Michael Nadli

It is pretty clear that there might be a strong case for us, perhaps, from the GNWT's perspective to make a trip to Ottawa and ask for more officers here because we have a big land mass, 1.3 million square kilometres, but also just fresh from the devolution experience. Are we contemplating the idea of more control and authority for the NWT? With that in mind, has the ENR Minister met with his federal counterpart to discuss our needs in terms of ensuring that we have additional officers for the NWT?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier, my statement was in regards to the Department of Fisheries and the responsibility of water and its resources. My question is to the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, and the question is basically founded on the reality that, here in the NWT, we have about 1.3 million square kilometres to watch over. Can the Minister inform the House of how many DFO officers actively work in the NWT to enforce federal and GNWT laws respecting water? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is this the natural evolution of how we have heard devolution? It is ongoing, evolve and devolve. I think again there is an opportunity for us to perhaps push the agenda further on terms of taking on more responsibility for water and resources. The Minister has stated that he has had discussions with his federal counterpart on this very idea of taking more responsibility from the federal government, so is there a timeline in terms of this government engaging the federal government in terms of devolving more responsibility, especially for water and fisheries, to the...

The Minister had indicated again that more communities could be able to access this program and that there are other smaller communities besides the City of Yellowknife and the larger regional centres. The question I'm interested in is, through the rest of this fiscal year, how will the Department of Education, Culture and Employment work with regions and communities, especially the small communities, to create new jobs, for example under the Small Community Employment Support programs?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, early in my statement, I had talked about the small community employment initiatives, so my questions are to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

In most of our small communities there's a description that caught my attention; it's called "non-market communities" and it's pretty true. Most of our small communities are remote and isolated and, of course, there is no economic market in those small communities, but for the most part our small communities have 50 per cent employment rates, are very strong in our traditional economy, and as I said...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at Deh Gah School in Fort Providence, high school students aren't only taking on the regular challenges of back to school, they're also thinking about their futures and the future of their community, and they're asking the tough questions that we need to answer to help the community thrive in the years to come.

Through their principal Shanna Hagen, the students brought me their concerns about meaningful employment opportunities in Fort Providence. As young people preparing to enter the workforce full-time, either after graduation or following post-secondary...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it seems that we have a lot of interest from our small communities in terms of trying to enhance and at least reinvigorate the economies in small communities, especially for people who are out of work.

The Minister has clearly indicated partnership arrangements, work in progress with various organizations, including the small communities. Before the conclusion of the sitting of this House, would the Minister be able to provide a status report in terms of some substantive figures that show that this program has impact and that we're lessening the unemployment...

The Minister clearly had indicated there's a big slant towards regional centres, and he just described that, and what this program was intended for was for small communities. What further changes will be forthcoming and when can we expect their implementation?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this week we are joined by students from the Chief Sunrise School, plus their chaperone Grace Sabourin. I would like to welcome them during this week. Sonya Sabourin and Sheena King-Sabourin as well will be working here this week. I also recognize and acknowledge Elder Pat Martel, K'atlodeeche First Nations Councillor and Chief as well. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to be back in the House after another brief and beautiful summer. I would like to begin this sitting by congratulating Margaret Thom, who was appointed by the Prime Minister as the new Commissioner of the Northwest Territories in June of this year.

Ms. Thom is a very distinguished appointee, who brings a lifetime of public and community service to her role as Commissioner. She was born in Redknife as Margaret Gargan, raised on the land, and has dedicated her life to caring for her family and community as an active educator, counsellor, advocate...