I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a comprehensive response to this report within 120 days.

Thank you, Madam Chair. On Thursday, May 31, 2012, the Standing Committee on Government Operations presented its Report on the Review of the Human Rights Commission’s 2010-2011 Annual Report. The report, which includes two recommendations, was read into the record by the chair of the committee and a motion was passed to move the report into Committee of the Whole.

The committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Mary Pat Short, the outgoing chair of the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission, and Ms. Therese Boullard, the outgoing director of the Human Rights Commission...

I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a progress report and implementation plan for the committee’s recommendations concerning access to information and protection of privacy presented in the House between 2008 and May 2012 before the fall 2012 session of the Legislative Assembly.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this committee recommends to the Government of the Northwest Territories to undertake a comprehensive review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the role and powers of the Information and Privacy Commissioner and bring forward a bill during the first two years of this Assembly. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories, in consultation with stakeholders, implement access and privacy legislation for municipalities and bring forward a bill during the first two years of this Assembly. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the Minister for providing us an overview of how it is indeed possible for communities to try to at least establish their infrastructure. My question is: Is there a willingness or departmental commitment to ensure that yes, indeed, these infrastructure projects could be realized? Is the department willing at this time to commit to at least meet the communities’ needs?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today I talked about the role of the hamlet councils in our communities. I have, in my riding, some communities that have clearly expressed their aspirations to try to be more independent in terms of trying to provide critical services to the communities. I wanted to ask the Minister what are the steps in how it is that these local community councils could undertake to address issues with trying to repair or build vital service infrastructure in the communities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My follow-up questions are directed to the Minister responsible for seniors. [English translation not provided.]

I wanted to ask the Minister what kind of current programs and services are available from the GNWT in the interest and care of elders.

I wanted to thank the Minister for the general response. Currently the elders population is fairly low with the number of elders over the age of 65, but with the current estimates, I believe within 10 years those figures will dramatically change and we’ll have an increased population of elders. How is the government preparing to try and meet the needs of elders at that age? How is this government preparing for that eventuality?

[English translation not provided.]