David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize everybody that is here today with us, but specifically I have a constituent, Miss Tawna Brown, who is a graduate student at Carleton University, a long-time Yellowknifer, and I would like to welcome her here today. Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier for his response. I’d like to, as well, ask the Premier, and I know he mentioned it briefly, but how is the Government of the Northwest Territories going to involve aboriginal governments here in the Northwest Territories in dealing with the federal government? During the election campaign there was a lot of negativity in some camps towards the Conservative government coming into power and dealing with aboriginal people. I’m just wondering, has the Premier got a strategy so that he can lay to rest some of these fears that were out there to the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to also ask the Minister, I know the proposed new building is going to be built or located in the Frame Lake South area in Yellowknife, an area that's already plagued with traffic congestion, and, obviously, has a nice waterfront view. I'm wondering, is it better that the WCB be located in this area of the city, or downtown where it's currently located? What options were pursued to have that building located in the downtown core of Yellowknife? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the meeting scheduled for next Wednesday, a briefing between the WCB, the Minister responsible for the WCB, and the Regular Members of this House, only took place after enquiries were made to the Minister's office to make that happen. I would like to mention to the Minister that assessment rates and monies that are paid to the WCB come out of the pockets of employers here in the Northwest Territories, our constituents, who have every right to come and visit their MLA, when they see assessment rates for next year going up. I would like to ask the Minister...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize some visitors from the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories: Linda Henry; Mabel Collinson; Lib Lowing; and Esther Braden. Welcome. Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to talk about a disease that affects an estimated 280,000 Canadians and can strike adults at any age. It affects one in 13 people over the age of 65, and there is no known cause or cure. The disease I am referring to, Mr. Speaker, is the most common form of dementia, known as Alzheimer’s. This dreaded affliction is a progressive, degenerative disease that affects the brain and, eventually, all aspects of a person’s life, from mental abilities, emotions and moods, to behaviour and physical abilities.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to know that there is...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 24, 2005, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that the Legislative Assembly recommends to the Commissioner that the Honourable Justice John. Z. Vertes be appointed chairperson, and Mr. Eddie Erasmus and Mr. Rod O’Brien be appointed members, of the Northwest Territories Electoral Boundaries Commission, 2005. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does it concern the Minister, at all, that in the proposed 2006 assessments that the WCB is proposing, that mining operations will decrease by 20 percent, and virtually every other sector of the economy will see an increase to their 2006 assessment rates? Does the Minister have any issue with that? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board. Mr. Speaker, a few days ago, the Premier stood up here in the House and listed up a bunch of folks that the Workers' Compensation Board had consulted with, prior to building a new building. I was surprised to hear that Regular Members of this House were not a part of that list, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board why there was no notice given to Regular Members that the WCB was proceeding with this new initiative. Thank...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The dementia centre is a much needed facility not only for the people with these diseases, but for the caregivers who, over time, can face burnout from the constant care and vigilance that is often required. I would like to thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your time today.

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