Kevin A. Menicoche

Once again I’d just like to ask the Minister if they can develop a plan to replace the toilets. Some of our campgrounds, too, are distant, and maybe they can do some cost savings. Instead of going out there with the sewer trucks, they can stop at the roadside pullouts.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of ITI, and interestingly enough, it’s on bathroom facilities.

On our highway system on Highway No. 1, ITI provides at the pullover stops the safety cabins and washrooms. There are indications that they’re all run down now and they’re kind of unsightly. I’m just wondering if there’s a plan to replace them in the next little while.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I will be supporting this motion, the main reason being that there’s a message that’s got to be sent: there are other priorities out there, especially, as Mr. Krutko mentioned, Highway No. 7. That is part of our national highway system.

I’ve done many Member’s statements and questions in the House regarding the events that occurred this spring and this summer. Constituents are consistently requesting a permanent remedy and permanent solutions so that we don’t have another closure of Highway No. 7. I’ve got many written documentations from the department, as well...

The roadside pullouts and those rest stops are existing, but some of them are the outdoor type. The Minister didn’t really identify when they’re going to replace them. Should they be replaced? Can they look at the more sanitary style, the more modern stucco style or the cisterns?

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to recognize some births and marriages in the Nahendeh riding.

I’d like to congratulate the following couples, ladies and gentlemen all, for taking the big step and the commitment of marriage. The couples are Jonathan and Dahti Scott of Fort Simpson, Jocelyn Kierstead and Kurt Tsetso, James Tsetso and Christine, Willy Michaud and Amy, Wesley Hardisty and Patricia, Cheryl Tanche and Nathan. And from Fort Liard, Virginia Bedine and Willy McLeod.

And let’s take a few moments for a few births in the community of Fort Simpson. To Trish Isaiah...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Is that threshold limit applicable to all the programs that are there? Is that the same program available for CARE as it is in HELP? Is that the same income threshold?

That’s the absolute crux of the issues in many of the small communities. The affordability window is just so small and the income threshold, I believe, has to be reviewed. Is the department or is government going to look at reviewing the threshold this coming winter?

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and thank you very much, colleagues.

There was general concern about the role and functions of the Languages Commissioner: People did not know who the incumbent is or what the commissioner does. There was no awareness of the changed role and responsibilities of the commissioner. Participants stated repeatedly that they had not seen the commissioner in their communities, nor did they know whether annual reports were published.

The messages the standing committee received with regard to community language funding were unified, loud and clear:

The major obstacle of...

[English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest issues for my constituents in Jean Marie River and other small Deh Cho communities is that they cannot afford to become homeowners, even with the program the Government of the Northwest Territories has in place.

There are not a lot of economic opportunities in my region, making it difficult for people to take on the responsibility of home ownership. Even if they qualify for a mortgage, Mr. Speaker, it is often beyond their means when you factor in their other monthly costs like groceries, vehicle payments and other expenses.

As I...

Does the existing program take into account the remoteness of the smaller communities like Jean Marie? Is the income threshold lower, or is there more room for deduction, as it were, from the payment plan, Mr. Speaker?