Michael Miltenberger

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Approximately $50,000 is for the public event in the Great Hall. This includes entertainment, photograph displays of the history of the Legislature, a time capsule and production of video of the event, which will be available to the people across the NWT. Approximately $40,000 is for travel and accommodations to bring in former Speakers, Premiers, Commissioners and Clerks. One of the events associated with the celebration is the unveiling of portraits of former Speakers and Premiers, which will feature prominently in the building. It is customary to invite the subject...

Mr. Speaker, the project that was called into question had already gone through a thorough environmental assessment process under the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act, which is federal legislation. That act came after the implementation of the Environmental Rights Act. When the Environmental Rights Act was drafted in the 1980s, in my opinion and from what I understand, it did not contemplate such legislation and was the only opportunity Members had at that juncture to raise issues. Since then, we set up land and water boards. We’ve had the environmental process and it was given a...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The issue of budgeting, first, for fires, we’ve had some modest increases to the base, and it’s come up a number of times. This particular year, last summer was very intensely dry, a lot of lightning, a lot of fires by significant values at risk, especially in the Deh Cho. The fact that we were competing for scarce resources, we had to bring in other crews, other planes.

As it pertains to the 215s, the Member is correct; the 215s are nearing the end of their best-before date and some would say they’ve passed that. We’re struggling to keep them in the air. Just with the...

Yes, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The letter has been responded to. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would ask if the Minister of Transportation could possibly respond to that.

Yes, Mr. Speaker. In fact, there is a position in Norman Wells that is dedicated to assist people to navigate those very specific program areas the Member mentioned. I will make sure to have a conversation with the deputy minister and the superintendent in Norman Wells. They are already engaged, but we will make sure they are aware of the concern expressed by the Member in this House.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have with me Mr. Ernie Campbell, deputy minister of Environment and Natural Resources. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are a number of programs that are application-based. The ones delivered by ENR are the Alternative Energy Technologies Program, which is about $300,000 a year. Unfortunately, that program already has a waiting list. It has been a subscribed Energy Conservation Program, which supports reduced usage of electro heat energies and water. Maximum grant contribution is $50,000 available. We are operating with a budget of about $200,000 this year. The Biomass Energy Program has a broad range of support programs to help people to convert to biomass. It is a $400,000 fund...

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents, titled 2012-2013 59th Annual Report of the Northwest Territories Liquor Commission, and 2012-2013 59th Annual Report of the Northwest Territories Liquor Licensing Board and Liquor Enforcement. Thank you.