Michael Miltenberger

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document, entitled “Errata for Tabled Document 22-17(5), Northwest Territories Main Estimates for 2014-15.” Thank you.

No, Mr. Speaker. I’d have to ask the Member to refresh my memory. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I agree with the Member; this is a serious concern. We have an initiative to work with communities through FireSmart, the communities across the North, all those in the boreal forest. Some are more advanced than others. The intent is to work with all communities to look at those types of plans. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, I will move that Bill 12, Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Act, be read for the first time. Thank you.

I am as happy to say yes to this fourth question as I would be happy to say yes to the first question. Yes.

We work at this on an ongoing basis, so most communities are at different levels of activity when it comes to those particular plans. Once they’re in, then the issue becomes maintenance, which tends to be problematic in some cases, especially given the rate of regrowth. In others, we are just struggling to find resources and use existing resources and fire crews, if they’re not busy, to work with communities. I don’t have the set schedule before me, but we do tend to get this done and maintain it. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents, entitled “Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2013-2014” and “Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2014-2015.”

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just very quickly, as legislators we have responsibility for the whole 360 degree range of programs and services that we have to deliver as a government. The budget we have presented to you spends every dollar that we have, plus we’re borrowing, all for good programs.

The intent of the motion is not one anyone argues with. The need is one that we know there are still challenges, but we also have to live within our fiscal means. We are in a choice business. It is too easy for some Members to say if we choose, we can just move $2 million somewhere else in a budget that is...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, as well, would like to take an opportunity to recognize some constituents, an opportunity that doesn’t often befall out-of-Yellowknife MLAs, Vance Sanderson, Leah Desjarlais and Ria Coleman. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, that Bill 8, Write-off of Debts Act, 2013-14, be read for the second time.

This bill authorizes the write-off of debts in accordance with the Financial Administration Act.