Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just briefly, I know a lot of good work has gone through the mandate, but I feel that we need to insert this section in here, because in the past we have developed some strategies to increase the employment in our small communities. In our last term it's actually gone up, I believe two per cent in my riding, which is great, but we need to aim higher, and I believe that inserting this, we will develop and implement the strategy to increase employment in our small communities as much needed. That's why I'm moving this forward. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, February 25, 2016 I will move that Bill 1, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act be read for the first time.

That answered a part of my next question, but I'll ask this anyway. Has the Minister worked with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to identify training opportunities in connection with the new Geomatics Centre and the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions will be for the Minister of Finance. My first question is: can the Minister provide a brief update on the status of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Link? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question has been called. I will now call upon Mr. Simpson if he wishes to conclude the debate on the motion.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie Delta will be the high-tech hub of the Northwest Territories. Due to its northern location and the frequent passes of satellites, Inuvik is an ideal location for technology infrastructure. Since 2010 it has been home to the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility. With the completion of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Link, the Delta will be more connected to business than ever. The Government of the Northwest Territories has committed millions of dollars to the fibre optic line and the new Western Arctic Centre for Geomatics in Inuvik. But where...

Thank you, Ms. Green. To the motion. Mr. McLeod, our honourable Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Testart. To the motion. Mr. Simpson.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried. Thank you, committee.

---Carried

We will now continue to consider the details for the section, “Economy, Environment, and Climate Change.”

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a follow up to my Member's statement. I have questions for the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation. I'd like to ask the Minister: how was the location for this new facility in Fort McPherson selected and was the community involved?