Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been five days now since the trapping season opened up on the Mackenzie Delta. Many trappers are being challenged right now with the price of gas. We are paying anywhere from $1.79 to $2.00 per litre. Many trappers need at least $400 to $800 just to get started, even more, depending on the distance you travel.

I would like to ask the Minister of ITI, are there plans to increase the Harvesters Assistance Program? Thank you.

The pot of funding the Minister is talking about has a limit of $500 and it limits whether you can buy gas or groceries. A lot of trappers need the essentials like gas and groceries and skidoo parts.

I would like to ask the Minister, when is the department going to review that and increase that funding? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Back in 2012 there was a number of concerns for the need of medical escorts for the elderly. Over the past year the department has improved the delivery of medical escorts and I would like to commend the department and their delivery and support for those in need. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

One thing I didn’t mention was in the community, for example, of Fort McPherson, we have between 50 and 60 applicants that apply for this funding, which is roughly $12,500 for the CHAP that the Minister is referring to.

Will the Minister work with those communities with high demand to work out something for next season? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

That sounds good. I’d like to ask the Minister, how is the department working with the communities who have taken on biomass to expand?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you can tell, we have a theme day here on energy. I’d just like to speak to my riding.

Fort McPherson has been one of the leaders in our region in biomass as the band office is connected to one system. Also, as we move forward, the community will soon have a new elders facility which will have a solar panel system set up. Also, many of my constituents have woodstoves installed in their home. This not only cuts the cost of fuel used but during the winter months a woodstove can be a lifesaver when the power goes out.

As we move forward, we need to look at ways to make...

Aside from one of the diamond mines, we don’t really have any wind turbines within the Northwest Territories except for a miniature one that’s always been up in Inuvik.

I’d like to ask the Minister, when does the Minister estimate the first wind turbine to be operating in the Northwest Territories communities?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In follow-up to my Member’s statement, I’d like to ask the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources a few questions.

Over the last few years, his department has worked with the Arctic Energy Alliance to install woodstoves in the communities. Moving forward, will that continue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I too, unfortunately, can’t support this motion. I see the benefits, actually, of direct appointing people and also double filling positions to job shadow, if you will. I saw it here this week. It’s a good opportunity for someone moving into a position and also sharing the knowledge that experienced people have in that position and transferring that knowledge on. It only benefits someone new to a position. I’ve seen it over the last number of years.

Also, on the other hand, when the government is in the position to direct appoint someone with years of experience that they...

I’d like to ask the Premier, if the deadline is extended, will the Minister commit to helping NWT residents maneuver through this application process? For example, with the communities that have government service officers.