Julie Green

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure today to acknowledge and thank some of the leaders of our seniors community here, in the Northwest Territories, particularly Merlyn Williams, the president of Yellowknife Seniors’ Society, Stephen Jackson who is the CEO of Avens, and Kim Doyle who is the executive director of the Baker Centre. I'd also like to acknowledge a very active senior in our community and a driving force behind many things that happen here, Yvonne Quick. As well, I'd like to acknowledge my constituents Christina Poppa and Nicole Latour, and Jack Bourassa from the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, 174 days ago we sat in this Chamber and listened to the pitches of the two men who wanted to become Premier. A week later we elected Mr. McLeod to an unprecedented second term. Today I want to reflect on what the Premier promised during the Territorial Leadership Committee and what he has delivered. The November election highlighted the electorate's desire for change, which Mr. McLeod acknowledged. He said people expect more effective and transparent decision-making and less politics. I agree, but I don't think we're there yet. Mr. McLeod promised a “more...

My question now is about the process. The NWT Disabilities Council did an evaluation of the 2008 plan, but they do not want to go back and fix that plan. They want to start with a new plan. They're eager to come to the table with you and other members of the disability service and advocacy community. Will you commit to a process for developing this new plan that will be broad-based and include stakeholder groups who will work with responsible departments and work forward from today, rather than backward from 2008?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. It's my pleasure to introduce today a number of people who are advocates for the disabilities community in the Northwest Territories, and in particular Denise McKee, the executive director of the Northwest Territories Disabilities Council; Samantha Thomas, who is a member of that board; Rhonda Hoffos, who's the executive director of the Canadian Institute for the Blind, NWT; and Darren Jacquard, who's the vice-president of the NWT Autism Society. I'd like to thank them for coming today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to propose that we in this House work together to further the NWT Disabilities Council's vision that all individuals have the opportunity and access to achieve their full potential. We can do that by creating a new five-year plan for them.

The previous five-year action plan for persons with disabilities comprised 34 main action items under five pillars of education, employment, disability supports, income, and housing. The action plan was endorsed when it was completed in 2008 and apparently, quite promptly forgotten. Fast-forward to 2015 when the NWT...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would very much like to thank the Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities for his promise of a fresh start, and thank him for his offer to collaborate. I am looking forward to taking part in that myself and to furthering the quality of life for people who have disabilities. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, WHEREAS disability is defined by the World Health Organization is any restriction or inability resulting from impairment to perform a daily activity in the manner within the range considered normal for a human being;

AND WHEREAS, persons of all ages living with disability have the right to live in fully inclusive and participatory society where they have choice, are valued and respected is equal and contributing members of the community;

AND WHEREAS, at least 15 per cent of the population of the Northwest Territories lives with a disability with challenges in...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities, and they follow from my Member's statement. First of all, I'd like to hear a renewal of commitment from the Minister. The motion of the 17th Assembly called for the government to propose an approach for taking a new action plan forward. This motion is not binding on the government, obviously; it happened in the last Assembly. However, will this Minister honour this motion in the spirit of progress and continuity, and propose an approach by the end of June? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi, colleagues. At the last election, nine of the Members here in this House, including four Cabinet Ministers, answered yes when they were asked if they would support the creation of a new strategic plan for improving disabled persons’ situations and services. I'll have questions for the Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities later. Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that notwithstanding Rule 4, when this House adjourns on March 3, 2016, it shall be adjourned until Tuesday, May 31, 2016;

AND FURTHER, that at any time prior to May 31, 2016, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact as it...