Mr. Speaker, during the February-March 2009 session of this Legislative Assembly, I put forward a motion asking Cabinet to defer the implementation of the changes they are proposing to the supplemental health benefits currently being offered by this government. The motion passed with all 11 Regular Members supporting the motion and Cabinet abstaining.

After the motion passed, the Minister of Health and Social Services indicated that the government would not be moving forward with their implementation. Rather, in Committee of the Whole on February 10, 2009, according to the unedited Hansard of...

I think it’s fair to reference the 107 days. It has been four months since the motion passed and nothing has been brought to committee. I think it’s very important that it does come to committee because, as the Minister said, she wanted to get input from the standing committee. I’m happy to hear that a letter has been sent, but still it sounds like the Minister is moving ahead with some of these things and no information has been shared and no input has been gathered. So before the Minister moves forward with these committees and whatnot that she’s making reference to, will she commit to...

Regardless of the direction this government is taking, the people of the NWT deserve to know what that direction will be. The Minister must live up to her commitment to provide a framework. The Minister must remove the uncertainty that the people are currently experiencing. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister of Health and Social Services questions on this topic. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that consideration of Tabled Document 25-16(3), Supplementary Appropriation No. 1 (Infrastructure Expenditures) 2009-2010 now be concluded and that Tabled Document 25-16(3) be reported and recommended as ready for further consideration in a formal session through the form of an appropriation bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I’d like to thank the Minister for that. I think it’s a great program. I’m really happy to hear that they’re looking to going mandatory. I’ve done some research on this as well, and everything that I’ve seen has suggested that mandatory will save us a lot of money. To the Minister, how long do you think it will be until we can make some sort of decision as to whether or not we are going to make this mandatory for the sake of the children?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to highlight the contributions of the John Howard Society to the criminal justice system in the Northwest Territories. Incorporated in 1992 as a member of the John Howard Society of Canada, the John Howard Society based in Yellowknife is a volunteer organization that promotes just, effective, and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime.

Volunteers at the John Howard Society take an active role in community justice initiatives by offering three core programs. Fine options and community services give youth and adults the options of settling...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that we report progress.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Committee wishes to proceed with Tabled Document 25-16(3), Supplementary Appropriation No. 1 (Infrastructure Expenditures) 2009-2010, and then Bills 5 and 9, if there’s time, in that order. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Justice in response to his Minister’s statement on improving family law services. I’m quite pleased to hear the announcement that they’re going to be moving or setting up a new mediation project with a roster of five mediators. I know that a number of Members in this House, both in the House and in the back hall, have been encouraging the department to go in this direction of setting up a mediation process.

My first question is just a question for clarity to the Minister responsible. Is this mediation going to be mandatory or is...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since 1976, the Sport North Federation has been actively promoting the development of amateur sport in the Northwest Territories. Their vision is to become the recognized leader in sport development and ensure that opportunities in sports are accessible to all residents in the Northwest Territories. Today’s Sport North is a federation of 27 territorial sports organizations. Its three partner organizations, the Aboriginal Sport Circle of the Western Arctic, NWT Recreation and Parks and Special Olympics NWT are recognized leaders in the promotion of sports and active...