Daryl Dolynny

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Continuing on with general comments, I have Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The NWT Native Women’s Association has challenged this Minister, has challenged his department with this call for action. Clearly, there is still concern regarding unusually long wait times with respect to RCMP calls to various communities. We have heard a very detailed forensic reply to a lot of the questions here today, but of course, there is still some concern.

What, if any, are the future steps of this government, and what is the Minister prepared to do to ensure that we can improve our response times for the public and safety of our community residents? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Mr. Menicoche.

With that thorough answer, some of my questions are going to be almost answered. I will try to rework some of them here.

Clearly, having some form of auxiliary dispatch in communities, if not regions, I believe could better deal with language and urgency. We have just heard from the Minister that cost seems to be a prohibitive issue, but can the Minister indicate why has the department not explored this or alternative solutions for an improvement in RCMP response and wait times?

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Mr. Heath.

Mr. Speaker, if mining is truly the pillar of the NWT economy and it represents the largest private sector contributor to the NWT economy, then let’s stop the current piecemeal approach and let’s stand together with measured, meaningful and strategic financial solutions to secure a more robust mineral-based future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Continuing on with general comments, I have Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. I do sense a lot of passion in the room here today, but I would really caution all Members to actually direct your questions and responses through the Chair so we can record this accordingly. With that, I will go to Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Continuing on with general comments, I have Mr. Blake.

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Before we do so, I would like to draw everyone’s attention here in the House. Joining us in the gallery here for this afternoon’s proceeding is our Conflict of Interest Commissioner, Mr. David Jones.

---Applause

Welcome to the Assembly, Mr. Jones. Continuing on with our response to the questions, we will go to Minister Miltenberger.