Daryl Dolynny

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Abernethy.

I’d like to call Committee of a Whole to order. What is the wish of the committee, Ms. Bisaro?

Thank you, Mr. Moses. Minister Abernethy.

The Premier is also quoted in the Mineral Development Strategy: “The new strategy represents a commitment. The NWT is serious about addressing our investment challenges and unlocking the mineral potential of the territory.”

Can the Premier share with the House, how does this draft Protected Areas Strategy not conflict with our ability to unlock dismal mineral exploration numbers? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bouchard. Minister Abernethy.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Without question, the recent announcement of the draft Protected Areas Strategy caught the resource industry by surprise with clear word from the resource industry that the Northwest Territories was no longer safe to do business with. My questions today are for the Premier.

Can the Premier indicate how does this recent unchecked announcement from the Premier’s Cabinet as a goal to conserve 40 percent of NWT’s land mass support his vision of a strong and prosperous territory? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Minister Abernethy.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In continuing my daily ritual of evaluating the performance of the McLeod government, today I want to reference my tabled document of Tuesday, September 29, 2015, and spend some time on our revenue concerns, both federal and own source.

By all accounts, our GNWT revenue grew by 149.79 percent from 2000 to today, and was substantially more than operation spending growth of 115 percent during the same period. However, with federal transfers currently accounting for more than 70 percent of GNWT revenue, and with only modest NWT population growth over these 15 years, we...

Thank you. Again, I’m getting a very blurred response, Madam Chair. The money saved last year is definitely being spent this year. So at the end of the day, the net impact is zero. The question still remains with the two installments that we’ve had already on this project, there’s a third installment left on these 802 firebombers. It’s going to be a small residual left, according to the math if you’re looking at the appropriations. Again, are we still on target of a slightly over $30 million project for the purchase of the 802s? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. We’ll turn our attention to Minister of Finance, Mr. Miltenberger.