Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Minister Dent. General comments. General comments on the Employment Standards Act. Mr. Ramsay.

Good afternoon, Members. I call Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish of the committee this afternoon? Mr. Lafferty.

Clause 17.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Minister Dent. Does the committee agree?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the point that I make…and I'd like to thank the Minister for pointing out that I don't understand the budgeting process of this government, because I have only been here 12 years but I am sure I will get on to it next term. Mr. Speaker, the fact that we are just on an ad hoc basis looking for money here and there to give to this very important initiative, will the Minister just admit that arts and performing arts and cultural activities are just not a priority to this government? Thank you.

Clause 15.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Minister Dent. At this time, I will ask the member of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, Mr. Yakeleya, if he would please provide the committee’s comments on this legislation. Mr. Yakeleya.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when we look at neighbouring jurisdictions like the Yukon, for example, we always compare ourselves to them when it comes to things like tourism and the arts, and why is it with all the richness we have here in terms of culture and traditions in the Northwest Territories, do we not put more emphasis in this government on the arts? We're going backwards when it comes to the arts in the Northwest Territories. I remember when I came to Hay River 33 years ago, you could buy season's tickets for these different events that would take place, and they would...