Nahendeh

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 5th Session (day 73)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. If a member of the public was looking at this document they would see that, despite how many times I’ve been raising Highway No. 7 in this Legislature, over the years there is no contribution here. If the Minister can explain that, and I’ll certainly be looking for a response with regard to that. Why is it not on this document and what’s the attention this government is going to give Highway No. 7?

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 5th Session (day 73)

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Certainly, I believe that we can continue to do it. We’ve got the power in this House. With devolution, we’re growing up, and I believe that we can find a way. I’ve indicated in my Member’s statement about how much I value Mr. Premier’s negotiating abilities, and I believe that he can find a way around it.

I guess one of the barriers for those additional 7,000 square kilometres is about the precept or the concept that your population base is based on figures from 30 years ago. I would like to ask the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, can he revisit that or find a...

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 5th Session (day 73)

Certainly, the three parties have invested over 30 years of hard negotiating time. I was getting at that I think the GNWT is taking a more important role. In fact, Mr. Premier met with the Dehcho leadership around two weeks ago, and they left that meeting somewhat disheartened. They thought they were there to speak with the Premier at that time that we hosted the meeting and find some more common ground. They want to complete the negotiations and fulfill their aspirations for self-government.

I’d like to ask the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs once again, how much weight does the GNWT have in...

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 5th Session (day 73)

Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to support the Dehcho First Nations’ aspirations for a settled claim and a fair and reasonable deal. The talks have indeed stalled and I hope not staled. There must be a way to sit down and find common ground once again.

Our government, Canada and the Dehcho First Nations has spent over 30 years of hard work on negotiations. It will be a shame not to evaluate the situation and to find a political solution.

Our Premier is an excellent negotiator and strong administrator. He will be remembered as the Premier that brought devolution home. I hope he can use...

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 5th Session (day 72)

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I am just going to touch on a few things I raised in the past couple of weeks. One was the delivery of fuel to the small communities. One Member may have asked, but have the tenders gone out and is the fuel being delivered as we speak? Is the purchase as anticipated? Hopefully that means the communities will get cheaper fuel for the upcoming year.

As well, I was wondering about the RFP for the Fort Simpson Health Centre planning study. I was wondering about progress on that front. Generally, I raised in the House about Nogha Enterprises building a new office...

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 5th Session (day 72)

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I think today there was an outstanding shout out for women on International Women’s Day by my colleagues here and I, too, share the recognition, but my shout out today is to express my thanks to social workers for all the hard work they do in our communities.

While I have chosen to say thank you during National Social Work Month, their work is really appreciated in Nahendeh communities all year round. The reality is that our social workers are on the front lines of changing history for the better. Many of the problems they help people with stem from residential...

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 5th Session (day 72)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased they are moving forward and beginning the dialogue. I think if they can go further and identify some office space they need for the future, that will go a long way in firming up that project. As well, I think I asked about the RFP on the Fort Simpson Health Centre planning study, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 5th Session (day 72)

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to recognize the hearts of my life, Ms. Lucyanne Kendo and Miss Brittany Jewel visiting us here in the gallery today. I’m glad to see you here, watching me at work and all my colleagues. Mahsi.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 5th Session (day 71)

It shows that the department is willing to entertain and move forward with this. I would like to know how well the department continues to endorse and support this very worthwhile initiative. The Stanton Renewal Project is to be completed in five years. We do have an opportunity to include this as part of the completion in five years.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 5th Session (day 71)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier in the day when I did my Member’s statement, I was speaking about the Stanton Renewal Project and the need to include an Aboriginal wellness centre. So I’d like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services – I know he had discussions with the elders, the Stanton Elders Council on this matter – how supportive is he of such a project? Thank you very much.