Kevin O'Reilly

Once again, thanks to the Minister for that response. I still have some carrots in my fridge, and I am happy to share them with the Minister, and he can pass them onto the Federal Minister as well. I could not find anything in the strategy about research and development into northern agricultural techniques and technology, or circumpolar cooperation or partnerships. Can the Minister tell me why research and development and circumpolar cooperation and partnerships are not found in the agricultural strategy?

Mr. Chair, I know we have gone on a long time. I think that the important point that I would like to make, for those who are watching or listening, is that this change to the oath will provide a link to the other sorts of tools that we do have available to guide Members’ conduct, including the Elections Act, and the code that is the subject of the next motion. It is weaving together all of these pieces, and including those in the oath, and I hope and expect that all the Members will support this motion. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Merci, Monsieur le President. My question is for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. My Member's statement there, I said there are no measurable targets or goals in the NWT Agricultural Strategy or the action plan. Can the Minister explain why there are no measurable targets in the strategy and plan? I'll give a couple of examples; an increase in agricultural production by 50 per cent in five years, or completion of food security plans for all communities within five years. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to request a recorded vote.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I would like to just go back to the fees here for a minute. Is there any possibility, then, that these airport improvement fees are going to go down in the future? How would that be done? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I don't think I actually got an answer, though. Is the Minister prepared to work with his Cabinet colleagues to change the Federal Engagement Strategy to include trying to secure federal investments in our airports? I think it is completely consistent with our mandate because, you know, looking at the mandate, they're talking here about strategic investment, diversification of the economy, transportation, lots of things in here. I guess I'd like to know whether he and his Cabinet colleagues are prepared to change the Federal Engagement Strategy to move airports out in the...

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I guess we're going to agree to disagree. Can the Minister tell us what sort of efforts he and his Cabinet colleagues have made in terms of trying to secure some of the increased investment or capital following from the federal government for specific improvements at the Yellowknife Airport? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. Thanks to the Minister for that response. So can the Minister just tell us a little bit more about why the department is not willing to consider a phase-in of the fees? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the comments from the Minister. We haven't actually disagreed on this since day one because it took a lot of prying to actually find out what this Economic Advisory Committee was actually going to do. Finally, we get a terms of reference. We gave advice to the Minister about how to try to make this more representative and inclusive. He just doesn't want to take it. I'm sorry. For those reasons alone, I'm not prepared to support the bill. I'll be voting against it. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I guess my first question is: I'd like to know from the Minister or staff what are the subsidy costs for other airports that we operate in the Northwest Territories? Thanks, Mr. Chair.