Michael Miltenberger

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will make a commitment to check with the deputy, so we can ask the Sahtu staff and the board to confirm what is available and if there are gaps in the areas that the Member has mentioned. At that point, I would be able to talk with the Member further. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that work is underway across the Territories. We look at the resources we have and the needs that are there for the various facilities and communities and types of equipment. I would be happy to get for the Member the capital requirements for the Sahtu, both large capital and small capital and equipment, then we could have the discussion on a more informed basis. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the community of Hay River is to be commended for their proactive attitude. We're working with communities, for example, that do energy plans for all communities because it's a very important area that has a huge impact on communities. As we go forward with this particular initiative, we are going to be working with communities and regions on a community-by-community basis as we look at how services are structured in their particular region or community. So I would ask if you'd bring forward the detail of what you're asking, we will look at it, we will...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am proud to announce that this week the NWT is hosting its first ever STOP TB conference. The aim of this two-day conference is to educate our frontline health care providers about diagnosing, treating and preventing the spread of this infectious bacterial disease.

The tuberculosis rate in our territory has remained five to 10 times above the national average over the past decade. It is especially troubling that TB rates are highest among our aboriginal population. The disease spreads through the air and can infect anyone. As Members know, this can be very serious...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member has the document. I am not quite sure what the question is. I have indicated that we have identified, in some parts of our operation, we have to pay better attention and be more diligent in how we apply the contracting processes. We are going to do that. I would suggest that, as we bring forward in our accountable way how contracts are let and what contracts are let, we should hopefully see an improvement. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the deputy has been tasked and quickly recognizes the need to follow-up with all of the CEOs and the various authorities to review the processes and appropriate procedures and ensure that they are put into place on an ongoing basis. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we're aware of some of the concerns in Liard, as the Premier has brought the issue back from one of his trips there. It's similar concerns that have been raised in Providence, with the animals in the communities destroying property and such. We're looking at some options such as possibly having to destroy a number of the animals to get them out of the community, as well as other ways to try to keep them away. So we're looking at some of those options, keeping in mind that these bison are, I believe, in danger and we have to be careful how we proceed...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the work on the plan is underway. We're trying to address a number of species, including barren land caribou, the woodland caribou, as well as the bison in its various herds. I anticipate that before spring we should have a document that would be ready to go. Prior to that, we'll be able to circulate some drafts. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we're working on the document, and part of the plan when we have something of substance to take forward is we will do the consultation with the Member and the communities to ensure that we're on the right track and that we maintain a collaborative approach. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have the pleasure of recognizing some folks from the constituency. Some are here for the budget address. Jeff O’Keefe, Margaret Imrie, Alma McDonald and Steve Lafferty from the college. As well, we have two stalwart members of the UNW executive from Fort Smith, Mr. Brad Brake, second vice-president; and Paul McAdams, regional vice-president. Thank you.

---Applause