Herbert Nakimayak

My second question for the Minister is: what is the department's timeline for developing and implementing this strategy in order for it to be effective in 2017-18?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Small Community Employment Support Program provides wage subsidies to employers in our small communities. Those employers can offer work and on-the-job training to unemployed youth and adults.

That means places like small businesses, schools, local governments, NGOs, and local housing authorities can apply through their local ECE service centre for financial support to train local people in the jobs small communities need.

Last year this program was funded just $339,000; this year, we're seeing a proposed increase of $3 million in the main estimates...

No further questions right now. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I am just looking at bullet number three, highway operations. I see there is an increase. Can the Minister elaborate on that? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, as I have said, the new fiscal year is rapidly approaching. What specific actions will the department take under this program to ensure it is well promoted, fully subscribed, and creating jobs for our small communities for the duration of 2017-18?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke about the Small Community Employment Fund. My questions are for the Minister of ECE. Mr. Speaker, while the program's budget has been increased, it sounds like we are spending money on developing a strategy on how to spend the money. Mr. Speaker, my first question to the Minister is: what specific portion of the program's new budget will be used to develop and implement the small community employment strategy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, my second question is: when will the barging schedule be drafted and shared with the public so the communities and suppliers can start preparing?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for over 80 years the Northern Transportation Company Limited has provided several essential marine transportation services in the Northwest Territories.

Recognized all across our vast region, NTCL has carried much-needed fuel and freight from the shipyard in Hay River to the furthest regions of the North. As a result of changing market conditions, business declined over the last decade and NTCL filed for creditor protection in 2016.

Mr. Speaker, reliable, dependable barging service is our lifeline for the communities in my riding. The barges serve other...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On page 53, on the information on office space to deliver income security programs, in Ulukhaktok there will be a rise, but in Paulatuk in 201718 it shows 14, and on the future lease payments there is nothing on that. Can the department go into detail on that, please? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Getting back to the Small Community Employment Fund, I know some of my colleagues mentioned that, and yourself, as well, pertaining to wage subsidy on employment. Will this qualify for other projects some other departments of the GNWT will be working on in the remote communities? Thank you, Mr. Chair.