Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Vanthuyne. Next, we have Mr. Testart.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I know it came up in the communities, and it was made quite clear to us that we couldn't go back years, say a couple of years back, if somebody got charged for possession while driving or something. It made it quite clear that this starts from July 1st onwards, so I'm going to make that clear. I don't see why everybody can't support this one. As I mentioned, it came up in the communities. It wasn't quite clear how we will move forward, so I guess some work needs to be done with the federal government on how they're going to move forward on this. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just one thing I forgot to mention: it was really surprising that the RCMP didn't really know their role in all of this. It is really surprising. They should have been one of the first ones to know what their role is in all of this.

The other thing was: communities, especially Tsiigehtchic, one of the communities I represent, they were really concerned that more onus is going to be put on the bylaw to enforce a lot of these bylaws or rules that are set aside for the communities, like smoking in public places. The bylaws will most likely be the ones having to police this...

Thank you, Mr. McNeely. Next on the list, we have Mr. Simpson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the winter, there were a number of people that I spoke to who were thinking of actually going out this summer on their own to pick mushrooms, but the process needs to be explained: how to dry them, how to clean them, and all that. Will the department ensure that someone is there to pick them up, just to make sure that everything is done properly, and maybe a little short course here in the first part of June once the ferry is open? Mr. Speaker, will the department ensure that that is done? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am glad the Minister mentioned the fire smarting. That leads me to my next question: can the Minister commit to fire smarting communities in the Mackenzie Delta this year so that the communities can use their capital funds for other critical infrastructure needs?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as summer approaches, concerns over this year's fire season start to emerge. We are already seeing conditions getting dry, so the chances of having a busy fire season are higher. Last year, Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic experienced a few local fires, but luckily, the wind pushed them away from the communities. Mr. Speaker, my constituents are concerned about the current status of firebreaks in their communities. Over the last few years, we have observed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources put the onus of fire smarting on communities. This...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will start on Highway No. 8 here. I see carry-over of $1.4 million. Is this work going to continue this summer? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

A little too much information there, but thanks to the Minister. Just under the Shell Lake Complex replacement, I just wonder which building is this. I actually brought this up a couple of years back. The reason being is: when I was an RRO1 a number of years back, seeing the shape of the building the Renewable Resources officers were working out of, Mr. Chair, this building was built probably 50-some-odd years ago. I am just curious to know what building this is. Is this their office building or storage? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, May 31, 2018, I will move the following motion: now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife North, that the following persons be recommended to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories for their reappointment to the Northwest Territories Honours Advisory Council, effective immediately for a term of three years:

Ms. Sabrina Broadhead of Hay River;

Mr. Danny Gaudet of Deline; and

Ms. Anne Peters of Yellowknife.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.