Kevin A. Menicoche

The only difference now is he has a new pool and we don’t.

---Laughter

Thank you very much. Can the Minister repeat what the plans were for the $1 million? I dropped my earpiece when he was talking about it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. If we completed capital expenditures of that much within the next couple of years, does that really mean that we will be freeing up some capital dollars for the regions? Thank you.

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?

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I guess our discussion here related a lot to hiring outside workers, but in terms of the Management Assignment Program, what are the targets? What is the government doing to increase the visibility of northerners in the management sector of our government? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I didn’t realize that some of the cost estimates were already out there. I did note that when I was talking with the new fire marshal that was hired in Fort Simpson, he had his difference of opinion as to how much work has to be done and retrofitted. He had his view, so there is a little bit of discrepancy there. That is why I am asking can we take another assessment, look at this thing, Mr. Chairman.

That is what I would like to get from the Minister. They did a technical status viability in 2000-01. I think it will serve the community well if they do it again....

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the percentage, it is 32 percent, however, he doesn’t note that it has dropped over two percent the last few years. Can the Minister tell us, Mr. Speaker, what kind of targets our government is looking at? What is the target set by this government? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. If the Minister of DPW is ready with his opening remarks, I would be prepared to receive them.