Michael Nadli

I was kind of expecting an answer like that. Recently, the K’atlodeeche First Nation took their own steps to establish an ice rink for their youth on the reserve, but they need help.

How are this Minister and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs that are responsible for youth going to help the reserve establish the rink before at least the winter sets in?

The 2014-15 Infrastructure Budget fails to meet the needs and investments in education of our youth. Youth need access to facilities and programs to help them succeed. They need a safe place to go after school and on weekends. Young adulthood offers a unique opportunity to discover where your interests and talents lay, and develop lasting skills in areas such as traditional activities, sports, arts and trades in a way we can only experience once in our lives.

Recently, I’m very proud that two young people from Fort Providence, Zachary Lesage and Alvin Minoza, took the initiative to come to my...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wanted to ask a question in terms of some clarity on the Dory Point reconstruction of the shelter that was there before. There’s been some speculation whether in fact it could be moved to the base of the bridge. Is that the plan or is that just speculation?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Certainly this department is one of two departments that have the biggest budgets within the GNWT system. At this point there are several projects that have been undertaken. One of them that figures prominently is in Fort Providence, the health centre. I understand that there is a lot of activity in terms of building a foundation and I think that’s on track.

The other area of interest is the Judith Fabian Wellness Centre that was recently opened. I would like to at least have the Minister explain just how it is that that model was reached, because as I understand it, there...

I think I had a moment of epiphany here, because what the Minister is telling me is that those responsibilities have been downloaded to those communities and they have the ultimate say. This is like devolution.

What obligations do the department and the Minister have in terms of meeting the needs of youth that are calling into these simple needs of establishing a BMX track or skating rink? What kind of obligations would the department continue to maintain? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had talked about needs for youth, and I am kind of reminded of a discussion that I had with the elders and one elder in particular. He was kind of wondering why land claims and big concepts take so much time. At the end of the discussion he said, well, perhaps you’re forgetting about the little issues. My question is to the Minister responsible for Youth, in terms of my statement, in terms of the news for youth.

Can the Minister provide a reply of hope to youth such as Zachary Lesage and Alvin Minoza, who are asking for help to establish an arena or an area for...

Once again, I’ll just build upon the Minister’s response and I appreciate his reply in terms of Dory Point. But I think the greater interest is in that area where traffic goes onto the bridge and the Dory Point site, plus of course if you’re travelling from south to north, the area is ripe for potential tourism activities. Is there perhaps a framework that the department is considering at some point maybe to be the basis of discussion with the community? Thank you.

Mr. Chair, I have one final question. I want to seek clarification in terms of just perhaps a decommissioning of the old health centre. I know there has been an expressed interest from various groups within the community in terms of the fate of the old building that has serviced the community since the 1960s, I believe. I know the department will play a role in determining if there will be a function for the old health centre. Has there been perhaps a process in terms of how the community could continue to be engaged and perhaps help out in the decision on the infrastructure that will remain...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I, too, would like to express and acknowledge the efforts of the Housing Corporation and the staff in terms of a lot of the fundamental challenges that we face up here in the Northwest Territories, particularly more so in the riding that I represent. It has always been a challenge just trying to meet the people in the homeless shelters interests and concerns. I think the Housing Corporation has come a long way and I look forward to at least the continued relationship with the management and the staff, so kudos to the corporation.

At the same time, there are two parts to...

Does the GNWT support the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission extending beyond July 1, 2014? If so, how has that support been expressed to the federal government?