Frieda Martselos

Madam Chair, some of the comments that were just made are enlightening. One hundred percent for projects, it's possible. Us underestimating the Indigenous peoples is not okay because I know that you've got to engage the Indigenous people. There are people that the claims have been settled, and they are, in part, in that partnership. No matter which project it would be, I firmly believe that Indigenous people have come a long way. If you want to do amazing things, you can do amazing things. It was very positive, what the Minister had just said, Madam Chair. I never give up. As a leader, you...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is my home. I was born here. I am Dene. I lived, worked, and invested in the NWT all of my life. Since the start of this 19th Legislative Assembly, I have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to deliver my response to the Commissioner's opening address, which was delivered by Commissioner Margaret Thom on February 5, 2020.

What the Commissioner outlined was a mandate of the 19th Assembly. While I may not agree with all of the priorities that were listed, there are a number of them that I do support. In addition, I will outline my priorities that I would like to see...

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, the town of Fort Smith is saddened by the passing of Mrs. Betty Mason. Betty was well known for the years she worked at the town hall, including when my husband Peter was mayor. Betty was a huge presence in the community, and, after retiring from the town office, she worked at Kaeser's Stores, where everyone was greeted with a smile and a laugh. Betty was well known for her great sense of humour, and everyone was a target of teasing, no matter who you were.

Betty was loved by all and will be sadly missed by her St. John's Anglican Church family and the town of Fort Smith. I...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I know this is part of our mandate that we set out together, all of us. I am very much about the economy. We have to set the stage to ensure that we are still open for business. I am very strong about the economy, always was, ever since I have been here. Even before, in my previous leadership, everything was around business and the economy, even in what I have done in my previous leadership, setting up the First Nation to ensure that when I leave they are set up for life.

I think it's extremely important that a strong economy is best for all the people of the Northwest...

Madam Chair, I am not really clear on the answer. When a natural disaster happens, where a place is actually destroyed, and it involves a senior, and the senior has to go into other housing, which happened, do they still have to go through a means test?

Thank you, Madam Chair. On page 374, securing assistance for emergencies, you have $1.5 million. Could you explain that program, please?

Would the Minister consider that the commander of "G" Division, or his or her designate, meet with the two schools in Fort Smith to address the dangers of illegal drugs and the consequences of getting involved in the drug trade and the use of these substances?

Mr. Speaker, my first question for the Minister of Justice is: partnerships and relationships with the RCMP are important in small communities and regional centres. I am proud to say that I have a positive relationship with the commander of "G" Division and the local members of the RCMP at our local detachment. Enforcement in the drug trade is also important. Would the Minister relay the message to the commander of "G" Division of the concerns of the community of Fort Smith and the constituents of Thebacha?

Madam Chair, I have been back and forth with this whole natural disaster issue since I first got elected, and I still do not have an answer. I am just wondering which line that would come under in the housing budget. That's all; I want clarification.

Madam Chair, I am asking, when a natural disaster happens, and the house is completely destroyed, because we did have a tornado in Fort Smith, and if we have a senior who is involved and has ownership of that house, and it's completely destroyed, if they are moved into a smaller unit, do they still have to have that means test and pay the full amount?