Yellowknife South

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 6th Session (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think this is another great day for the Northwest Territories. I can confirm that Cabinet approved the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline and the National Energy Board issued a press release announcing that they have issued a Certificate of Public Convenience for the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 6th Session (day 4)

We’ve been working very closely with the federal government to get ready for the pipeline. We are working to identify the permits that will be issued and how we can make sure that we process the 7,000 permits that are required for the pipeline to go ahead on a timely basis and that we can work together so that all the requirements are met so that the pipeline can go ahead.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 6th Session (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To deliver effective programs and services to the people of the Northwest Territories, the government requires a public service staffed by skilled employees. The goal in 20/20: A Brilliant North, the NWT Public Service Strategic Plan, is to provide effective human resource tools which allows managers to have the right people in the right jobs at the right time.

To further this goal, I am pleased to announce that by the end of March 2011 the final phases of e-Recruit, the government’s on-line electronic recruitment and staffing system, will be launched.

Implementation of...

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 6th Session (day 2)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Labour market agreements are generally negotiated through the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. As far as the $218 million, I was not aware of it. I would have to check as to why the government did not apply. Typically, these federal programs are not available outside of the provinces, so I would think that would probably be the reason. We haven’t accessed it because it is probably not available to our Territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 6th Session (day 2)

Mr. Speaker, we are looking at locally produced food, and obviously fish is one of the foods that are available in every community. It is a matter of harvesting and distribution. We will be looking at those areas. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 6th Session (day 2)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Traditional economy is a very important part in the Northwest Territories. The value that we have placed on country foods if we had to replace it with store-bought foods, we attributed it to be about $30 million, so it is a very important part of our economy.

For several years now we have been trying to establish what we call a red meat market. Over the years we have had difficulties because of the federal agriculture and inspection requirements. What we are endeavouring to do this year, and with our budget approved we are going to spend in the neighbourhood of $300,000...

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 6th Session (day 2)

Thank you, and it’s our intention to do so. We’re starting in a number of regions where we’ll be piloting programs and we will definitely be going to the committee for feedback and information. Thank you.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 6th Session (day 2)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The traditional economy is a critical component of the Northwest Territories economy. For many community residents these activities are not only a traditional way of life but a matter of necessity.

The traditional economy has sustained the Aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories for thousands of years, providing food, clothing, shelter, tools and goods for trade. The Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes both the economic value and inherent challenges in traditional harvesting. The government is taking action to ensure traditional economy practices...

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 6th Session (day 2)

Mr. Speaker, perhaps I can speak to the Member to get more information about the detail. In the past we have had difficulty in getting this type of information because a lot of the people that would provide it were questioning what that information was going to be used for. There are some concerns whether it could be used against them and so forth. I think it is a matter of figuring out what information we need and how we go about collecting it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 6th Session (day 2)

Our government has a number of checks and balances to make sure that doesn’t happen. We also have the conflict of interest requirements and all of these checks and balances that would prevent against nepotism. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.