Jackson Lafferty

Mr. Speaker, we can certainly work with the one who is based out of Inuvik, who specializes in delivering the DARE program in the communities. If we can do up a schedule rotation through the communities of Sachs, Paulatuk, Ulukhaktok and Tuk, I’m sure it could be pursued, depending on their rotation schedule and their line of work.

Certainly, that message will be passed on through the G Division expeditiously. Mahsi.

Mr. Speaker, the building itself is scheduled to come down in August. As far as I know, it’s not out there yet, but I believe it’s in the process.

There was a request to PWS to have another inspection done on the facility itself, so we’re in the process of pursuing that. We do have some time until then, so we are looking at other options as well. Mahsi.

Mr. Speaker, through PWS and our department it was a contract for the inspection of the building.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. As I said, we do provide financial resources, and we will continue to do so. If we do need to improve in these areas, whether it be the program or services, I will certainly be discussing that with my other two colleagues in housing and also Health and Social Services; and I’ll be working with the Members, of course, on how we can improve in these areas, financially and in resources as well.

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. That was part of the discussion we had with the committee members on the Social Programs Committee. There was some discussion on that particular item. Again, it comes down to an individual’s responsibility. They have kids, and they have kids in sports. If they paid their maintenance enforcement, it wouldn’t be an issue. At the same time, that’s what it comes down to: an individual has the responsibility to resolve this issue. There was some lengthy discussion in this particular area by the committee, and we did recognize it. At the same time, we are moving forward with this.

W...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Certainly, that will be a part of the discussions we’ll be having with our social envelope of the Ministers that we will be gathering this next couple of weeks. That has been part of our discussion when we’re dealing with homelessness, since we’re in a process of opening the new Bailey House. We did meet with the group on the female facility they proposed for years down the road. There have been some discussions in that area. Certainly, that will be one of the discussions we’ll be having as part of the program within our social envelope.

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. Ms. Shaner can elaborate after I make some remarks on that particular area. We have considered that as part of the EI, but what we’re proposing here is, of course, in the best interests of the child. There are individuals out there who may or may not be working, but there are individuals who are paying and some individuals who aren’t paying. This gives the tools to maintenance enforcement officers to go after those individuals who do not pay on a regular basis.

I think the main focus is the needs of those children. That’s one of the reasons we need to go after certain...

[English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, spring is a very exciting time in education. Graduation ceremonies have started and will continue to be taking place at high schools, post-secondary institutions and various technical training programs throughout the Northwest Territories.

These ceremonies acknowledge the hard work and dedication of each individual who has reached his or her goal of completion. Individuals will be acknowledged for excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, leadership and community involvement.

Whether or not they have won tangible awards, each and every...

Yes, Mr. Chair.

The letters have gone out to the Hay River MLA and to the schools. They are made aware that this is a directive that has been proposed. In return they can certainly write to the department — to me — identifying their concerns or issues or providing any feedback. which will certainly be taken into consideration. We’re expecting some response from the community members.