Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Statements in Debates

Debates of , (day 21)

I think that Mr. Hawkin’s statement was unparliamentary. It was disrespectful. I do not think he should refer to our Finance Minister as a little gopher. I don’t want to draw attention to it, but I think it just decreased the stature of our Assembly by those words. I would like him to retract them. Thank you.

---Applause

Debates of , (day 21)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I listened with interest today as the Finance Minister delivered his budget address. It was a rather abbreviated version from what we are used to hearing in budget addresses. For the benefit of those who came from distant communities, I think they expected a little more detail. For those of us on this side of the House, we appreciated the brevity.

The repeated reference to unprecedented opportunities and growth make a point that is very true. However, I think we need to analyze who the real beneficiaries are of that growth and opportunity. Industry is and...

Debates of , (day 21)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, does the Finance Minister concur that we cannot negotiate devolution and resource revenue sharing alone, as a stand-alone government, and tell me what is in our process right now that guarantees or confirms to us that the participation of aboriginal governments is there? When he goes to Ottawa, is he going to take somebody who represents the Aboriginal Summit, who speaks for the aboriginal governments as well as for this government? Thank you.

Debates of , (day 20)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to report to the Assembly that the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development has reviewed Bill 14, Public Airports Act, and wishes to report that Bill 14 is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.

Debates of , (day 20)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s nice to know that the industry has such confidence that we are going to actually get devolution in our lifetime.

---Applause

I want to ask the Premier also, the letter that he wrote and signed, I would like to know if it’s binding on future governments. Is it binding on aboriginal governments? Is it binding on the federal government? Thank you.

Debates of , (day 20)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if we are going to have signs kind of out in the hinterland, perhaps something easier to remember would be 911. Can the Minister please tell me what the status is of integrating our highway emergency system with that universally recognized number 911? Thank you.

Debates of , (day 20)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One other question I have for the Minister is with respect to the information about buffalo on the road. Right now there is a big sign which is a cut-out of a buffalo. That is to tell people, watch out, there are buffalo on the road or bison crossing sign. Is it possible or would it be easy to put up signs that would suggest to motorists that if they come across a herd of buffalo close to or on the highway, they could flash their lights for the next motorist coming down the road as a way of warning them that they may be coming upon something that is dangerous? Has...

Debates of , (day 20)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in light of the recent federal election, I’d like to make a few comments in view of the significance of the federal government in relation to our government. I’d like to congratulate the people who ran to represent the Western Arctic in the House of Commons. Having choices is what makes our democratic system work. Each put forth a credible effort to ensure the constituents were informed of their positions.

A special congratulations to Dennis Bevington for his tenacity in seeking and now winning the seat for this riding. Dennis is well-informed and respected...

Debates of , (day 20)

Mr. Speaker, then, to the assumption that somehow we were giving away the farm with this letter of comfort, I sort of fail to see what we have actually given them. I think the letter has integrity and it has intention attached to it, but I don’t think it’s like a province that sold their power to the U.S. -- a certain province we know -- for years to come. They are going to be stuck with an agreement forever. I don’t think it’s anything like that. So in an effort, then, to clarify how this letter was interpreted or responded to by the Producers Group, I just wish the Premier could put it in...

Debates of , (day 20)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in follow-up to Mr. Braden’s questions today, I would like to ask the Premier some questions about this letter of comfort that he provided just so that there is clarity about it, because I don’t think the public knows too much about it. As the Premier indicated, it was brought to our attention prior to it going out. My reaction to it at the time was Imperial Oil and the producers were asking about certainty and comfort on taxation, royalties about the future and going ahead with their project. I would like to ask the Premier, do we set the royalties that...