David Krutko

At this time I’d like to ask the standing committee that reviewed the bill if they have any opening comments. Mr. Abernethy.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to ask the Minister: are there any cultural enhancement programs put in place for new employees, non-aboriginal employees, in the Inuvik region so that they can understand the Gwich’in and Inuvialuit culture and the people that they have to serve and not to basically assume things without understanding the culture of the people in that region? I would like to ask the Minister: do they provide cultural enhancement programs to new employees in regard to the culture of the people that they’re serving?

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Welcome, witnesses. At this time I’d like general comments in regard to Bill 16.

Interjection.

Bill 17 is now ready for third reading.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Thank you, witnesses. Sergeant-at-Arms, could you escort the witnesses out.

As we agreed, per the schedule, we have Minister’s Statement 80-16(2), sessional statement. Mr. Abernethy.

Bill 19 is now ready for third reading.

I’d like to thank Ms. Bisaro and her witness. Sergeant-at-Arms, could you escort the witness out.

Mr. Speaker, It’s not only unique to Fort McPherson. This situation also occurs in Aklavik, and I know for a fact in regard to the people in Tsiigehtchic, for the majority of their supplies that they need, they have to run into Inuvik, pick it up and come back into the field. I think we are putting officers in a dangerous situation where they are all around the road with no radio communication in their vehicles, vehicles that are over 15 years old and snowmobiles that basically should be put into a museum.

I would like to ask the Minister again: why is this trend continuing to take place...

Is committee agreed the Minister bring in his witnesses?

To the bill as a whole.

Bill 17 as a whole approved.

To the bill as a whole.

Bill 19 as a whole approved.

Mr. Speaker, again I’d like to ask the Minister if he can seriously take a look into this. I think we as government have the responsibility to protect our consumers from these types of unjust acts by big industry. I think it is an issue right across Canada, an issue in regard to oil companies making $30 billion profit. It seems like the consumer at the end of the day is the one getting the end of the pipe here. I’d just like to ask the Minister: will he seriously take a look at this and bring something back to the Legislative Assembly?