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, Mr. Speaker. I understand that the standardized testing is something new that we are gauging our students in the North on. With the initial results, does the Minister have an interim plan, or will he look at some type of plan to address what the core issues are? I understand there was a small school report that was done three or four years ago. It spoke in there about classroom size and just the range of students being serviced by one or two teachers was an issue. Is there an initial plan or some kind of overview that the Minister will address this issue with? Thank you.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the fate of the flat-rate power debate, one-rate zone, what is it? What are we debating about? How will it affect me and my constituents? These are questions constituents have been expressing to me over and over again. The Public Utilities Board is submitting the rates that is due this fall. Under the current situation, large and hydro communities benefit while small communities that rely on diesel powered generators will be hit hard. When I think of this government’s approach on the flat-rate debate, I ask, can this government evaluate all the...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The committee would like to consider Bill 3, Bill 4, Committee Report 3-15(5), and Bill 5. Thank you.

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.”

---Laughter

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.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Minister mentioned a secretariat. Is there a lead department that is taking part in it, or is there an interagency committee that is coordinating the government directorates, particularly with the schooling and educational records that are kept by our government? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today, I, too, would like to express my congratulations to graduates and especially to the Nahendeh riding. As well, I would just like to commend the Minister of Education for sending his appreciation to all grads, parents and teachers that are out there as well.

In today’s world, more and more education and prosperity goes hand in hand. Without graduates from our schools and our colleges, our future and the future of Nahendeh can be bleak. Today, I want to dedicate my Member’s statement and commend the graduates of Nahendeh, to the youth, the adults, the...