David Krutko

Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Premier, in light of my Member’s statement and the practice that was seen in the 13th Assembly, which still originates in our communities, especially in the areas of programs and services, in regard to services in general, from health care services, education services, and having the ability to access professions in our communities.

In regard to the biggest challenge, we hear from a lot of our professions in the area of housing. I think as a government we have to try something different, so I’d like to ask the Premier: have you considered looking at an...

Clauses 61 to 80, pages 57-68.

Clauses 61 through 80 inclusive approved.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. At this time, I'd like to ask the Minister if he would be bringing any witnesses into the House.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of the 13th Assembly since 1995, I came into office with a $150 million deficit with the government at the time. We had to make some tough decisions and had to make some tough choices in regard to how we were going to do to deal with the deficit situation we were in.

Back then the Government of the Northwest Territories provided staff housing to staff throughout the Northwest Territories, and the government of the day decided to sell off that staff housing to deal with the deficit situation we were in with regard to trying to recoup some $75 million to pay down the $150...

Clauses 21 to 40, pages 40-47.

Clauses 21 through 40 inclusive approved.

At this time, I'd like to ask the Minister of Justice if he has any comments in regard to introduction of the bill. Mr. Jackson Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Welcome, witnesses.

I would like now to open the floor for general comments on Bill 7. Does the committee agree that no further general comments are needed and we can go clause by clause to review Bill 7? Members may note that Bill 7 consists of 186 clauses. For the interests of efficiency, I suggest to the Members that we deal with the clauses in groups of about 19 to 20. Members will, of course, have the ability to ask questions on any of the clauses within that grouping. Do Members agree with this approach?

With that, we will take a short break and continue on with those matters.

The Committee of the Whole took a short recess.

Does committee agree that the Minister brings in his witnesses?

I’ll call Committee of the Whole to order.

We have consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters, Bill 4, Bill 7, Committee Report 2-16(2), Committee Report 3-16(2), Committee Report 4-16(2), Tabled Document 37-16(2), Main Estimates. What is the wish of the committee? Mrs. Groenewegen.