Statements in Debates
Thank you. Normally staff from Ottawa don’t really become involved until such time as we get fairly close, because we need staff from Ottawa to write the Cabinet decision papers and also when we get closer to the actual transition to have federal staff to help with implementation. So I’m not sure what the Member is leading to when he’s asking for having federal staff involved, because normally they’re involved at the negotiating table and we have our negotiating people as well. So if you’re suggesting to use federal people to reach common ground with Aboriginal governments, then we could do...
My understanding of the dates or timelines that you’re quoting is that those are just guidelines. In our discussions with the Aboriginal governments, we are not talking about those kinds of specific details at this time. We’ve been talking about how to try to find ways to find some common ground and to start working together, and we’re hoping to be able to start to do that and to follow up on the meeting in Dettah by getting together again soon, hopefully before Christmas.
I think the reality is we have 33 communities in the Northwest Territories. We always make it a part of our busy schedule to try to get to every one of our communities in the North. Some of my long-term colleagues indicate that to do the circuit of 33 communities it will take 18 months. If you take that into consideration, I think that we’re probably looking at trying to get to every community two times during the life of the 17th Assembly.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’ve only had two meetings, one before we were sworn in and one since we’ve been sworn in, so we haven’t had an opportunity to discuss it yet, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I would like to commend all those who put their names forward for Premier and for Cabinet.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my family and all my campaign workers and supporters and advisors. I was lucky enough to get 100 percent support, as indicated by my colleagues that got acclaimed.
I really want to thank the constituents of Yellowknife South for their support and their encouragement to put my name forward to run for Premier.
I’d like to congratulate you on being chosen to represent us as Speaker.
I want to thank all the Ministers that have...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize constituents from Yellowknife South, Peter Vician, Don Gillis, Morven MacPherson. I can’t see everybody here, so I hope I don’t miss anybody. I see Allen Stanzell as well. I know he’ll phone me and give me heck if I don’t recognize him, so I’d like to recognize Mr. Hockey, Ed Jeske.
---Applause
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all I’d like to recognize the Members who will not be seeking re-election. I’d like to recognize yourself, Mr. Speaker, for your work and leadership as Speaker and to say we all recognize the hard work you’ve been doing on behalf of your constituents in your role as Speaker.
I also want to recognize cousin David Krutko.
---Laughter
I think David has the world record for asking questions in the Legislative Assembly and Committee of the Whole. I was going to say I was going to miss his questions. On second thought, I don’t think I’ll say that. I’ll say I’ll miss his...
Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of this Legislative Assembly, Members clearly signalled energy policy and programming as priorities and directed this government to pursue initiatives that reduce the cost of living and, in particular, energy costs.
Our government responded by an unprecedented $60 million multi-year commitment towards energy programs and initiatives. This investment was geared toward reducing imported fossil fuels, mitigating the environmental impacts of our energy use, and reducing the cost of living in the Northwest Territories.
We reported on the results of this investment in the...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize two Pages from Yellowknife South: Emily Thagard and Scott Stirling. Thank you for serving in the House, and also to all the Pages in the Legislative Assembly.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to read this statement on behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Services who is currently attending to a personal matter.
This Assembly has heard repeatedly that the cost of delivering health and social services programs are rising and that sustainability and funding are a continued and growing issue for all jurisdictions.
We all know that the delivery of health and social services is complex. The system and the people that work within it must consistently respond appropriately to and balance the needs of individuals, families, communities and the...