Glen Abernethy

I must say, I really, really, really like the answer yes. Leaks are becoming more regular. When can we expect this public awareness campaign package to be available for distribution to the public, taking advantage of the fact that leaks are occurring more and more often?

If you must go to a single-walled tank, please consider going to one made of a higher grade metal. If you have the resources, consider going to a pellet boiler and avoid the possibility of oil leaks on your property altogether.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will have some questions for the Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources, where I’ll be seeking his commitment to prepare and release a public awareness campaign warning homeowners of the risks and potential ramifications of home heating fuel leaks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to present a petition dealing with the matter of privatization or merger of the NWT Power Corporation.

Mr. Speaker, the petition contains 988 signatures of Northwest Territories residents and, Mr. Speaker, the petition requests that the Members of the Legislative Assembly vote against any proposal that contains privatization or merger of public utilities or services, closure of any public utility facilities or reduction in any service levels of any kind to NWT residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources and are in follow up to my statement from earlier today.

Mr. Speaker, home fuel tanks are leaking more and more often and homeowners are increasingly on the hook. I believe this government has a responsibility to inform homeowners and businesses of the increasing number of leaks and the potential financial ramifications. Would the Minister commit to having his department develop a public awareness campaign outlining this issue and encourage homeowners to protect themselves and their...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk a little bit about a disturbing trend that has potential to be extremely damaging to the residents of the Northwest Territories. That trend is an increasing number of home heating oil spills.

Legislation in the NWT requires all homeowners who experience home heating fuel spills to report it to ENR. In 2007, there were 20 home fuel spills reported to ENR. In 2008, there were 32 home fuel spills reported to ENR. Already in 2009, there have been 43 home fuel spills reported to ENR.

These numbers may be lower than the actual as some people may...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks once again to the Minister for that. I was wondering if the Minister could please tell us, when he refers to group, who does he mean, who is in that group, and if he could give us a bit of a timeline as to when we might see some results from that review come forward to this Legislature. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Those are the 2008-2009 numbers, I believe. Are the numbers fairly consistent for the 2009-10 fiscal year and do we have some sort of projections on where enrolments are going to be going over the next, say, four or five years? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, this will require individuals to ask hard and, occasionally, controversial questions. For the sake of the children and their quality of education, I’m willing to ask these hard questions so that the relevant information can be collected and help decision-makers make informed and responsible decisions. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to encourage this government to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment:

What were the total expenditures for the YK1 School Board during the 2008-09 fiscal year? Specifically, what were the total costs per school and the total costs for board operations?

What were the total expenditures for the Yellowknife Catholic School Board during the 2008-09 fiscal year? Specifically, what were the total costs per school and the total costs for board operations?

What were the total expenditures for the Commission Scolaire francophone school board during the 2008-09 fiscal year?...

Thanks to the Minister for that response. The Minister made reference to a 10-year plan. I’m wondering if the Minister could go into a bit more detail about what the intent of that review and that plan is for us.