Bob Bromley

Mr. Speaker, the reason I seek these assurances is because we did such a lousy job in the previous review of the submissions to the JRP panel. I really would like to hear the reiterative responses there. Recognizing that there is always demand on the staff and the expertise and to have a comprehensive and coordinated response, we need to have our staff ready to be able to reply within the time frames available. Will the Premier commit, and what preparations have been made to ensuring that our in-house expertise is clearing their desks and will be able to give a really meaningful piece of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hope that’s done in the strongest possible terms in recognition, again, of the efforts that our citizens are taking on and the actions across the North and, really, across Canada. I’m wondering, just to be complete here and comprehensive, what options does the Minister see having for our public, our concerned citizens, to try and influence Canada’s position at the negotiations in Copenhagen. Thank you.

Thank you for those comments. I’m sure that this government recognizes that our current Greenhouse Gas Strategy is out of date and needs a tune-up, and I think we’re acting within that context. I’d like to ask the Minister, Mr. Speaker, are we urging the federal government to meet these science-based targets that have been so well demonstrated? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize and applaud current best efforts of our citizens, aboriginal governments and non-government organizations to meet key environmental challenges and to point out opportunities now before us for greater progress.

On the critical issue of climate change, I am happy to see our government making strong first steps, and I also note our partners at the City of Yellowknife are making remarkable progress with a community energy plan meeting their original targets well ahead of schedule through such actions as improved energy efficiency standards for buildings...

Unfortunately it is clear, and I do believe in the power of example, as the Minister obviously does, but it is clear that it’s not working with this federal government, it hasn’t worked to date and we are running out of time. I think that’s well acknowledged now. So I’m wondering what role -- assuming that this government is participating in the negotiations in Copenhagen, and I’m sure we are -- can this government plan to try and move forward this science-based target adoption by Canada as our citizens are demanding during those negotiations. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to follow up on my statement earlier today where I was recognizing people working hard on the issue of climate change. I know they appreciated the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources and my colleague for Great Slave participating in the Climate Justice march this Saturday, but the public is wondering what is this government’s position on climate change and the need for greenhouse gas reductions, recognizing it in context with the science that tells us we need at least 25 percent reductions by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The proposed legislation will not contain a list of species at risk in the NWT when it comes into force. Rather, species designated at risk in the NWT under the federal species at risk legislation will be assessed under the processes established in the NWT legislation.

Committee members heard from a delegation of polar bear hunters who described the impact on their livelihood that occurred when the USA designated polar bears as “endangered”. They all acknowledge that there have been negative impacts on the bears over the years; however, they believe the bear population...

I guess maybe we pulled another $2 million so we’re up to $4 million now. Good to know that that figure is public. I guess when I build a house or take on a project, I like to know what the full cost is for it. You know, I might build it in stages but...I’m just looking for what the full cost of the reconstruction of the Dettah road is. There’s, I believe, 11 kilometres there. I’m pretty sure that work’s been done, but if not, perhaps that could be done. Perhaps I could request that that be done. Will the Minister commit to getting that information?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to follow up from my Member’s statement with the Department of Transportation Minister. Specifically, on the Dettah road, we’re very happy to see that project going forward and some funds committed this year. Just towards completion of the entire project, what’s needed...I’m wondering if the department has a cost estimate for reconstruction of the entire Dettah road. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I guess I’d just like to get confirmation from the Minister that, in fact, there is no estimate; he doesn’t even know what the reconstruction of the Dettah road will cost, nor does he have a plan in place to ensure the completion of this project. I’d just like to get that confirmation. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.