Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say a few words on behalf of the Gwich’in and Inuvialuit support of the draft Devolution Final Agreement. The Gwich’in and Inuvialuit people have called the land in the Northwest Territories home. As a Gwich’in participant, I am proud to stand in this Legislature and say that the Gwich’in and Inuvialuit have a long history of living on the land. It is this history that proves that the Gwich’in and Inuvialuit have a rightful seat at the table when it comes time to decide how the Northwest Territories lands are used.

The Gwich’in did the right thing when...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I heard the Premier when he first began saying the past government was facing a little financial difficulty, like most of the country. In the small communities, not much has changed since then.

When will the communities see more programs being offered, and will this government continue that $5 million in this government?

The public probably does not understand how spending recommendations made by the Rural and Remote Communities would be handled by the government. Will the Premier describe the process for us?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Despite all that is said about small communities in this House, I doubt most residents understand the situation across our territory. When I see our budget, sometimes I wonder if our government really wants to improve the situation.

Here are a few key facts: Eight communities have no nurses; ten communities have no police; many communities lack high school education; we have employment rates as low as 34 percent in our small communities, compared to 80 percent here in Yellowknife; 38 percent of homes are in core need, comparable to 9 percent here in Yellowknife. I could...

What are the government’s key priorities for improving services and infrastructure in rural and remote communities?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned, my questions will be directed to the Premier. During the last Assembly, $5 million was allocated over two years specifically to meet crucial needs of small communities. Why is that not continued under this government? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I’d just like to ask whichever Minister decides to answer. This year it will be sort of a pilot project on this service. If this doesn’t play out as the plan goes, next year will the department look at bringing the Merv Hardie down to Tsiigehtchic? Thank you.

I’d just like to make a comment. I’m really looking forward to this fall to see how this project goes. I know the people in the Mackenzie Delta and the Beaufort-Delta will be very happy and encouraged by this. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have spoken before about the difficulties families in Tsiigehtchic face in finding good homes for their children when they have to complete high school in Inuvik. The local district education authority has a potential solution for the problem. It plans to bus students in grades 10 and 12 to Fort McPherson each day. Busing would not be first on all students who cannot complete high school studies in Tsiigehtchic. It will be an option for those who find Fort McPherson a more appropriate choice. It is difficult for high school students to leave home, and busing would...

Will the Minister ensure that funding is provided to the Beaufort-Delta Education Council to pilot the busing project between Tsiigehtchic and Fort McPherson starting in the fall? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.