Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would this discussion with the committees include any plan about how this government plans to have adequate recreational facilities in our communities and their long-term plans for that, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Normally, I would follow up my stunning Member’s statement with a grilling and analytical question to the appropriate Minister. However, I have constituents and indeed a whole community, the community of Nahanni Butte, who are waiting on the Minister of MACA and this government’s decision on the creation of a gymnasium in Nahanni Butte.

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Mr. Speaker, these changes, although not intended, will target aboriginals more than any other group in the NWT. For example, in one community in my riding there are no aboriginal families being given assistance in owning their own homes. The reality is many people in the communities are living eight to 10 people per house.

As long as I can remember, housing has been a primary issue in the North. Communities all over the North are experiencing overcrowded conditions, long waiting lists and aging units. The enormous strain affects the communities and the individuals in many ways. During a...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to hear that response from the Minister of MACA. Indeed, with the federal government passing the budget, there is all this money that we have been waiting on; the gas money, the green money, the infrastructure money, the non-tax-based money. I am sure we can find some room in here for a gymnasium for Nahanni Butte. Perhaps the Minister can tell this House again at what stage the planning is at. In the springtime, he committed to a class D estimate. Is it going to be done this year?

At what stage, Mr. Speaker, is the planning and the class D estimate for the gymnasium project in Nahanni Butte?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize Mrs. Laureen Donaldson, a resident of Wrigley, NT. It’s nice to see her here today. Thank you very much.

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Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have been approached recently by my constituents regarding the NWT Housing Corporation's possible policy changes regarding residential home loan guarantees. These changes will dramatically affect the accessibility and affordability of homes. Families' self-sufficiency within the communities have always been a top priority to me and the GNWT.

The NWT Housing Corporation must consult residents of the NWT when considering such drastic policy changes. The NWT Housing Corporation has not approached the local...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, am astounded how many times I hear the same answer. Just with respect to that, Mr. Speaker, if the Minister can just tell me again…I'm travelling to Nahanni next week. What pray do I tell the people and the students and the children in Nahanni Butte? Thank you.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the Fort Simpson long-term care facility. The department recently completed a review that supports my argument. The review identified the growing senior population of the Northwest Territories and the need for additional long-term care beds although they insist this need is in the long term. Mr. Speaker, in the long term is not good enough for me.

There are currently 16 residents in the Fort Simpson long-term care facility: one resident from Fort Liard; 12 residents from Fort Simpson; two residents from Jean Marie River; and one...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I make this motion today because I do not agree that we are ready to give Bill 17 third reading. This bill has not been through an appropriate public review process. I find it very disturbing that five amendments were made to Bill 17 yesterday during Committee of the Whole debate. To me it is totally inappropriate that these amendments, which change the context of the bill, were made without an opportunity for public input. When do our constituents get to have a say? For example, an amendment was made to the Wildlife Act, Mr. Speaker. That’s a very key act for a lot of...