Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Love is in the House today.

---Laughter

I’ll continue mine with love for Highway No. 7. The government is sending clear messages that the Northwest Territories is open for development like never before. The mineral development, the Economic Opportunities Strategy, NWT Days in Ottawa and increased funding for tourism all show Canada and the world that the Northwest Territories is the place to invest. Yet, anyone driving north on Highway No. 7 from BC would wonder, do we really mean it.

Highway No. 7 is a gateway to the North. It enters the BC border to Fort Liard and to...

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I just want to say that I’ll be voting in favour of this motion. It certainly shows the seriousness of Members on this side that that old technology is just not working and we should give it serious consideration. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

So it’s in anticipation of planned extra travel in the new fiscal year, then, is it?

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I guess a lot of area has been covered already by my colleagues. I guess one specific thing that impacts my constituents and the Dehcho First Nation is the recent approach to the Protected Areas Strategy. …(inaudible)…even stopping the process right now, so that raises some concerns. As well, Grand Chief Herb Norwegian was asking about Edehzhie, the Protected Areas Strategy and getting that process continued. I think that was one of the ones that have to be considered, Madam Chair.

Those are my particular comments right now, Madam Chair, with regard to the...

Already our Fort Liard residents are utilizing the Fort Nelson health system on their own costs. Will the Minister also investigate the possibility of reimbursing patients in Fort Liard going to Fort Nelson, at least for routine care? They’re using the dentist, they’re getting health check-ups. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today in my Member’s statement, I spoke about our Health department working with the BC Health ministry and their northern health authority about having Fort Liard residents utilize their services.

I’d like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services, do we have a current arrangement with BC Health or any of its authorities currently? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I move that we report progress.

---Carried

No, thank you very much. That clarifies my question.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just in terms of details of travel, there’s an extra $100,000 in other expenses. Can I get clarification of that?

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I think the Minister is on the right track. Once we get an agreement, I think the travel between Fort Liard and Fort Nelson will certainly take care of itself.

Just once more, will the Minister contact the BC Health ministry and begin these discussions, as well as involve the community of Fort Liard and its residents? Thank you.