Michael Miltenberger

We will fund the programs we are directly responsible for to the best of our ability. As well, we’ve taken on new initiatives like the water strategy and the proposed land use framework that’s currently under development. Those are all being dealt with under our new strategic initiatives. We, of course, are committed to working with the federal government and all the other stakeholders to make sure we continue to work, once the election is over, for adequate funding for the regulatory regime that’s in place.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As the Member noted, the Dettah road reconstruction is out there somewhere. It’s not readily apparent over the next number of years, but we appreciate the comment.

On the issue of a protocol for environmental sustainability ratings I’ll have to ask at the appropriate time for Mr. Aumond to reply to that. Clearly, the issues of energy efficiencies and the long term value we’re going to get for the money we are spending on the capital project are very important ones in this day and age. I might ask, Mr. Chair, with your indulgence, if Mr. Aumond might add a few comments...

Mr. Speaker, very clearly there is a link. We’re going to do the analysis, look at the gaps and address our specific recommendations on going forward, as well as raise some of the concerns that we do have with the McCrank report. We expect and anticipate that it will be thorough.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Highway No. 7 is on the books for the next four years — $10.6 million, roughly $2 million a year. That funding is now coming out of strategic initiatives.

The Trout Lake Airport extension was removed as one of the choices made because of the physical challenges, which we’ve tried to explain to committee. We are continuing to look for funding so we get it back on the plan. We know the need is still there, and it will make its way back. At this point, though, we are pursuing funding.

I don’t have any information before me on the renovations for the health centre, but by...

I’m sure there are some very pointed questions that have some possible implications here. I want to be careful. This negotiated contract process was followed. It was supported by the Gwich’in in Inuvialuit, the mayor and the folks in the region. It’s within the Gwich’in Settlement Area, where we have an agreement for contracts. It has followed due process. It was brought forward through the appropriate channels and was approved based on the support from the Inuvialuit, Gwich’in, MLAs, the mayor and all the required community people.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the Member’s comments about the process. To try to address some of the issues that we’ve now talked about, I would just like, for the record, to note, if I could — it’ll take me about 30 seconds — that the Deh Cho, between 2009–2010 and up to 2011–2012, will be getting, according to this, $20.806 million; Hay River riding, $74.320 million; Inuvik Twin Lakes, $138.225 million; Mackenzie Delta, $2.745 million; Monfwi, $7.295 million; Nahendeh, $10.3 million; Nunakput, $12.360 million; Sahtu, $49.976 million; Thebacha, $28.610 million; Tu Nedhe, $7.365...

No.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just to reaffirm, the issue of the evaluation process will be dealt with as we come forward with a full package of recommended changes that are going to be brought forward by the infrastructure committee.

The issue of equity among communities and regions is, of course, one of concern. We want to ensure that we are trying to meet the needs in a fair way. I would like to point out that we do have a $28 million infrastructure agreement and contribution to the communities that’s done on a base plus formula. It now gives communities a significant amount of money that they’ve...

Last year was for a portion of that $115 million.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have with me Ms. Margaret Melhorn, the deputy minister of Finance and FMB; Mr. Michael Aumond, deputy minister of Public Works and Services; and Mr. Russ Neudorf, deputy minister of Transportation.