Jackson Lafferty

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to talk about the transfers of some positions to the Tlicho region. I’m not sure when this will happen. I’m talking about the staff housing. We’re still not sure about what’s happening with that so I’d like to ask the Premier a question. (Translation ends)

I raised an issue on the North Slave staff being transferred to Behchoko, the soon-to-be headquarters for the Tlicho region. Mr. Speaker, today I’d like to focus on a staff housing initiative that the Executive department is currently undertaking. The question is to the...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the Tlicho Government and the community government decided to pitch in and invest in this important project. After numerous calls, e-mails and making errands across the hallway, both parties agreed to proceed with the project. The end result: a true partnership and driven initiative. All parties contributed. The high school in Gameti will finally become a reality.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, to conclude, I would like to thank the Cabinet Members, my fellow colleagues around the table here for their generous support….

---Applause

…and...

Mahsi, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the Liquor Act. I move that clause 124 of Bill 15 be deleted and the following substituted:

124.(1)

Every person who contravenes section 74 is guilty of an offence and liable for summary conviction

(a) if an individual,

(i) for the first offence, to a fine not less than $500 and not exceeding $25,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both, and

(ii) for each subsequent offence, to a fine not less than $1,000 and not exceeding $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both; and

(b) if a corporation,

(i) for the...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, on the office space and also the accommodation for the staff that would be transferred to the community, I’m sure they will be needing some accommodations instead of commuting back and forth. As my colleague highlighted, the road is in bad shape so I don’t think they will be commuting back and forth. Mr. Speaker, my final question to the Premier is, when could you provide that information to myself so I can sit down with my chiefs and move forward with this? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my next question was to get into detailed questions, but I can probably wait. The next question I have is the Tlicho Government continues in effect as in all two years ago. It is imperative that the GNWT respects the self-governance of the Tlicho people. How soon can we anticipate the building of this staff housing? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on June 26, 2007, the Tlicho Community Services Agency was once again recognized for their innovative management, this time internationally. They were recognized by the 7th Global Forum in Vienna, Austria. Mr. Speaker, we were honoured and privileged to have attended the celebration in Austria. Members who joined the journey were myself; Mr. Charles Dent from ECE; Alphonse Nitsiza, the chair of the Tlicho Community Services Agency; Joseph Mackenzie, vice-chair; and Anna Beals, the director of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, I would like to...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I will make a statement regarding working together within the government. Today is a celebration that our government in our territory, the Tlicho Government, and the territorial government and the agency is celebrating today. (Translation ends)

…territorial government, Tlicho Government and the Tlicho Community Services Agency. We are working as a remarkable accomplishment building upon our positive working relations during this last leg of our session.

Mr. Speaker, first let me highlight how we got here. A skidoo journey...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am just curious to know when this intermediate construction will take place in Behchoko. The elders are waiting anxiously. There are places of residence that have mould and whatnot. So when is that going to occur? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell us whether the plan is still to replace the facility in five years? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to speak on something very important. It is a seniors’ home. I want to say a few words regarding that. I had mentioned this issue many times in the past. We are talking about the old folks' home in Behchoko. It’s been in existence for over 20 years and we want that facility to be replaced. So I will question the Minister regarding this later. I have mentioned this concern many times. Many past leaders have mentioned this before. So today I want to ask that same question again. (Translation ends)

…on the most important...