Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee wishes to continue deliberations of the Northwest Territories Main Estimates 2012-2013 with continuation of Public Works and Services and then moving into Education, Culture and Employment.

Mr. Speaker, certainly the communities and I look forward to the Minister visiting the communities and show him exactly their needs.

Since February, after speaking with the Minister, I would like to know what the Minister has done to date to review the long-term capital plan and look at moving up these capital needs for these two communities. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will look forward to build on those yeses here with my questions today. I would like to ask the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, I spoke once again about the need for new schools in Nahanni Butte and Trout Lake. We have super schools and mega renovations in Inuvik and Yellowknife. That is where our education money is being spent. When will the Minister and this government start turning their attention to our small communities and regions? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I will be voting in favour of this motion because I am looking for some change and re-evaluation, and even though the motion seems extreme to some Members, that I believe it’s a statement from Members of this side of this House that we cannot go on with the status quo and it should be at least re-evaluated working with our committee system and have a good look at just how we’re doing business. It is a concern in my communities and in my riding, as well, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is the exact area that I would like to explore further. We have to commit at least some planning dollars to look at these two schools in these two communities so that we can make a good case at the capital planning fall time budget session. I would like to ask the Minister if he can at least do that and have a good assessment of those schools in the capital planning process this fall. Mahsi.

Yes, I’m good.

So my particular concern is in the Deh Cho where it showed seven positions last year. The Minister is saying there are six positions showing on the books this year but it’s still seven people working, or was that a virtual person?

Thank you very much. That’s good.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. If I could just ask you to slow down a bit there, Madam Chair, if you don’t mind.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I think the Minister is opening up a whole different area and I’d certainly like to ask more questions and debate this further. I’d like to ask him to review the situation. My question is: How does the treaty impact our Aboriginal seniors that are in long-term care and why are they paying fees?