Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services. During the last Assembly, I did lots of work on behalf of constituents in Fort Simpson getting a dialysis machine and dialysis located to Fort Simpson. I think it was in the plan for 2008. I would just like to ask where is it in the capital plan at this date.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps the next question, I know I thought I saw it in the newspaper, but how many incidents in our northern territory of the use of taser was recorded? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I know that the government is open to discussion. What I’m asking for is to send someone to help begin those discussions and if the Minister can do that. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I don’t know if it was because it was an election year or anything like that, but the non-government organizations have been left out in the cold and they’re going to be faced with being left out in the cold there, Mr. Speaker, if the government doesn’t jump in and assist them with some transition planning. I would like a commitment from the Minister if they will re-engage the community and the non-government organizations in these discussions. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to…If the Minister can commit to advertising the meeting well in advance. There was a previous meeting last year but it wasn’t well attended because of last-minute notices. If they can plan the meeting much more in advance, Mr. Speaker. Thanks.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I know that the word bison management plan has been used before and the Minister didn’t really refer to that in his answer. Is there going to be a specific bison management plan for and around the community of Fort Liard?

Mr. Speaker…(English not provided)

Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak about the ongoing problems with buffalo in Fort Liard. The community of Fort Liard has had serious concerns about the free-roaming buffalo in and around their community. The buffalo roam right through town and through the schoolyard. They are in the middle of the roads. They destroy people’s gardens and yards. We are just lucky that nothing has happened to any children and no one has been hurt. The airport is there, Mr. Speaker. The safety is at stake because animals roam right through the airport runway and they’re not even...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Does this plan also include meeting with the community and/or having public meetings in the community? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to follow up on my Member’s statement to the Minister of ENR. Like I mentioned in my Member’s statement, the buffalo issue in the community of Fort Liard, they’ve been trying to address it for some time now. I’d just like to ask the Minister, is he aware of any current or existing meetings or initiatives to address the buffalo issue in Fort Liard?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I respectfully disagree with the Premier. I do have elders and low income people not accessing the programs. I have one final point, Mr. Speaker. Can this government consider looking at changing the Housing Corporation from a business entity into a housing department which can better serve the public of the NWT? Mahsi cho.

---Applause