Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to provide opening comments for Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act. Madam Chair, Bill 3 authorizes the Speaker, on the recommendation of the Board of Management, to designate a chairperson and deputy chairperson of the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. In certain circumstances, the commission may designate an acting chairperson.

Madam Chair, the Human Rights Act is administered jointly by the Speaker, the Legislative Assembly and the Minister of Justice. The Speaker’s role in administering the act is limited to the administration of...

Will the Minister assure the community of Tsiigehtchic that this position will be in place within the next year? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, as the facility in Inuvik does not have adequate space, what is your backup plan? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services what is your long-term plan for the elders in the Mackenzie Delta for long term-care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just recently we added two facilities for elders in the Northwest Territories. I’d like to ask the Minister, can the Mackenzie Delta be next in line for an elders facility. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe that the care of the elders is with the Department of Health and Social Services. I believe that we are delegating that responsibility over to Housing. Does the department plan to take that portfolio back and look after elders in the Mackenzie Delta? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, Premier McLeod, Cabinet and MLAs. As we come to the close of our spring session, I would like to wish you all a happy and safe summer.

Elections are taking place for the Gwich’in Tribal Council. Good luck to all the candidates. I look forward to a positive working relationship with the leadership. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Madam Chair. One thing I’m looking forward to here is to finally complete the Deh Cho Bridge. I think we could achieve that this year if we stay on target. Also be in a position to start tackling our priorities we set here for the 17th Assembly. I am really looking forward to that. Also some other energy initiatives that we’re planning here for the next year.

I just wanted to express that and I look forward to continuing this.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act, be read for the second time.

Bill 3 amends the Human Rights Act to authorize the Speaker, on the recommendation of the Board of Management, to designate the chairperson and deputy chairperson of the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. The commission members may designate an acting chairperson of the commission in certain circumstances.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 2012 graduating class of Moose Kerr School in Aklavik. I wish you all well in the future and I wish I was there to celebrate with you all.

I’d also like to congratulate the teachers and parents on a job well done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.