Kevin A. Menicoche

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...

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee wishes to consider Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Education Act.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to go back to item 14, notices of motion.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As well, I have been receiving numerous enquiries about the ferry being actually shut right down. As the Minister is aware, we have freezing temperatures, and a big concern is that our ferry, our piece of equipment, will freeze up and be irreparably damaged, that it won't be running next week. I would just like to know what the department is doing about saving our piece of equipment from freeze-up. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to welcome all the students to the House proceedings today. My question is for the Minister of Transportation. As of yesterday, the ferry operations ceased in Fort Simpson. I would like to ask what the department is going to be doing about continuing the ferry service in Fort Simpson. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 24, 2005, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that pursuant to section 91 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Legislative Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories that Gerald Gerrand be appointed Conflict of Interest Commissioner, effective December 1, 2005. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I have another 45 letters of complaint with respect to the ferry situation in Nahendeh and Fort Simpson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm glad to hear that the department is looking at some type of plan to resume service, but next week may even be too late, Mr. Speaker. I have been receiving phone calls from some families, that their propane tanks are at 10 percent. The way propane works, Mr. Speaker, is that at the 10 percent level, the tank is empty. There's a truck waiting on the other side. Can the Minister look at resuming services as soon as possible? Thank you.