Katrina Nokleby

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is correct; the bids that were received for the construction of the new fish plant in Hay River were significantly higher than anticipated. As the Member is aware, demands on the public purse are high, and we want to make sure that we are fully considering these types of decisions. We remain committed to the revitalization initiative, and we want to move forward as quickly as possible with the fish plant. However, we have decided to take the time required to consider what other options we may have. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

First, let me assure the Member that I recognize how important this project is to Hay River. Our plan will mean greater returns for fishers working on the lake. It will mean new jobs in processing, packaging, selling, and transporting NWT fish for market. When it comes to the plant, however, I will be fully transparent. The answer is no, we don't have a new timeline yet, but we will get one, and I will share that with you. While we consider next steps for the plant, we are also moving ahead with other elements of the overall revitalization strategy. We will be establishing a fisheries support...

The bids were very high compared to the budget, especially given that the budget was disclosed to the bidders at the pre-tender meeting in July. The gap was significant enough that we couldn't reasonably anticipate negotiating it down to within the budget. Cancelling the tender was the only option available to us to maintain an open, fair, and transparent process.

This does not mean that are not exploring options to bring the project budget down. One of the areas where we think that we may have some room to make changes is in the proposed fish processing lines and equipment requirements and the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take a moment to recognize and remember my constituent and neighbour, Romeo Berube. He passed away suddenly at Stanton Territorial Hospital on December 5, 2019, at the age of 82. Romeo is predeceased by his adored wife, Angeline Mercredi, and will be dearly missed by his seven children, Margaret, John, Fred, Charlotte, Gladys, Yolande, and Darryl; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his three sisters and their families.

Romeo was originally from Ville Marie, Quebec, and his family moved with him to Yellowknife in 1972. He dedicated many years to...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This constituent is going to have to forgive me with the pronunciation of her name. I'd like to welcome Emilie Tourangeau, the communications officer for College nordique francophone, for being here; my constituent, thank you.

I would like to acknowledge my supporters, Chris Kellander, Maria -- I'm going to say your name wrong -- Wiesner, and Yvonne Quick, and my constituent Joyce Stewart. Thank you.