Kevin A. Menicoche

Mr. Chairman, I move that we report progress.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the road to getting a gym built in Nahanni Butte is hard to navigate, rocky and uncertain, literally. But today, I would like to speak to you about getting to Nahanni Butte and the completion of the access road.

Mr. Speaker, the Nahanni Butte access road has been discussed in this House for 10 years, ever since 1996. In 2003-04, the Department of Transportation report on public access roads said that these roads formed an important part of our highway system. Improvement to these roads would increase safety and decrease highway maintenance costs by reducing...

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Just with respect to affirmative action goals, written goals in the Legislative Assembly, because that’s something the Speaker was looking at. What are the target goals for the office as of today? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I’ll just end on this note that I don’t think the commission has anything to do with the Page program. I think it has to do with the office and that they should pay for meals and accommodations. I don’t know why it’s coming out of my budget. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just with respect to the magnetic pass cards; is there an estimated cost, that makes it so prohibitive? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That is fine now, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight has noted with concern that there is a substantial degree of duplication and/or overlap between certain mandates and activities of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and those in the Executive, in particular the Intergovernmental Relations and Strategic Planning office, IGRASP. Some Members are of the opinion that this has led to a waste of valuable human and fiscal resources. Others point to the overlap of responsibilities and accountability of certain high-level GNWT officials.

An important part of the work...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I did have a chance to comment on Friday. I do have some further comments for the Minister with respect to a few different items, Mr. Chairman. Maybe I will start with the courthouse.

The perception in the communities I represent is they are very concerned that such a huge capital investment is happening in Yellowknife. It looks like we are spending all this money in the capital centre and we are taking away…just because of programming and things that happen in the communities. You take away the regional justice coordinator which has a big impact in the smaller...

Madam Chair, the committee wishes to consider Bill 19, Appropriation Act, 2005-2006, specifically the Department of Justice. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am, indeed, very pleased to hear that news. It will impact a lot of our students going to school, particularly down south who don’t need that extra burden of being taxed, Mr. Speaker. At this point, the Minister doesn’t have too many details to offer. Has he been in contact with his federal counterparts in the federal office with regard to this issue?