Statements in Debates
Thank you, Mr. Chair. A couple of questions here. First of all, I wonder if I can get an update on the Child and Family Information System. I’m sure a mass of information was provided, but for clarity this is something we’ve been trying to get done since midway through the 16th Assembly. I know we’ve tried a couple of times and failed during this Assembly, even though the money was budgeted. I would be concerned if this was a modification of the current system, which we know is not worth the paper it’s printed on. So I’m just looking for an update on what exactly is involved here with this. I...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Public Works and Services. I’d like to follow up on his statement yesterday.
Yesterday the Minister gave a statement outlining some of the things we have done to reduce energy consumption, and I was pleased to hear the progress that’s been made. However, until a long overdue energy efficiency act is in place, our performance as a territory will be hit and miss.
We know that an act is not about to happen during the life of this Assembly, but the Minister at least promised a discussion paper towards such an act, but where is the...
In focus sessions, participants concluded that food systems are at the heart of localized economies and food security; that climate change, energy costs and health are three primary drivers of renewable energy adoption; and that compared to oil and gas, renewables are investments in local jobs and businesses. Much work needs to be done to evolve government policy that recognizes and supports local economies.
In conclusion, the goal should be community empowerment that builds a strong local economic foundation and restores the commons. We need to take control of our destiny, invest in our...
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I’ve just been scanning this list repeatedly, looking for the words Ndilo and Detah and I’m not finding them. It’s not that I do not spend a good proportion of my constituency work on housing issues in my community. I wonder if I could get the Minister thinking on that and what the strategy is for the situation my people are facing.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again amazing context here between what’s real now on the ground and able to give us dividends versus the theoretical fossil fuel pursuit that gives us nothing. Given the need to diversify our economies and lessen reliance on boom and bust industries like that, our need for local sustainable jobs and food security, when will such a policy be in place? Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move we report progress.
---Defeated
I’m not sure I fully understand that. I understand the work to get us to the point of being ready to do the work in the field, but I would assume that that needs to take place during the construction season after the 1st of April, and I don’t see that work referred to in the capital plan here. That’s why I’m wondering whether it would come forward in a supplementary appropriation.
That’s good news. In the absence of a logical strategy, people have been pursing agriculture on their own, wrestling with volatile and inconsistent support and often barriers from this government. They have a lot of experience to share and they are hoping the government will actually hear them.
What consultative process is the Minister engaged in or was the Minister engaged in to hear from the people regarding a comprehensive NWT agricultural policy? Mahsi.
Thanks to the Minister. That sounds good. I wonder, though, if the Minister could work with his colleague and provide us with an outline of exactly how our economic development officers are aware of this challenge for communities and helping out in helping them select the best possible options and cost benefits for their access to this. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am surprised and disappointed to see that there’s not significant work planned for Prelude Lake area. I am wondering if I could get a status on what work has been done there and what is still to be done. I know there’s a lot of concern about the parking areas down by the dock and the need to do some work on that dock. Obviously, low water time is a good time to be in there doing that sort of work. Maybe I could start by asking for an update on the status of that redevelopment at Prelude Lake Park. Thank you.