Kevin A. Menicoche

Once again, I commend my constituency and indeed all NWT residents who take the time and effort to help others. It’s interesting, Mr. Speaker, that these individuals are elders and youth who are going out of their way to provide service to people and animals.

Once again, I would just like to commend these individuals from the Nahendeh communities and all the other people in the North who are taking time out in their busy lives to improve the lives of others and animals as well. Mahsi.

---Applause

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'm glad to hear that we're moving with this particular initiative, however, spring and summer is coming and the big concern for the constituents is that the free-roaming herds are digging up their gardens and ruining trees in the communities on their properties. Has the department looked at exactly what will they be doing in the meantime, particularly this coming spring? Thanks.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of ENR just following up on the concerns of Fort Liard constituents with regard to their buffalo problems they've been having, as well as in Nahanni Butte. The last time we exchanged topic ground on this, Mr. Speaker, the Minister indicated it was a free-roaming herd and they were going to initiate some type of management plan, and that's what the community has been looking for, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to ask the Minister if and when consideration of this plan will be done for these communities. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will change gears a bit and take this opportunity to speak of what is new in Nahendeh this year and the support that we need. I am happy to announce that I am a new grandfather.

---Applause

I would like to announce that my son Keone and his spouse, Theresa Black, had a baby boy January 6th named Kayleb. I would also express my excitement for the many other babies in Nahendeh that were born recently. In Fort Simpson, Sharon Mandeville and Jeff Hardisty had a boy named Seth. Lisa Lafferty and Michael Tetso had a girl named Jacie. Trudy and Dennis Nelner had a girl...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I like that response from the Minister, because the buffalo concern and the damage is very serious in these communities and I'm sure they'll be looking forward to the establishment of a buffalo bill for the management of these buffalos there, Mr. Speaker. No questions there, Mr. Speaker. Thanks.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. That's what the community is looking for; is what actually is the ministry going to be doing about this herd. There are about 350 animals. Has the department done any consultation in the communities of Nahanni Butte and Fort Liard with respect to their management plan? Thanks.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased today to recognize a constituent from Fort Simpson, Candy Brown, our regional vice-president for the Deh Cho region. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again, I wasn’t too clear if it was going to happen this coming fiscal year. If the Minister could answer that for me. Thank you.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, I have been finding that often the women of Nahendeh who will be giving birth have to stay at length in Yellowknife. Typically, at the most, up to a month, maybe even six weeks away from their loved ones and their family, Mr. Speaker. I also note and commend the constituents of the honourable Minister’s riding who have lobbied and created a midwifery act and program. This enables women to have their babies in their communities. Can the Minister tell me what steps are being taken to move this...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided)

As a Member for Nahendeh and the chair for the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, I was honoured to be part of the very first pre-budget consultations last August and September. Regular Members initiated these consultations to give people a chance to speak directly to MLAs and to provide input for government business plans and budgets.

I know many people who shared their advice with us in the pre-budget process are out there anxiously awaiting the budget address and the government’s response to our committee’s report to see whether...