Kevin O'Reilly

Yes, thanks, Madam Chair. I know even in the last Assembly, the last official languages commissioner, there was some confusion over who the recommendations should actually go to and who is responsible for acting on them. And in some previous language commissioner's reports there was some criticism leveled at the Legislative Assembly itself for not acting on recommendations from previous reports. And I think there was some misunderstanding between the executive and legislative branches of government. You know, if recommendations from the official languages commissioner would come to the...

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that. I've talked here about, you know, the need to create more childcare spaces, particularly in communities that don't have childcare.

So can the Minister tell us what action needs taking now to create or ensure that new spaces are created in those communities that do not have childcare providers, period. And how is the Minister going to meet the demand for more childcare workers to provide universal and affordable childcare? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that, and I'm sure he's going to tell me next whether the money started to flow.

But I mentioned the provisions in the agreement that cap fee increases for operators to 2.3 percent annually. And, you know, this is in an environment where nationally inflation is running at 6.7 percent. Here in Yellowknife, 7.1 percent. The Minister's confirmed the increase is above 2.3 percent will be allowed when deemed necessary. So what's the definition, Mr. Speaker, of "necessary" and when would the Minister allow increases beyond the 2.3 percent...

Merci, Monsieur le President. It’s been almost six months since the signing of the federal territorial agreement promising $10 a day child care for parents across the Northwest Territories. In reviewing the issues of implementation and delivery of benefits, I regret to say that a lot of progress still needs to be made.

The biggest issues remain putting money in the hands of parents who continue to pay for child care after the deal was signed and creating enough spaces to meet demand. The rebate money has to flow through the child care providers to the parents, and that can only happen when...

In favour.

Merci, Monsieur le President.

I MOVE

WHEREAS Rule 9.2(3) requires that Members be appointed to Standing and Special Committees;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that the following Member be removed as an alternate to the Standing Committee on Social Development:

Mr. Jackie Jacobson, the Member for Nunakput;.

AND FURTHER, that the following Member be appointed as an alternate to the Standing Committee on Social Development:

Mr. Rocky Simpson, the Member for Hay River South;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the following Member be appointed to the Standing Committees on...

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Premier for that. Maybe I'm out of order here, but I'm trying to get a commitment out of the Minister to sorry, my questions are out of order. I'm just trying to get a commitment out of the Minister to actually share the background report, tell us who was consulted in this decision. And I didn't get answers to those but I'll try something else now.

So I've raised many times the inherent conflict of interest with one department acting as a promotor of resource development and then regulating rights administration and royalties at the same time...

Merci, Monsieur le President. My question's for the Premier as the head of the government.

I said I was caught by surprise by the recent announcement of the merger of Environment and Natural Resources with Lands without an opportunity for input from this side of the House or the public.

Can the Premier explain this decision and tell us what background information or studies were done for this merger and share that with us and the public? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I move that the chair rise and report progress.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. No, I appreciate the response from the Minister. I have no further questions. Thank you.