Statements in Debates
Masi, Madam Speaker. [Translation] I have talked about regarding the interpreters. In the Northwest Territories, there are less than 10 interpreters in the Northwest Territories. Some of them are ready for retirement. Some of them will be retiring pretty soon. I would like to ask a question to the Minister of culture regarding the interpreters. The courthouse, medical interpreters, they all need interpreters, so I have a question for the Minister. [Translation ends]. My question is for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Madam Speaker, could the Minister of Education, Culture...
Masi, Mr. Chair. I feel it's important I speak my language, in summary, because this is a very delicate, sensitive matter in my region. [English translation not available.] Mr. Chair, towards this motion that I have submitted. I have been listening to the Members across the floor and here, as well, Regular Members, and different analogies have been read out. I like taking notes from Members when they speak so I can use their words, as well; similar to the Premier. Either we fight the fire or create a secretariat in the North. We must listen to the people. We only have limited resources. We are...
Masi, Madam Chair. Since there was a big shift from mini-hydro to transmission line, one would assume that the community of Whati has been actively engaged. If so, I'd like to get more detailed information, probably from the Minister, not right now but later on. What kind of engagement have taken place from mini-Hydro until today? Just a comment to the Minister if she can follow up on that? Masi.
Masi, Madam Chair. This particular one used to be mini-hydro; now, it's a transmission line. The Minister talked about partnership with the Tlicho Government. I know there has been a lot of discussion over the years. We're still talking about it. A lot of elders have passed on. They have always stated that they can't even have dried fish hanging up outside because of the heavy black smoke out of the diesel generators in the community. This Whati transmission line, are we heavily dependent on a federal contribution, as well, or is this directly between the GNWT and the Tlicho Government? Masi.
Masi, Mr. Speaker. My final question is: this area has been addressed to my attention almost on a constant basis as so many travellers from my community of Behchoko, when the winter road is open, and from my three outlying communities. Again, I have to emphasize that it's a huge safety factor for my people. The people of Behchoko need to know when 911 emergency cell service will be available on this dangerous, overcrowded highway. They need to know, in an accident, if emergency is on their way immediately. When will this government take action on this very dangerous situation? I want to get...
It has been a few months now, and we are still talking about this cell coverage between the junction and Yellowknife. I have spoken to the Minister, as well, about this particular area. We are investing in our people's lives, and lives matter. On Highway No. 3, we are contemplating identifying the dollars in this area. It needs to be an urgent matter. We need to take actions today. Any day, people could die for lack of cell service between Rae junction and Yellowknife, waiting for life-giving help to arrive. Why hasn't this department or the Minister given this matter priority over the urgent...
Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Mr. Speaker, today, we have Highway No. 3 from Behchoko to Yellowknife, and we also cannot use cell service between these two locations. Sometimes, there's an accident that may happen on the highway. Even though these things are happening, we are losing a lot of people because there is no cell service between these two locations. I will also ask questions when it's time. [Translation ends]
I want to talk about the riskiest highway safety issue in the Northwest Territories. I refer to Highway No. 3, that 100-kilometre stretch from Yellowknife to Behchoko junction...
Masi, Madam Chair. I'm just curious about the time frame. Since we have an all-weather road going through the community now, with this transmission line, obviously, it will be much easier to connect to the community. The submission of a proposal, I am very surprised that it's not in with the federal government yet. Like I said, we've been talking about this since mini-hydro, and now the transmission line. Once the submission is initiated, what will be the time frame? If all goes well with the federal government, shovelling the dirt, I'm just curious on the time frame itself, Madam Chair. Masi.
Masi, Madam Chair. [Translation] When we say infrastructure, we are talking about things that are going to be built in our community. This is the item that we are on. I have one item. We've been talking about Whati, and also the elders have been mentioning this over the years. They have been talking about having hydro to their community. When did they have a change of decision? I want to know what the department is doing on this topic, regarding electricity to Whati. [End of translation]
At times, we wait on whether it be the federal government or a company such as Northwestel. Sometimes, there is procrastination or dragging their heels. Sometimes, it takes time. If Northwestel can't justify the cost, then what is the territorial government, our government, doing to make it worth the company's while to initiate this action that is badly needed, the cell service between Rae junction and Yellowknife, for the safety of those Highway No. 3 commuters and travellers?