Kevin A. Menicoche

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...

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.

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?

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Housing.

Listening to the interesting debate we had between the Minister of ECE and the honourable Member, I have similar types of issues in terms of affordability of homes. I have to commend the Housing Corporation for increasing the housing stock in the Nahendeh riding, but we’re having affordability issues, meaning that people aren’t being approved or getting into these homes.

I think part of the issue there has to do with it being a non-market community. Government guidelines and procedures…. I believe they’re selling...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to present its Interim Report on the Review of the Official Languages Act 2008–2009.

Section 35 of the Official Languages Act requires the Legislative Assembly or a special committee of the Assembly to conduct a review of the act “at the next session following December 31, 2007, and subsequently at the next session following each successive fifth anniversary of that date.” In accordance with this statutory requirement, the 16th Legislative Assembly adopted a motion on February 11, 2008, referring the review of...

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?