David Krutko

At this time I’d like to ask the Minister of Health to introduce her witnesses.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to speak to the statement made by the Minister of ITI yesterday, and it’s more in line with the Business Incentive Policy that has been established since 1984.

A lot has happened since then in the Northwest Territories and in North America. More apparent is the North American Free Trade Agreement — better known as NAFTA — which was negotiated between Canada and the United States in regard to free trade. Also, as part of that agreement there were exemptions allowed for jurisdictions in Canada that would have been grandfathered — programs we’ve...

Okay. We’ll take a break until the witnesses get here. Thank you.

The Committee of the Whole took a short recess.

At this time, I would like to ask the Minister if she’d be bringing any witnesses. Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In regard to the area of program delivery and services, I think as a government we have tried different things in the past. Some things have worked out, and other things have been problems by way of recruitment, implementation. I’ll use some examples. The midwifery legislation that was passed — and we were able to activate that program — seemed to be originating in one community, which is Fort Smith. But to enhance that program to other regions and other communities…. I know my colleague from Deh Cho made reference that it was something that community would like to also...

I’d like to call the Committee of the Whole to order.

Committee of the Whole, in consideration of bills and other matters: Bill 8, Committee Report 2-16(2), Committee Report 3-16(2), Committee Report 4-16(2), Committee Report 5-16(2), Committee Report 6-16(2), Committee Report 7-16(2), Tabled Document 37-16(2).

What’s the wish of the committee? Mrs. Groenewegen.

Minister Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Senate committee was also pretty interested in a lot of our infrastructure projects. We’re talking about the Mackenzie Highway; we’re talking about Taltson; we’re talking about hydro development. Again, the problem we have is our borrowing limit. That’s something they also found pretty interesting: why is it that we’re limited on the amount of capital we can invest, which is going to promote…?

Next on the list I have Mr. Bromley and Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Bromley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I think it’s an opportunity we have to use whatever means of achieving devolution. I think the Senate is probably the second-most powerful legislative authority we have in Canada, next to the House of Commons. I’d like to ensure that we continue to keep them involved in the issues in the Northwest Territories. It seemed like they’re focusing a lot of attention in the North, which is great.

I’d just like to ask the Premier: exactly what are we doing to lobby other Senators and other MPs in Ottawa to make them aware of our issues, especially in the area of...