Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize vice-president Norm Snowshoe, also Jozef Carnogursky, president of the Nihtat Gwich’in Council. Also, former president Willard Hagen and all the other Aboriginal governments here today. Thank you.

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. 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...

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. 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.

It sounds very promising. That sounded like a yes. Was that a yes?

What is the cost of supporting the student who has to be housed and schooled away from home in Inuvik? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.