Jackson Lafferty

Mr. Speaker, once we see the comments and the feedback, then we go back to myself, as the Minister responsible for historical sites and the events that will be before us. Then I’ll certainly review them and get feedback from the committee itself, the ad hoc committee, and just go along with the process and how it’s been done in the past.

This particular hockey that we talked about, the hockey game in the NWT, is one of the events of the Northwest Territories that’s been highlighted here in the House, but at the same time, Mr. Speaker, the federal government does not recognize that particular...

This is a particular area of interest for us. We are open to what the Member can share with us and the public-at-large on how we can improve in our programming. We did commit up to $100,000 last budget to focus on the drug campaign. That’s why we’re driving this awareness in Hay River next month. That’s just one milestone that we’re doing. There are others that the Member is referring to that we can certainly look at. I think the input from the public is greater interest for us, as well, to initiate certain initiatives.

This particular area, whether it be date rape drugs or other drugs, I wouldn’t say most of the communities are aware of it, but some communities are aware. They are somewhat aware of this particular drug that’s out there and other Ecstasy drugs and other hardcore drugs out there. It is a common concern for our Department of Justice, so we continue to work closely with “G” Division. Mr. Speaker, we have a new commanding officer who is very dedicated to community involvement, community initiatives. He’s been in a small community as well, so he’s fully aware of what’s happening in the community...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize two of the hardest-working Pages among the other Pages, as well, from Whati: Janita Bishop and Tracella Romie, and their chaperone Theresa Romie, for coming down here and working for us. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that Bill 10, Exemptions Act, be read for the third time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled GNWT Response to Committee Report 4-16(4): Report on the Review of the 2007-2008 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner.

That is waiting to be seen, based on the comments and input from the general public-at-large. I certainly cannot make the decision on my own without input from the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, we have to keep in mind that the Deline First Nation, there was a study commissioned by them and the study doesn’t provide certainty that Deline is the birthplace of hockey in Canada. It was quoted in there. Mr. Speaker, they realize that Deline should be recognized for their important contribution to the history of hockey in Canada and for the strength of hockey culture in the community. So that...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the Member is correct that there was an advertisement in the newspaper on February 22nd requesting input and feedback from the general public at large. It was a recommendation by an ad hoc evaluation committee that met on February 12th that identified 10 different key sites and events. The Member is referring to the event of the first recorded hockey game in the NWT. Those are the areas that we’ve highlighted in the newspaper and now we’re just waiting for feedback. The deadline for feedback submissions is March 3rd, so it’s just around the corner. Mahsi.

I’m glad the Member is raising that issue about the schools. It is a key factor in the schools. We have workshop facilitators who come out every now and then to highlight the use of drugs and the implications; what to look out for. Even myself as a parent, I have five kids in all schools and we talk to them about the use of drugs, to stay away from certain people, certain resources. I think this is an important factor that we continue to push in the schools, the public awareness. Especially with “G” Division, the committees that we have in place, Justice and so forth.

This is a top priority for...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I am glad the Member is raising this key point of interest. It is important to the Justice department working along with the RCMP “G” Division. We have a Victim Services Program in the communities. That’s just one step, Mr. Speaker. Also we are trying to create some awareness in the communities. We have various websites through Health and Social Services and our Department of Justice linking to various programming that is available throughout the Northwest Territories, but we continue to improve in our program. We have community justice programs, as well, that could be...