Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that the needs of small communities lack detail and emphasis in developing an energy strategy for the NWT. Will the Minister please explain how the territorial energy strategy will address the needs I have identified for Kakisa, for example, the frequent power outages, and, I am sure, other communities as well? Mahsi.

It is very encouraging to hear from the Minister that Kakisa is indeed on the radar. What is the Department of Infrastructure doing to help small communities develop more reliable and more sustainable options for generating electricity? Are they researching for useful community energy plans? Will the Minister commit to working with Kakisa on that?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Power outages are all too common in our smallest communities, which generally depend on a diesel plant to generate electricity. In Kakisa, loss of electrical power has caused frozen pipes and septic lines, and other difficulties.

In fact, Kakisa does not even have a generator. Its power comes from the Dory Point generator operated by Northland Utilities near the Mackenzie River; and Northland itself is a small division of a big Alberta company. Some power outages are caused by the weight of accumulated snow on power lines. Some are caused by...

The Minister's department has a lot of experience with pellet heating systems. Have his experts looked at the feasibility of a community heating system for Kakisa, and if so, what was the result?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had to think long and hard about what Minister is responsible for electricity in Kakisa. If we want to dial "E" for "energy," it is the Minister of Infrastructure who must answer the bell. I will start by asking him: who is responsible for innovative solutions to Kakisa's electricity problems? Earlier, I alluded to the frequent power outages. What funding is available for the necessary research? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

[English translation not provided.]

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I rise again today to express my respect and appreciation for the dedicated people who keep community fire departments operating in the Deh Cho region. These people undertake training, volunteering their time and risk their lives to keep their fellow citizens safe from harm. They are on call to work at any time of the day or night and often in the harshest winter weather conditions.

In addition to fighting fires, volunteer fire fighters in the Deh Cho communities such as Enterprise and Fort Providence also serve as first responders to emergencies on the highway. As if it...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is a rare treat to recognize constituents from my riding that are here today. First and foremost, I want to recognize Agnes Bonnetrouge, who has been a student, gone to university down south, and she is back home. At the same time, I want to recognize Sam Gargan, the former MLA, the Speaker, and the current mayor of Fort Providence and also an associate and a supporter of the Dechinta University and also member of the Dechinta University, as well. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance recently announced the initiative to advance the idea of a historical case unit. I want to understand: would the Minister of the Department of Justice know what role that his department will play in basically going forward with that initiative and how perhaps that process could provide a level of support and assurances to families of missing persons? Mahsi.

What is the status of the Northwest Territories Men's Healing Program? To the Minister of Justice, again.