Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. In the information sessions there was talk about a Section 35 consultation, which means consulting with Aboriginal organizations. This summer finds us with our annual assemblies. What are the plans for the Section 35 consultations with Aboriginal organizations? Mahsi.

Certainly, I spoke in my Member’s statement about how the Fort Liard public engagement session was deferred and it’s planned for next week. I’d just like to ask the Minister how his department is letting the communities know about the upcoming engagement sessions.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. It is clear that the people of the Northwest Territories have a lot to say when it comes to fracking, especially horizontal fracturing. That was true at the public engagement session on the proposed regulations in Fort Simpson and it continues to be true today. The people of my riding are eager for education, understanding and consultation. They have questions about safety, health, water security and fracking itself. I also know that the Dehcho First Nations and the Liidlii Kue First Nations have passed resolutions against fracking in their traditional lands. I support...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to follow up on my Member’s statement on the housing issues in the community of Wrigley. I’d like to ask the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation what kind of follow up is being done from the results of the 2014 Community Housing Survey, which prove what my constituents are saying about the dismal state of housing in the community of Wrigley. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Even though there was a recent survey, I really believe that Wrigley has got to be reassessed.

Just in general, I know that we increased our borrowing limit. I’d just like to know, is the Minister going to approach Cabinet and see if we can get additional money from our borrowing limit to help address infrastructure shortages in the community?

I’m glad the Minister, during our last tour which he attended with me in Nahendeh, knows that people were in favour of public housing. What is the Minister doing to beef up the role in Nahendeh communities that will result in more public and even better housing? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to point out the dire need for better housing in the community of Wrigley. When I say that housing in Wrigley is inadequate, I am actually agreeing with the NWT Housing Corporation.

A 2014 survey of community housing needs found adequacy problems with 38 percent of the community’s houses. This is worse than any other community in the Northwest Territories. Wrigley is also right down there when it comes to housing and core need; there are problems with adequacy, suitability, or affordability. Almost half of Wrigley’s houses are in core need, 46...

Thank you very much. Just specifically it’s for Wrigley, the needs of better stock of public housing.

I’d just like to ask the Minister going forward, what kind of plans does he have with the department in addressing the concerns out of Wrigley? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. We also heard about the great big dip around kilometre 169 or 161, that area. What is the plan to remediate the dip at that point? It’s quite dangerous. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I am very pleased to hear that. The sooner they get it done, the better. The Minister heard the residents complain about the dust. As well, from kilometre zero to 32 towards Fort Liard, is there any further planned rehabilitation work after kilometre 20 for this year? Thank you.