Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided) Mr. Speaker, my Member’s statement today concerns a serious issue in my riding, the reinstatement of the 1995 rent scale increase scheduled for April 1, 2005.

Mr. Speaker, I am not opposed to the rent increase; however, I am opposed to the current rent scale increase to the 90 percent mark for this year and the 100 percent mark for next year. I believe this is set too high and does not allow people to adapt to the policy and the new financial obligations.

I propose the rent increase be phased in at the 75 percent mark this year and the 100 percent...

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favour of this motion, just in particular to the aspect for treating addictions specifically for youth, Mr. Speaker. I have teenage daughters and it frightens me to think that there is no current system, should there be a need, and I’m sure that there is a need by many other parents in Yellowknife and throughout our Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker.

Throughout the last two-and-a-half weeks here we have been talking about development and some of the impacts coming from it and, of course, there were a lot of negative impacts that comes from it, and a lot of...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I guess once we identify ourselves as say an economic development agreement or a similar type region, what typically happens with a lot of these agreements is that we offer low interest loans or even no interest loans to stimulate the businesses, Mr. Speaker. I was wondering if the Minister had had any thoughts towards that area in terms of this strategy, in terms of stimulating our regions and our businesses. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Minister is absolutely correct; that was my reference in the question earlier.

Mr. Speaker, mahsi cho. Today I want to address the issue of business opportunities. Everywhere in the North right now people are beginning to look ahead to the construction of the Mackenzie Valley pipeline. However, if we in the North are going to benefit from the opportunities the pipeline project is expected to bring, we need to be prepared, with businesses up and running for when the ball starts rolling. The opportunities that are expected to come will be diverse.

Construction of a pipeline will require a wide range of services, not all of them directly related to pipeline construction...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to get clarification from the Minister. Did the Minister say that some of the money would be earmarked towards the business development centres in the regions? Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister for providing an adequate breakdown of where we’re at with the process. My other concern, Mr. Speaker, is that the priorities are northern priorities and not direction from Ottawa where to spend the funding that they have allocated for us, for this year or, indeed, if, as the Minister says, that we start allocating on April 1, 2005. I just want to get assurances from the Minister that any of the priorities will be priorities. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. I just wanted to ask the Minister with regard to the federal northern strategy funding that came from DIAND earlier this year, at what stage is that funding in our system, so to speak, Mr. Speaker? Thank you very much.

I would like to thank the Minister for his answers, Mr. Speaker. That’s an immediate concern. As well, he did bring up the mental health position. Perhaps I can ask the Minister when that will be filled, as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess the contention here, Mr. Speaker, is that there was quite a bit of controversy when they cancelled the programming that was run by the band. We had asked to extend it as long as possible and they did, but they assured us of a smooth transfer, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to ask the Minister again how soon will the community of Fort Liard be getting an alcohol counsellor? Thank you.