Bob McLeod

Thank you, Mr. Chair. There is a bit of a plan, but not to larger centres. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes. The Women Warriors of the Sahtu have certainly found it very helpful.

I think we have to remember that the mines, especially the diamond mines, have had a very positive impact on our northern workforce with over 20,000 person-years employed. However, we are constantly working to improve this. The mines and ourselves know that there are a number of factors that contribute, such as low commodity prices and the financial markets. The mines have to match revenues and expenditures. What they have indicated is we have a very small workforce; they have a very small pool to draw from. Consequently the more mines we have, the less ability they have to hire northern...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We certainly could look at it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My understanding is that comes through corporate sponsorships. Certainly Indspire is a very good organization and we are very impressed by the work that they do. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. To my left, I have Penny Ballantyne, deputy minister of the Executive. To my right, I have Lisa Turner, manager of corporate services. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It is just a title change. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't expect there will be any change at this time. Through you, I'll ask the Minister of Health to say a few words on this matter. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member knows, the government of the Northwest Territories oversees the implementation of the socio-economic agreements and coordinates the Government efforts under each SEA while monitoring how well each developer carries out its respective responsibilities. I think the mines are very accountable for their respective SEAs. Through the environmental assessment process or the regulatory process, the Government of the Northwest Territories, when the first diamond mine was established, pushed for socio-economic agreements that came out as a recommendation from the...

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. I believe that as a rule, we keep track. I think 39 per cent of all the board appointments are women. Certainly our Minister responsible for Women is very vigilant about board appointments. I think it is incumbent upon all of us that make recommendations for board appointments to submit names of qualified, capable women to increase their representation if that is the wish of this Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Chair.