Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment with respect to the news item on small town students faring poorly on standardized testing in the NWT. I really raised my eyebrows when I saw that in the news of late. The Minister did comment on it. The Minister probably had more time to think about it and it’s a huge thing, because I represent lots of small communities. Can the Minister detail for me some of his outlooks on the report and perhaps even mention what type of plan he has to address this very pressing need in the communities...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank my honourable colleagues and Cabinet for all the support that this motion is receiving. Once again, it’s an idea, a thought that is long overdue for our northern government to support. Often all our budget doesn’t include anything for art. So this will go a long way in stimulating all our industries to revive our arts and culture sector and to give a lot of the elders out there who say we are losing touch with the elders and the old ways. That is the same for arts and culture, Mr. Speaker. So this is a huge way in which our government will...

WHEREAS the vision for the NWT Arts Strategy is “to secure the stability of a vibrant arts sector that is integral to the economic, social and cultural fabric of the NWT and contributes positively to the quality of life within the NWT;"

AND WHEREAS government should contribute to the development, recognition and support of a vibrant artistic community;

AND WHEREAS a healthy artistic community creates economy, awareness and appreciation of northern culture;

AND WHEREAS there should be access to appropriate artistic expression in public places;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m glad to hear that response from the Minister. One of the projects that I’ve been championing for the Nahendeh region is, of course, Nahendeh Air. I’ve seen some guidelines with regard to transportation. Is this something that will fit that guideline and would the Minister support a joint submission that would support a regional airline for the Nahendeh riding? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Minister know if these standardized tests compare to other jurisdictions like the Yukon, Nunavut or any other rural ridings in the other provinces? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. In the course of our discussion on the annual report, some Members noted the act used the word “sex” to refer to discrimination on the basis of being male or female, and raised concerns that this terminology could be misunderstood or be offensive to some people. The committee suggests this government consider bringing forward an amendment to the act to change the word “sex” to “gender,” which is in its opinion a less confusing or more appropriate term.

The committee looks forward to monitoring the continued evolution of the Northwest Territories Human Rights...

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. The act currently prohibits discrimination on the basis of pardoned criminal convictions. The report recommends that the act be amended in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of “unrelated” criminal convictions. The example provided in the report is of a person with a record for driving while impaired being refused a job that does not involve drinking.

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Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Committee of the Whole would like to consider Committee Report 1-15(5), Committee Report 2-15(5) and Committee Report 3-15(5). Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to read briefly from an e-mail I got. “Dear Mr. Menicoche, blankety, blankety, blankety maintenance, blankety, blankety roads.”

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Just to highlight the fact that the Minister indicated the desire to get out there soon and I think soon was about a month ago to maintain those roads, Mr. Speaker. Once again, when will our maintenance schedule kick in for the roads, because there are people moving around? They are travelling around lots and safety is their number one concern. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to hear that the government is very receptive and supportive of the lump sum payment program. In particular, there will be many elders that do not need to be taxed or clawed back. Is there an office, a particular number or a contact in our government that can help anybody that is looking for details for this particular residential lump sum payment program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.