Frederick Blake Jr.

Start under disaster compensation. I see there is only $15,000 there. As you may know, in previous years, especially in Fort McPherson and sometimes Aklavik, we have a lot of flooding in these areas, a lot of camps that are usually under water. This spring I have seen a couple of houses floating there. It is at the same water level as DOT stores its ferries. It is within reason. Just offhand, would the deputy minister know how many claims we have had in that area? Thank you.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Usually on these boards, we always have one designate for GNWT or all the signatories of the herds there. I just want to ensure that our member is communicating well with ENR or the department because, for example, I've noticed that PCMB… I sat on the board when the management plan was developed. It showed that the population is 198,000 which is getting to the point of overpopulation. We have to ensure that our member is aware of this and that brings this up its board meetings. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today my statement is on the need for a cultural area at Moose Kerr School. Mr. Speaker, during my last visit to Aklavik, the school mentioned that they would like to have two buildings removed from the premises of Moose Kerr School's area. One building was built in the 1960s, and the other in the 1970s, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, once these buildings are removed, the school would like to set up a cultural area where students can take part in cultural activities, both in Inuvialuit, Gwich'in classes and other areas that relate to this. Mr. Speaker, this is a...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. According to one of my colleagues, in Fort Providence they have year-round schooling. It's just what I've been told, but it doesn't seem to be an issue there, but maybe you could give me a little more details on that. Thanks.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Minister mentioned graduation rates. You know, during my last visit to Aklavik the principal wanted to know if the department would be open to changing the actual months of the year. As you know, springtime, a lot of people like to get out on the land hunting, trapping. One thing she noticed as well is a lot of students actually miss a lot of school because of hunting and being out. I know in some communities, I believe Sachs Harbour, they start school in August and they finish school in May. She wanted to know if that would be possible, if the Community of Aklavik...

Mr. Speaker, many times when we speak about any buildings on the premises in the area of the school, it's a shared interest, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, these buildings are a combination of both education and public works. I'd like to ask the Minister: will the Minister work with the Minister of Public Works as they have a shared interest in these two buildings?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to welcome Wade Vaneltsi also my cousin from Fort McPherson. Also I'd like to recognize Jordan Peterson and also everybody from Dechinta who just spent two months in the bush, Mr. Speaker. It's good to see. Mahsi cho.

Thank you. Well, it's just something the principal noticed. You know, she felt it would benefit those that are in senior high to be given that opportunity. Just to be clear, the Minister did say it can't be done because of the NWTTA guidelines and labour standards? Thanks.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, these buildings were built in the ‘60s and ‘70s, well before DEAs were established, Mr. Speaker, so I don't think it would be proper that the DEA was to have to pay for this. Will the Minister reassure me that the department will pick up the cost for the removal of these two buildings?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, followup to my Member's statement, I have a few questions for the Minister of Education. I would like to ask the Minister: will the Minister be in support of removing the two buildings for a cultural area in Aklavik? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.