Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It is well known that Indigenous children and families are over-represented within CFS. Further, while the number of non-Indigenous children in care has declined over the past 10 years, the proportion of Indigenous children has remained roughly the same, approximately 95 percent. The committee is also aware that many residents have observed or experienced parallels between involvement with CFS and the residential school system, particularly the very real fear of having one's children removed from their home and community by government officials.

During the public hearing...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the community of Fort Providence is very interested in the increasing amount of tourism that we are seeing in terms of small-community travel. My questions are to the Minister of ITI and Infrastructure: what actions have been taken in the last year toward getting a big sign erected to alert travellers that they are approaching the mighty Deh Cho? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last February, I had an exchange in this Chamber with the Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment, as well as Infrastructure. I pointed out that the sign by the highway that identifies the mighty Deh Cho as the Mackenzie River is a very tiny sign. I mentioned that, for visiting tourists, there is no information about the river and its rich history. Even its proper name, Deh Cho, meaning "big river," is neglected. I suggested that there should be a larger sign, a roadside exhibit, and maybe a picnic spot.

The Minister was very supportive of this idea...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have reached out to talk to Members of the Deh Gah Bridge Society and DIGAA Enterprises, and they are willing and very interested in making this a possible reality. When will the Minister instruct the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to develop a program for this sign project and seek input on the content from local governments? Mahsi.

What are the steps to getting a sign placed along the highway?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Jonas Landry, a constituent. A friend and relative, Jonas serves on the Northwest Territories Language Board for the Deh Cho, and also he is from Fort Providence. Mahsi.

The Minister has agreed that a big Deh Cho sign in the roadside park is a good idea. I am thinking that it is the government's job to initiate projects like this on the road system. Will the Minister confirm that he will get this job done?

The department is doing some very important work on oral health for infants, children, and youth. I don't want to take away from that, but I am also mindful of adults in need. How is the department taking action to improve adults' oral health in the NWT?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke about the situation in Fort Providence of dental services, or the lack of dental services. My questions are to the Minister of Health and Social Services. You know, we are elected here to serve the interests and the well-being of the public and ensuring we provide efficient programs and services. With that in mind, can the Minister sketch out for us the way that dental services are delivered in our small communities, including responsible parties, and how this compares to services in regional centres and in Yellowknife? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister did state that dental services, providing services to the community of Fort Providence, is really left up to private clinics. Can the Minister assure the residents of Fort Providence that, clearly and definitely, he will have a role in ensuring that private clinics do provide dental services to Fort Providence as soon as possible? Mahsi.