, the royal family, volunteers, businesses, governments and all participants who make this an event to look forward to every year.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, I will move the following motion: now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Sahtu, that the Government of the Northwest Territories take immediate action to alter the Beverage Container Program by eliminating the collection of the non-refundable handling fee for milk containers and provide a corresponding and suitable level of financial assistance to the Environment Fund, if required, to assist in covering program expenses and improvements to waste reduction and recovery programs. Thank you...

I very much appreciate the comments of the Minister. I’m wondering, there have been concerns because of the cost of it. I know in other jurisdictions, some areas where the cost is low it might work, other areas the cost is prohibitive. I wonder if the Minister will be doing a cost analysis as well, so when he does comes forward with the results of the preliminary investigations we could also see that cost analysis. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d also like to recognize Shad Turner, resident of Weledeh, and express how much I appreciated that beautiful rendition of O Canada, an original version, at least to me. I would also like to recognize Pages Jordan Shortt and Johanna Stewart for the great work they’ve been doing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.