Michael Nadli

I’d like to thank the Minister for pointing out that there is at least an engagement with elders of the Seniors’ Society, in terms of trying to prepare for the eventuality that indeed we will have more elders perhaps within the next 10 or 20 years in terms of population, my next question is in regard to the federal government’s recent discussion of raising the retirement from 65 to 67. What’s the position of the GNWT on that?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to rise and thank the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that has done some tremendous work to bring to light the experiences of our people that have gone through the residential school.

I, too, went through the system. I kind of wanted to shed light in terms of some looking-forward philosophy.

One of the things that has really created a big imprint in my life is just re-learning the aspects of our culture. One thing that’s very prominent in my mind is the legend of Yamoriah and the story of creation and how this land was created. I always felt that...

I’d like to thank the Minister for that. I’d like to ask whether the Minister has discussed with the leadership, in terms of a timeline of how this process could work for all parties to ensure that there is a committed timeline to achieve the establishment of a water treatment plant in Enterprise.

Mr. Speaker, earlier I made a statement on one of the communities that I represent: Enterprise. Enterprise, of course, is aspiring, like every community, to try to be independent and to try and create a local economy so that services at least are available to every citizen in Enterprise. My question is to the Minister of MACA. What support is there from MACA to provide communities to include basic infrastructure such as water supply? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister if he would commit, at some point, to meet with the local leaders of Enterprise to discuss their aspiration of establishing a water treatment plant.

I wanted to ask the Minister what kind of options there are. Are there at least some parameters to ensure that the community’s aspirations are achieved? At the same time, whether there’s a path of at least a workable solution that the Minister can commit to the community in terms of working with them.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to highlight a small but very enterprising community in my riding. The hamlet of Enterprise, with about 100 people, is known as the gateway to the Northwest Territories. The community is located about 90 kilometres into the Northwest Territories from the Alberta border along the Mackenzie Highway at the turnoff to Hay River.

Enterprise is the first community highway travellers see when they enter the Northwest Territories. Many stop to picnic beside the scenic Hay River or pay a visit to Winnie’s Restaurant, a friendly place offering delicious home cooked...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. At this point, I just wanted to reiterate a couple of points. First and foremost, as we kind of forge ahead in terms of trying to get the government operational, I think this exercise is very interesting, at least for myself. This is my first budget that I’ve been witness to in terms of how the government operates. Despite the move forward, there are still some aspirations of communities that I represent, some real capital infrastructure needs. Communities are wanting to become more independent in terms of trying to be self-sustaining communities. Recently I talked...

Thank you. My question is, agriculture seems to have been cited as a very important potential for us to develop an industry so that we support our farmers that would like to make a living, at the same time to ensure that Northerners are independent to grow their own food. I know this government has committed to develop an overall Northwest Territories economic strategy. How does agriculture fit in that strategy? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of ITI. I’ve been a strong advocate of communities for some time. Recently we highlighted the cost of goods in terms of bringing goods from down south and making it available to communities. Our communities are really relying on subsistence activities at the same time and whenever they can they grow their own gardens.

My question is to the Minister of ITI to see what programs exist to support initiatives such as schools undertaking to ensure that people grow their own foods in the community. Mahsi.