Kevin A. Menicoche

Mr. Speaker... [English translation not provided]

Frederick Frank Norwegian of Jean Marie quietly passed away on Friday, May 7th, 2010. The passing of a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend is so profound that every one of our hearts has felt the heartache. Fred is survived by his mother Bella, his wife, Mavis, his daughters Maxine, Connie, Angela and Pamela, his grandsons Kirby, Zachary, Ethan, and his siblings Douglas, Billy, Minnie, Margaret, Andy, Gladys, Jerry and their families.

Freddie, as siblings and close relatives strongly called him, was born to Bella and...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. These changes are huge. Maybe the Minister can tell me how many rate zones we’ll be reducing. I don’t know if he mentioned it in here at all. Then, of course, Mr. Speaker, one of my election... When I first got elected I always aimed to move towards a one-rate zone, but I see that at least we’re consolidating some zones. Maybe the Minister can explain that. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to have that as a date to move forward. I know that recently in the newspaper the president of the NWT Power Corporation had indicated that the minimum rates would remain the same, but the Minister made an even better announcement that there will be some reductions across the board in many communities. Can he explain if there is a communication strategy as a result of this announcement today that will go out to the communities and throughout the NWT? Thank you.

The greatest love in his life was his family. Freddie and Mavis had been married 39 years, just one month short of 40 years. Together they raised four beautiful daughters: Maxine, Connie, Angela and Pamela. He wanted his daughters to grow up wise, courageous, respectful and successful, and it is very evident that he achieved this. His daughters and wife, Mavis, were all there by his bedside to say their goodbyes as he took his last breath. As painful as it was to let him go, they were brave and courageous. I extend my personal blessings of courage, strength and wisdom in their time of grieving...

I’d like to thank the Minister for those answers, Mr. Speaker. Just one more thing is now we are collecting an extra $10. I don’t know how many registrations will happen over the next 18 months, but that fee can add to quite an amount. What is the plan for the revenue that they collect from the new licence plate fees, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

There is a segment of our population that really appreciates our old plates. I guess the question is: can he continue to use those plates on his vehicle after the implementation date, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the expansion of the Nahanni National Park Reserve, I have been advised that there are 18 employment opportunities opening up in the Parks Canada office in Fort Simpson in the near future. I am very happy about this news as it is the opportunity for 15 people in Fort Simpson and three seasonal positions in Nahanni Butte.

We are so very fortunate to have this national park and world heritage site so close by. With its caves, hot springs, wetlands, its grizzly bears, Dall sheep and so much more wildlife, it is truly spectacular. The Nahanni River races over Virginia...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to present a petition dealing with the matter of supplementary health benefits. Mr. Speaker, the petition contains 89 signatures of Fort Simpson residents and, Mr. Speaker, the petitioners request that current benefits provided under the Supplementary Health Benefits Program remain unchanged. Mahsi cho.

The other question that people are wondering is why do we have to pay an additional 10 dollars? In fact, my constituent had said the spectacular thing about the new plate is we have to pay an extra 10 dollars, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps the Minister can explain why. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve had concern from a constituent from Fort Simpson with regard to the new licence plate and I would just like to raise that with the Minister of Transportation. I just want to get, for his benefit and mine, a little bit more detail on anybody that wanted to continue on with the old plates. Is there legislation passed? Can the constituent continue with the old plates and resist the changes that are coming, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.