Jackson Lafferty

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister outlined the cost. We talk about the elders’ lives here. People who are 80 and 90 years of age cannot be transported to Yellowknife if there is an emergency in the community. He also talked about the backup that is currently installed and it should avoid, he was saying. I don’t see that being a remedy. We can’t say “should." We cannot guarantee that this will assist the elders in the seniors’ home. So, Mr. Speaker, we have witnessed the first snowfall, as you can see. It’s time the government started listening to our elders, our respected elders...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am still not satisfied with the answer I am getting or any answers I am getting from the Minister. This is a real fragile situation we are faced with today. The Minister is stating that this could avoid a power outage or there is a backup system in place, but I highly doubt that. Can the Minister commit to this House that in the future if there are incidents in the community where there is a power outage, there are costs associated, would he cover the cost of transporting individuals or elders to the community of Yellowknife or wherever the place may be...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Literacy Council is an important element in the Northwest Territories and also the smaller communities. I just certainly hope that the Minister will seriously look into this, or his counterparts in the federal government, and lobby the government and hopefully re-establish the funding that has been lost. I just want to make that statement. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is the third time I am standing here speaking on an important issue. I am speaking on behalf of the elders in Behchoko. The Jimmy Erasmus Seniors’ Home does not have a backup generator. I stressed this in February, June and now today, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to know from the Minister of the Housing Corporation, what has the department done to date since then to install a backup generator at the Jimmy Erasmus Seniors Home in Behchoko? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to hear the Minister is outlining the NWT’s perspective, that we are unique in the federal umbrella. The NWT Literacy Council has lost $344,000 as a result of the cuts. This funding represents three areas, Mr. Speaker, coalition funding, family and community literacy development and aboriginal literacy research project. Mr. Speaker, I think it is obvious that we cannot depend solely on the federal government anymore for support for literacy. What plans has the Minister made to support the NWT Literacy Council at this time to ensure that the...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday one of our colleagues raised an issue about literacy cuts, and the Minister came back saying we are not in the position where I can reach into my back pocket today and replace the money that has been lost. Mr. Speaker, I feel that we, as a government, need to be on a standby where if there are drastic cuts then we need to be prepared for that. Also, the Minister quoted that we will not look at what we can do, or to see what he can do. I need to see some results action oriented. So, Mr. Speaker, can the Minister commit to providing core funding to...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided)

Mr. Speaker, it has been an exciting summer again in the Tlicho region. We are once again celebrating a victory. Last year it was the signing of the Tlicho land claims and self-government. Today we are being recognized for the managerial initiatives in receiving a silver IPAC award.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, the Tlicho Community Services Agency was awarded silver for innovative management by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada at an awards ceremony in Prince Edward Island on August 30th, 2006. Mr. Speaker, this award identifies and publicizes...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the recent drastic federal cuts to literacy funding have hit the Northwest Territories Literacy Council particularly hard. They have depended on these program dollars for many years and have built important programs and services that communities across the NWT have come to rely on. These cuts will have a major impact on delivery of family community literacy programs and supports, and will affect aboriginal communities in particular. I understand the Minister will be meeting with his federal counterparts next Tuesday. Mr. Speaker, could the Minister please...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, just recently I received a notice of petition for a community’s security and bylaw services in the community of Behchoko signed by youth, elders and community members of Behchoko. There are 116 signatures. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am still not satisfied with the answer I am getting or any answers I am getting from the Minister. This is a real fragile situation we are faced with today. The Minister is stating that this could avoid a power outage or there is a backup system in place, but I highly doubt that. Can the Minister commit to this House that in the future if there are incidents in the community where there is a power outage, there are costs associated, would he cover the cost of transporting individuals or elders to the community of Yellowknife or wherever the place may be...