Kevin O'Reilly

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I appreciate the assurance then that the Minster has provided, that there's no changes or cuts that are being proposed to energy efficiency and conservation programs from the department. Maybe just one general comment if I may, that next time we have interim appropriations, which may not be for another four years, past my life, or all of our collective lives, that if there are significant variations that fall below the 25 per cent, it would be helpful to get those explanations provided to committee. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Earlier we heard from the Minister’s opening remarks that this is a status quo arrangement for the first quarter of 2016-2017. I just want to ask, for ECE, for where income security programs are located. The Minister also mentioned that, on average, the first quarter spending for each of the departments is about 31 per cent, but can the Minister tell me whether income security is at that level or if there is any variance there. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I guess what I'm trying to sort out here is that we're not looking at making any cuts to energy conservation, energy efficiency programs that are offered through Arctic Energy Alliance or even our own internal programs for energy efficiency within the government in the first quarter. I just want to get that assurance from the Minister. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the Premier again for his response. It sounds like climate change is going to be a major theme at this First Ministers’ conference. I wonder if the Premier could make a commitment to report back to the Regular Members about what happens that the important meeting, and perhaps table a report in the House.

Thanks, and I want to thank the Minister for his response and I would encourage the department that when they do reach out to talk to the mineral industry about these guidelines that they be inclusive and include other interests including Aboriginal governments, environmental organizations, and so on. Thank you. I look forward to getting the information from the Minister.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, the Premier made a statement about a First Ministers’ meeting that is happening in Vancouver. This is an important meeting that he is going to. It's the first time in six years that the First Ministers have actually gotten together, and I'm sure I can say on behalf of all the MLAs that we're really glad that he is going and it's an important meeting. I'm wondering if he can tell the House, though, how he will be guided by the recently amended and adopted the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2016-2019. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I'm just wondering who the department intends to engage with in developing those guidelines. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I too had the pleasure of greeting some of the midwifery representatives over the noon hour. It was early in the last Assembly when after much advocacy, work began on establishing a strong regional and capital city midwifery program. There were demonstrations, petitions, letter writing, and other campaigns. A commitment was made to expand the Fort Smith program to Hay River, the Beaufort-Delta, Behchoko, and Yellowknife. A start was made and we have since seen progress in Hay River and Fort Smith. In July 2015, the Minister said that the next goal was to move forward with...

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to follow up on a couple of areas here that I've raised in the House around the Liabilities and Financial Assurances Division that's located in the Department of Lands. I just want to get some assurance from the Minister that there is funding in the first quarter of 2016-2017 to continue the current staff complement in that division. Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. In the Department of Justice interim appropriation, I believe there is continued funding for programs related to family violence, and I'm just wondering if the witnesses can confirm that there is indeed funding for the first quarter for the New Day Program that's run out of the Tree of Peace. Thank you, Mr. Chair.