Bob McLeod

Mr. Speaker, the effectiveness of the government’s programs and services is determined by the quality of the people who deliver them. In today’s highly competitive labour market we need to do more to recognize that our staff are the government’s most valuable resource.

To attract qualified staff and create an environment that encourages them to remain with the Government of the Northwest Territories, it takes more than an investment of money. It also takes planning, vision and commitment. We believe that the government is a challenging and exciting organization that can provide staff with a...

In keeping with our approach of developing the economy in every community, we’re looking at trying to do that in all of the 33 communities of the Northwest Territories. In the Nunakput riding there are four communities, so we think we’re well underway, as Tuk has oil and gas. In Sachs Harbour we’re working on developing the muskox harvesting program. For Ulukhaktok we have a subsidiary developed, a Holman Island subsidiary, to start up the art and print making, and Paulatuk has the Darnley Bay resources. So we’re working very hard in that area, and we’re working with the members of the...

I, too, would like to recognize Shad Turner, who sang O Canada for us. Shad has been an employee with the Department of Human Resources for approximately two years. He is the client service manager responsible for Public Works and Services; Education, Culture and Employment; and Human Resources.

Shad is also an active contributor to the Yellowknife music scene. He is the director of the Yellowknife Choral Society. As well, he sings regularly with Classics on Stage Yellowknife.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Member is correct. We have been undertaking a number of initiatives. We have mentioned the SEED policy, which has been changed to target level 2 and 3 communities. One of our objectives is to promote development in every one of our 33 communities. We will be actively working in that regard. As well, we have targeted marketing dollars to help promote the harvesting sector. We have a cadre of officers that either work for the government or work for regional and community organizations to promote development. So this is something that we have been working on to...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As I noted earlier, we can’t proceed with the transfer of lands until DIAND has completed a full contaminated sites assessment and remediation of the land to be transferred. The last time I checked, our expectation is that this assessment would be completed and scheduled to be released in 2009. As we get closer to that date, then we would look at reconvening our management committee, which has completed the work that has been required up to date.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have had developed a number of strategies over the years. I think the most recent one was Tourism 2010, which identifies the vision and the strategy for going forward. With the funding that has been available generally, to date we have been trying to maintain our existing facilities. We really haven’t had funding to be able to go and construct new tourism facilities in any big way.

Mr. Speaker, this is Small Business Week, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate entrepreneurs and their businesses across the Northwest Territories.

Small businesses play a vital role in the economy of our communities and our territory. They provide products, services, knowledge and skills that are the foundation of sustainable local economies and enhance our quality of life.

Since March of this year an average of 2,100 individuals per month have reported being self-employed. This represents 10 per cent of all individuals employed in the Northwest Territories. Many of these individuals have...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I’m glad that the Member agrees that we need to exercise due diligence so that all of the liabilities, especially with regard to the land, are identified and dealt with before we proceed with the land transfer.

Having said that, there is a considerable amount of work being done by the Sahtu Land and Water Board, the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board, the Sahtu Land Use Planning Board and our government with regard to mapping and database development of the CANOL Trail. As well, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is completed. Their archaeological report and the...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My understanding is that we have fulfilled our commitments that were negotiated through the Gwich’in land claim with regard to the establishment of parks.

I know that under the Sahtu claim we are still trying to move forward on the Doi T’oh park. We are being held up primarily by problems with getting ownership or access to the lands set aside for the park and the CANOL Trail, and primarily it is with regard to environmental issues. So it has taken us longer than originally anticipated to get ownership of and access to the parks. It comes down to a question of: do we...

We would look at that where it’s feasible. I know that in some instances we do have sewage pickup. I don’t know how feasible it is if they have to travel long distances to go to a campsite, but we’re prepared to look at that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.