Caroline Cochrane

At this moment, I won't be able to provide that information. We're just going down to negotiate and to talk about the need that we have within the territories, and to advocate that it not be based on just base funding, that it actually be base plus, so that they take into account the low population that we have and the vast area, and the lack of infrastructural needs. Once we have done that and we find out what the budget is when it’s released, then we will be advocating and specifying where the monies would be going.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Julie, for recognizing the visitors that you mentioned, because that was appreciated. Thanks for being here. I also want to recognize the Rotary Exchange Group that's coming out of Edmonton in the gallery today. This group includes four chaperones and 27 students from all over the world. We're really excited to have you here. Welcome.

As stated earlier, we will be having a public process were people can bid. If there is an opportunity that they can bring us in a reasonable price, then we will certainly consider that option.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know at this moment, but I can get the numbers and actually give it to all of the MLAs so they'll actually know how many are in each unit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes, I really took heed of the 18th Legislative Assembly’s priority about wanting change within the government, and to be as transparent and as inclusive with the public as possible. The needs surveys that are provided every five years does give us the basic information, but we're actually looking for more information: a breakdown by community on what the people using the community -- the chiefs, the people, the LHOs, et cetera -- would like to see, and programs to be maintained, to be sustained, and to be expanded upon.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge all of the youth participating in the Arctic Winter Games to be held in Nuuk, Greenland from March 6 to 11, 2016. The 2016 Arctic Winter Games is not only an athletic competition, but also an international circumpolar celebration, which provides an opportunity for our youth to develop new friendships, talk about the wonderful assets of the Northwest Territories, and learn about other cultures. I'm extremely proud that 21 of the participants are residents of the Range Lake riding, and no matter how each of...

In all honesty, it is a question that I probably cannot answer. We are waiting to find out the negotiations that will be happening this coming week, actually, in Ottawa, with the Housing Minister and the definition of the budget coming down from the federal government. Once we get that funding and we know exactly what we're dealing with, or lack of what we're dealing with, then we will be able to develop a plan and start implementing program changes or upgrades.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the NWT Housing Corporation does use the Bureau of Statistics to provide survey information every five years, and we will continue to do so. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, through the Petroleum Products Program, the Department of Public Works and Services provides fuel to 16 NWT communities not served by the private sector. The department supplies fuel to these communities by truck during the winter road season and by barge in the summer. Prices for consumers typically change once or twice each year, in spring and in fall, after a new supply of fuel is delivered to the community. The wholesale price that the Department of Public Works and Services pays to buy heating fuel and gasoline in bulk has dropped over the past year. Recognizing that our...

As stated earlier, my goal is to ask the communities what they want in each community. It's not up to me. If I'm doing the process according to accreditation standards and best practices, it's not up to me to define what the community needs. It's for the community to define what they want. We will be making choices whether the federal government gives us extra money or does not. We will be trying to base the Housing Corporation’s programs on what the communities need individually. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.