Kevin O'Reilly

Merci, Monsieur le President. I wish to table the following three documents: Northwest Territories 2022 Living Wage Report; Northwest Territories Living Wage 2022 Plain Language Report; and a news release a Media Release and Infographics from Alternatives North dated today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Premier for that. Of course, I think that there are some changes required with the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and Bill C245 proposes a compact but focused set of changes to the bank that would clearly benefit residents of the NWT in terms of future funding and a clearer focus on northern priorities.

Has the Premier had an opportunity to review Bill C245, and is Cabinet prepared to indicate its support to federal parties and authorities? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I love Private Member's bills. I had one successful bill in the last Assembly and another before the House now. They are an important mechanism to advance policy and the public interest when Cabinet will not do so or has other priorities.

As easy as it is here to get a Private Member's bill to the floor, that's not the case in many other places.

I recently became aware of a Private Member's bill before the House of Commons in Ottawa sponsored by the Member, the Member of Parliament for ChurchillKeewatinookAski Ms. Niki Ashton, that has a good chance of getting to a...

Thanks, Mr. Chair. As I understand, we're having a few technical issues so I move that the chair rise and report progress.

Sure, thanks, Mr. Chair. When I look at the page 137 in the main estimates for Finance, it's $335,239,000. I don't think we want to short change them by $300 million. But, you know, we're always open to further changes here, so. But no, I think we just need to get that number right. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Thanks very much, Mr. Chair. I want to thank the Minister of Finance and her staff, and indeed all of our Cabinet colleagues, for these compromises and hard work that went into them. It's my understanding that Regular MLAs will reserve their comments on the budget to the appropriation bill that's expected tomorrow. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

In favour.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Premier for that. Great to hear that we're going to actually reach out and speak to the sponsor. And the over six years I've been a Member, I've never really understood the reluctance of Cabinet to meet and work with federal opposition parties, especially during a minority government, to advance the interests of NWT residents.

Can the Premier tell us whether she has ever met with leaders of any of the federal opposition parties, or their critics, or whether she has any intention of doing so before the end of this Assembly? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Premier for that. In my statement, I outlined the lack of clarity around the purpose, function, and priorities of the Canada Infrastructure Bank which are likely at the root of our inability to access its funding.

Can the Premier tell us what changes her Cabinet would like to see to the Canada Infrastructure Bank? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I move that consideration of Tabled Document 56119(2): Main Estimates 20222023 be now concluded, and that Tabled Document 56119(2) be reported and recommended as ready for further consideration in formal session through the form of an appropriation bill. Mahsi, Mr. Chair.