Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Aklavik, the Aklavik Community Corporation, the Aklavik Indian Band, and the Ehdiitat Gwich'in Council recently came together to discuss a subject of great significance to the community and its residents.

I refer to the planned replacement of Moose Kerr School, a building first constructed almost 50 years ago. This replacement was something highly anticipated by the community of Aklavik. As I have said in the past, it is not just a school; the building is used year-round for community and sporting events, for celebrations, for public talks, and...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, like many First Nations throughout the Northwest Territories, the Gwich'in people have relied on the Porcupine caribou herd, along with other herds throughout the territory. Mr. Speaker, all Dene in the NWT are also part of the Porcupine caribou management agreement. Even though the Porcupine caribou herd is one of the healthiest herds in Canada and in the United States, as well, you know that future drilling, if allowed in 1002 lands is what this motion is speaking to.

It can have huge impacts on the Porcupine caribou herd. We see it throughout all the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is good news, but, you know, the Minister states that they are putting a lot of employment into the communities, but just to set the record straight, one building stick-built homes we have in the neighbourhood of five to six people working on one unit, whereas putting these modular homes into our communities, seeing first-hand when they brought the ones to Tsiigehtchic, we had probably two people who worked for one day to bring these units up the hill. Mr. Speaker, you do the math. The Minister may have a little trouble with this, but, you know, five...

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister describe the comparison in costs and anticipated lifespan for modular units versus stick-built homes?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the life of this Assembly, the NWT Housing Corporation has brought a number of modular units into our small communities in an effort to tackle public housing infrastructure needs. So far in my riding, Aklavik has received two units, and Tsiigehtchic has received one. NWT communities can anticipate additional units in the future. There is no doubt that adequate, affordable housing is a major need in the Northwest Territories, from the small communities to the regional centres and Yellowknife. The Housing Corporation's strategy is one of cost savings, moving away from...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to acknowledge Mr. Schauerte's work here in the Legislative Assembly. I have been here for six years. I see the passion that he has in committee work. Sometimes we are in our committees from 7:30 in the morning through lunch hour, and Mr. Schauerte is steering us in the right direction, making sure that we follow the rules, not only in committees, but here in the House. I would just like to thank him for that. I know speed walking has not been around for many years. I am not sure if Mr. Schauerte invented it.

---Laughter

He is always on...

WHEREAS the Porcupine caribou herd has sustained Gwich'in people for thousands of years;

AND WHEREAS part of the critical calving habitat for the Porcupine caribou is located within the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge that does not have permanent protection;

AND WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories has actively supported previous efforts towards permanent protection of the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge;

AND WHEREAS the current United States Federal Government is making public statements about lifting the protection for the Porcupine caribou Heritage herd through the Alaska...

Mr. Speaker, increasing employment in our small communities is a priority for this government. It is a big item in our mandate, and the Housing Corporation has a role to play. How is the corporation planning its delivery of programs and services to create jobs and opportunities for residents, for instance in construction and maintenance?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in follow-up to my Member's statement, I have a few questions for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister provide a status update on the construction and delivery of modular units throughout the Northwest Territories communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think there is a little communication gap between what the Minister is saying and the LHOs, because, according to the LHOs that I have been speaking to, they are sort of directed through their budgeting that they cannot take leave with pay. I would just like to ensure that, if the Minister is correct, that she relays that information to myself so that I could pass than on to my LHOs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.