Michael Nadli

With that, I want to recognize the Deh Cho students Grayson Somers and Joey Lacorne for being selected to the Canadian program, and Jeremy Landry for being selected for the international program.

Thank you to the Government of the Northwest Territories for its ongoing support for Northern Youth Abroad and becoming one of its 2011-2012 funding partners. Mahsi cho.

Thank you. What is MACA doing to ensure all recreation leaders and youth centres in the North have information about the Northern Youth Abroad Program? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today I talked about the wonderful achievements of the Northern Youth Abroad Program. In some respects it provides an eye-opening experience for the youth of the Northwest Territories.

My question is for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. How has MACA supported the Northern Youth Abroad Program over the past 15 years?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Northern Youth Abroad is a Canadian and international program marking their 15th anniversary this year. I would like to acknowledge that more than 70 Northwest Territories youth were participating, representing nearly every community.

Northern Youth Abroad gives young people ages 15 to 22 the opportunity to live and work in communities across southern Canada and sub-Saharan Africa while they gain high school credits, work experience and life skills.

Designed especially for youth in isolated communities across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Northern Youth Abroad...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s very encouraging that the Minister has indicated that there is a willingness to work with the communities. My question is: What are the possible barriers to both Enterprise and Kakisa operating local water treatment plants?

What are the nearest potential sources of drinking water for these communities, in particular Enterprise and Kakisa in terms of looking at potentially establishing their own services for their residents.

If you want to achieve real changes to the cost of living in our northern communities, we need to look at local solutions and develop unique approaches to the needs of our communities.

Has the department, at this point, considered trying to move these potential projects for the communities forward? Looking at perhaps entertaining the idea of planning to work with the communities and perhaps the Minister could highlight some of the problems in that area. Have there been talks with both Enterprise and Kakisa?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The 17th Assembly’s vision is to work towards individual well-being and empower communities. With that in mind, my question today is for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Why has the department chosen to truck water to Enterprise and Kakisa?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As residents of the Northwest Territories, we often take our abundant sources of high-quality fresh water for granted. Every year the Government of the Northwest Territories makes water and sewer contributions to the communities to operate standardized water and sewer services for all residents. Compared to people in many parts of the world, we are blessed, but I want to ensure we are getting the best value for money.

Enterprise and Kakisa, two communities in my riding, get their water from Hay River. The water is drawn from Great Slave Lake, treated at Hay River’s water...