Frederick Blake Jr.

I’d also like to ask the Minister if there are plans – it’s along the same lines – I know a lot of trappers have noticed that there are a lot of otters which is somewhat of a new species in the Mackenzie Delta. A lot of people would like to see more trapping workshops that show trappers how to handle the species of the otter.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I’d like to recognize a former Member for Mackenzie Delta, David Krutko. Welcome.

No further questions.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have a few comments on the CARE program. I see it’s mostly geared towards low-income homeowners. Up in the riding of the Mackenzie Delta, I mentioned earlier today we have many people, especially in the community of Aklavik – which is isolated a good portion of the year – that pay almost double the prices of food and gas compared to other areas of the territory. We have a number of people in the community who would like to access funding, whether it’s for replacing a roof or doing major repairs to their homes. They aren’t eligible for the funding that’s available...

Madam Speaker, $10,000 is a small price to pay for emergency services in the Mackenzie Delta. Will the department confirm today that they will continue paying that $10,000 for the safety of our residents? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a couple of questions for the Minister of Transportation.

As I mentioned earlier in the session here, many people in the Mackenzie Delta depend on the Rat Pass channel. We have many elders in the Mackenzie Delta who live in their bush camps year round. Some of them are in their 70s and 80s and they depend on the Rat Pass receiver to communicate with their loved ones in the communities. I’d like to ask the Minister of Transportation, will the Department of Transportation continue paying the $10,000 for maintaining the receiver on the Rat Pass channel. Thank you.

When the Housing Corporation does repairs for public housing in small communities, could arrangements be made for its crew to assist private homeowners? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In follow up to my Member’s statement, I have questions for the Minister of Housing.

Will the Minister make changes to the CARE program right away so that the northern communities can take advantage of this this summer? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you to the Minister for that. No further questions at this time. Thank you.

We’re running out of time here. NorthwesTel needs to have an answer right away. Also, we have many people, contractors who maintain the highways who depend on the Rat Pass channel as well. My next question is: What is the alternative the department is planning to replace the Rat Pass channel with? Thank you.