Bob McLeod

Mr. Speaker, we review the cost of living on a regular basis. We have a food basket that we calculate the costing, and the income assistance rates are adjusted accordingly. We’ve also done a lot of work on the housing costs so that with the rental scale adjustments and so on, it’s tied to the income that a family brings in. We adjusted our housing rental scale so that no matter how or what situation you are in, if you go to work you are always in a better situation than if you are not working at all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

There are a number of programs that are tied to the cost of living in Yellowknife. For example, the employees’ of the Government of the Northwest Territories northern allowance is compared to the cost of living in Yellowknife. As you move further and further away from Yellowknife into the smaller communities, the amount of northern allowance that employees receive is increased. That’s one way of doing it.

We also have a significant amount of subsidy programs. I think the last time I checked, this government was providing about $180 million in subsidies and various programs throughout the...

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to recognize guests from the National Energy Board: Gaeton Caron, chair and CEO of the National Energy Board; Lyne Mercier, board member of the National Energy Board; Bob Vergette, board member, National Energy Board; Jamie Ballem, board member, National Energy Board; Brian Chambers, professional leader, northern engagement, National Energy Board; Celine Sirois, technical leader, environment, National Energy Board; Susan Gudgeon, leader, paralegals, National Energy Board. Welcome.

Mr. Speaker, the government will be voting against this motion. This motion takes issue with decisions made by the government that they had every right to make. It then calls upon the Government of the Northwest Territories to take action in areas of federal jurisdiction. We cannot do that, Mr. Speaker. Allowing this motion to pass would create false expectations in the public about our government’s legitimate role and responsibilities in the areas noted in the motion. Rather than let that impression take hold, we think it is important that Cabinet vote on this motion instead of abstaining.

The...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Right now the Northwest Territories is the only jurisdiction in Canada that has seen a decrease in population. So, of course, we’d be interested in trying to find ways to have these six people find gainful employment. The MVEIRB is a creature from the federal government and we do have a process for the orderly transfer of employees that will be devolved from the federal government to the Government of the Northwest Territories. I’d be very interested in contacting these six individuals and trying to find employment for them within the Government of the Northwest...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document, entitled NWT Days Media Activity Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Glen Abernethy will be absent from the House for a portion of today’s proceedings to attend to a personal matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Sometimes it’s good to have the last word, but we are not being muzzled. We are negotiating with the Government of Canada. As we’ve said all along, we hope that everybody will support devolution, because if you want to protect resources that are in the current system, the best way to do it is by having devolution occur and have devolution occur in a very timely manner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The administration of the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board indicated that through job shadowing and the fact that there was a decrease in the amount of work that they will be doing next year to last, that they felt that it was within their level of resources to be able to handle the workload. Obviously, reduction in resources at this time is probably not very helpful as we go forward.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is a proud sponsor of the 2013 Indspire awards. Formerly known as the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, Indspire promotes the development, education and professional advancement of Aboriginal people in Canadian society.

I will be attending the awards this week in Saskatoon. It gives me great pleasure to announce that two Northwest Territories residents will receive awards this year.

Gail Cyr of Yellowknife will receive the award for public service. Ms. Cyr is a long-time employee of the Government of the Northwest Territories and...