Kevin A. Menicoche

I’d like to thank the Premier for that explanation. I believe that people in my riding have been asking me for more explanation for the AIP. I’m not government. I’m not there to explain what Cabinet has done in moving forward with the AIP. They’re asking for a communication strategy. I’ve heard it in the House here earlier on. What exactly is the communication strategy and will it include our government going to the communities and explaining this agreement-in-principle?

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I understand that some of the parameters are that the contributions are to the officially recognized municipalities, the hamlet or whatever, but we have had instances in the past three or four years where we did provide contributions over to the band councils, because they’re the ones, it’s their membership, they’re the ones that expend the most money there, Mr. Speaker, and I’d like to ask the Minister if that will be considered as well. Thank you.

In this case, the municipality, actually the Acho Dene Koe of Fort Liard did actually put in a request to access these funds because they expended quite a bit of money, and I certainly supported that. I sent in a memo to the Minister and it was denied. I’d like to know how does a community access that fund that’s sorely needed, especially when it calls on the resources of communities, families, friends, et cetera. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Dehcho First Nations’ position is that they are looking for more leadership by our government. Is there more that they can do? I know that the Minister of ENR did send a letter, but can our government speak out loud, take a Cabinet position and advise Ottawa that the Edhezhie issue is important on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the people and the Dehcho people? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Dehcho First Nations felt that our government did not speak on behalf of the residents of our constituency and demanded that kind of action. Can the Minister provide me a copy of that letter? I would like to see the content, because that is something that is of benefit of all the people of the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

I, too, would like to recognize Ms. Verna Currimbhoy. As one of the MLAs from the region who comes here to work 50 percent of the time, I might add.

The amount of work that she does on my behalf is invaluable. She will be sorely missed and she just makes my office run very smoothly.

As well, special recognition to Gay Kennedy. It’s a pleasure to serve with her on our committees, and all the work that she does on our behalf as well.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my fiery statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I will be supporting this motion today and as a result of Mr. Bromley’s and Mr. Yakeleya’s interest in this topic, it certainly identifies a gap that we must address.

Throughout the last couple of weeks we’ve talked about poverty and helping our people, and giving them access to education by filling this one gap is one of the most positive and beneficial ways that our government can give our people the hand-up and not a handout.

I certainly support the cause of the ADK Band membership to submit their bills of $10,000. Is the Minister willing to review this particular request once again? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this year I was working with the Municipality of Fort Liard. Unfortunately, they had lost a member in the river and they had quite a few expenses for search and rescue. I understand it is under the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. We do have a fund to assist with search and rescues. I would like to ask the Minister to tell me a little bit about the program. Thank you very much.