Michael Nadli

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.

Thank you. I want to ask the department again in terms of trying to encourage our students to go on to college and university. What is the department doing to encourage more students to take on a challenge? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In all our communities we’re seeing the happy faces of high school graduates. Across the territory there will be about 400 grads. I’m especially proud of the graduates in Deh Cho communities.

Graduation rates are increasing but we still lag behind the rest of Canada, especially in our small communities. Even so, there are more opportunities than ever as technology and communications have improved so much in remote communities.

It is a big step in our lives to go to college or university. Many students may feel that it’s too expensive, but it is an investment that pays...

I’d like to thank the Minister. For this fall, just recently there were some realities that came out in terms of facts because attendance was cited as a concern. What plans does the department have to address those concerns on attendance rates for this fall? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this point in time in the North, we make it very clear to encourage our youth to go on to post-secondary education. My question is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Our Student Financial Assistance Program is a very good one here in the Northwest Territories. I wanted to ask, the subsidy that the government provides to students has not increased for some years. I know this has been under review since the 16th Assembly. I would ask the Minister what is SFA likely increasing by. How much? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to make the point that I think, as we move with the negotiations of the devolution AIP, I know in the end I think the goal is to make sure that the government has an inclusive process, so that there is at least a successful understanding in terms of how things are going to work. My interest is to ensure that, as the former NDP leader said, we don’t leave anybody behind. For those purposes, my intention is to ensure that this leadership at least gives it a good try to address some of the fundamental differences and the challenges. If we are very skillful...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have two questions, but I will just forego one in the spirit of trying to meet at least a timely transfer of closure here as we move on. I refer to the term “culturally appropriate care.” What does that mean?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A few years ago the Department of Executive put together some pricing samples for basic goods across the Northwest Territories. A bag of flour, 2.5 kilograms, costs $4.15 in Yellowknife, $7.17 in Fort Simpson, $7.79 in Fort Good Hope, $8.25 in Inuvik and $8.94 in Tuk. I don’t know exactly how much flour costs in Fort Providence, but the good folks at the Bureau of Statistics tell us that our prices are at least 21 percent higher than Yellowknife’s.

If we’re going to make bannock, we need to mix the flour with lard and water, maybe some sugar. If lard costs $4 or $5 in...