Louis Sebert

The contract, Mr. Speaker, was for several million dollars. I don’t have the exact figure in front of me. However, I would be happy to provide it to Members opposite. Again, there may be some set-off if there are additional costs incurred by us for the late delivery. Again, I will certainly keep the Members opposite posted as to progress in this matter. Thank you.

You’re quite correct. There certainly has been a lengthy delivery in the delivery of these generators as I mentioned. The prior question, I am hopeful that we will receive them. I believe that the plan is that should there be additional costs, we will seek compensation from Virdi Power. There may be issues in being able to do because of Virdi’s situation, but there should be a set-off of any money that we owe them for any additional costs that we have incurred. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our government recognized the importance of moving toward a stable and reliable recreational land use regime when we committed in our mandate to completing the Recreational Leasing Management Framework and a plan for the Yellowknife periphery area. The first part of our commitment, to develop the framework, is now complete. The Recreational Leasing Management Framework was tabled in March, and on June 1st, I outlined the work needed to create a plan for recreational leasing in the areas around Yellowknife. The Department of Lands is now reviewing...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we want the NWT residents to thrive in a strong and healthy society, and there is no place in strong and healthy homes for family violence. In response to this goal, our government made a mandate commitment to strengthen initiatives and partnerships to prevent and respond to family violence. By working together we have made real progress in creating and supporting the programs that will help us achieve healthier communities and families.

The Department of Justice, along with the Departments of Health and Social Services, and Status of Women, all have...

Yes, of course, the Power Corporation is doing that. As I say, there is always the possibility of litigation for breach of contract, but I am not terribly optimistic as to how that would result. I will speak again to management at the Power Corporation and could perhaps, after that, privately address this issue more fully with the Member opposite.

Of course, the general legislation will come into effect in July 2018 which will deal with production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis. I understand that the regulation of edible cannabis products will follow approximately six months after that date, so we are going to have to see what that legislation looks at before we prepare a response. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes, we do realize that we do face some logistical challenges that other jurisdictions do not have, and we realize also that we do have challenges in addressing addictions of abuse of alcohol and drugs as it is in the Northwest Territories. We do recognize that some communities may want to have authority to regulate cannabis within the community. My concern, if we should follow that route, is that generally speaking it creates confusion and complexity if you have a patchwork of laws. It would seem to be generally speaking better, and I would have to wait to think about this further to discuss...

I do realize the importance of this matter, and I certainly will just be discussing this matter further with the Minister for MACA. I cannot guarantee what the result of those conversations will be, but I agree to undertake them. Thank you.

One of the things I can do is ensure that no more equity leases are granted because of the very confusion that the Member opposite has mentioned. As I say, there were many different interpretations as to the rights of the lessees at the end of the lease, and the obligations of the government also. There will not be any more equity leases granted.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I would like to recognize my wife, Anne, in the gallery today. Thank you.