Frederick Blake Jr.

Mr. Speaker, you know the department is doing a great job. I see a lot of resurfacing on the Dempster Highway over the last couple of weeks here. You know, I’d just like to ask the Minister, will the Minister ensure that the calcium is laid down by the end of session here?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I travelled back home this past week and drove back home, I couldn’t help but notice, you know, the amount of dust on our Dempster Highway. Mr. Speaker, usually about this time the department starts preparing to put down calcium on the roads and you know have dust control, Mr. Speaker. Many times it gets very dangerous on the highway especially when you’re passing tractor trailers or equipment like this. Mr. Speaker, I’d just like to ask the Minister of Transportation, when will the crews start putting calcium down on the Dempster Highway? Thank you, Mr...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The mandate for the Skills Canada National Competition is to encourage and support a coordinated Canadian approach to promoting skilled trades and technologies to youth. This is the only national multitrade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. Every year, more than 500 young people from all regions of Canada come together at nationals to participate in over 40 skilled trade and technology competitions. Students must compete at our local, regional, and territorial events to gain their place, to represent the Northwest Territories at the...

Mr. Speaker, you know, it always seems to be cost is always an issue when it comes to whether it’s providing services for elders or people in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, we need to make sure our elders are cared for. You know, cost is no issue. With all the funding we do get here in the Northwest Territories we have to ensure that we are taking care of our elders in our communities, that’s the bottom line, Mr. Speaker, and we need to make sure that our policies make sure that that happens. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, as many of my colleagues have mentioned that aging in place is something that everyone in our communities would like to see. You know, our elders do not want to leave the communities they lived in all their lives, but yet we have some elders that are being asked to contribute up to 25 per cent of the actual costs of renovations to their home, for example. Will the Minister look at ways to either eliminate this or put it to five per cent? You know it’s very difficult for elders to save money with the high cost of living that we have in our small communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize an advocate for NWT seniors, Ms. Ann Firth-Jones from Hay River, originally from Fort McPherson. Also, Florence Barnaby and also Wade Blake who I’m convinced is my long-lost relative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the 2016 Relay for Life kicked off in the Northwest Territories last Friday, June 10th. What is Relay for Life? Whether you are cheering on survivors, walking the track, passing the baton to your teammates, or joining in the exciting activities, Relay for Life is more than just a cancer walk, Mr. Speaker. It’s a journey. Relay for Life is supporting everyone in your life who has been affected by cancer. Mr. Speaker, I’m very proud to announce that one of my communities in the Mackenzie Delta riding, Fort McPherson participated in this very important event...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s good to know what the department has, but I’m talking about the homeowners, Mr. Speaker. Many of my elders that have their own homes, when they need renovations they’re either asked to contribute up to 25 per cent, you know, there’s challenges. I know we have the GSOs in the communities to help them, and also other areas to help the elders, but it’s a real challenge for an elder to come up with, whether it’s $10,000, $20,000, Mr. Speaker. That’s what I’m talking about here. We need to look at this policy and possibly revise it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a few questions for the Minister of the Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, earlier today we had a briefing and the needs in the Beaufort Delta will triple over the next ten years, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask: will the Minister work with the Minister of Health and Social Services to identify the needs to each community in the Beaufort Delta so we can begin planning? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, colleagues. And especially for inspiring our small communities to participate. Mr. Speaker, our community of Fort McPherson raised a total of $11,649.95. Thank you. Please join me in congratulating the community of Fort McPherson on a job well done. Mahsi cho.