Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Looking ahead, June 21st will be Aboriginal Day. I just wanted to take a moment to talk about that day, in particular here in the NWT and across Canada, when Indigenous people across this nation are trying to reflect upon their history and look forward in terms of trying to determine their place in Canadian society and, on a big important front, our place in the world. I just wanted to reflect in my language in terms of seeking some points for people to consider as they gather during the summer.

[English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to wish...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, I think the Minister answered my second question. It was whether the terms would outline the possibility of building upon the successes of the A New Day program to see if there are opportunities for outreach. It has been pointed out that sometimes people, especially men, can't access the program because they are incarcerated.

There should be some efforts made to try to see if they could have an established program, as an example, the North Slave Correctional Centre and, at the same time, looking within the possibility of maybe, in the long term, seeing if this program...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, as part of the Standing Committee on Social Development that was tasked with doing the review and seeking a public process and consultations on the two key amendments that were being proposed, first, of course was JK and the other one was on the instructional hours, I know the report has been done. I thank my colleagues in the House for bringing that report, and I understand we're going to keep talking; more likely the substance of the report later on, but for the most part, what was troubling for me was to hear parents, the quote right off the bat was just, I...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I just wanted to take an opportunity to seek some clarity and understanding and ultimately seek reassurance that the spirit and intent of this program has not been affected. My understanding, with the previous speaker recalling Mr. Simpson, stated very clearly that vision that the groups had in terms of coming together, in terms of trying to address the very big issue of family violence in NWT. The program that was conceived, developed, and established was operating ineffectively and unsuccessfully, from my understanding.

The recent meetings with some of the...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge Mr. Jeffery Philipp, who is a recipient of the 2017 Order of the NWT. I am very proud of Jeff today. Jeff was born and raised in Fort Providence and now lives in Yellowknife with his family. Jeff built the North's premier broadband technology company, SSI Micro. Jeff and his company have helped many organizations throughout the NWT and Nunavut, such as a computer lab for the Deh Gah School and contributions to Northern Youth Abroad. Jeff is also a strong advocate for consumers' rights. Congratulations, Jeff. Mahsi.

Recently, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, and I had an opportunity to speak with teacher Rebecca Aylward and her senior high school students at Chief Sunrise Education Centre on the K'atlodeeche First Nation. The students' names are Edmond Bugghins, Selena Bugghins, Shawna Sabourin, and Trinity Cayen.

These bright students asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of MLAs and about issues and concerns facing their community. The students are approaching graduation and have some concerns about their community. They are concerned about limited employment...

The Minister has stated that there is lots happening in terms of dealing with the crisis that we are facing in the NWT. One reality that we are facing is that, within the period of a year, we will likely see the legalization of marijuana. Perhaps that could precipitate statistically more people using marijuana and perhaps enhancing the problems that we already have. With this government, at that point, I would seriously consider the idea of a treatment centre for the North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I made a statement on behalf of students from the Chief Sunrise Education Centre on the Hay River Reserve. They made the remark and noted the devastating impacts that alcohol and drugs have had throughout the NWT society. So my questions are to the Minister of Health and Social Services: could the Minister update the House in terms of just what it is that this government is doing, along with the First Nations, in terms of determining the future needs of the old treatment centre that has been situated on the reserve, and would it serve a purpose...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Cost and Availability of Childcare

We heard that Bill 16 would negatively impact families by creating irregular childcare demands, e.g. professional development days throughout the year and after-school care for JK students. Although the government proposes that JK will fulfill its mandate commitment to explore options for free play-based care for four-year-olds, and that parents of JK students will be able to enter or re-enter the workforce sooner, costs, availability, and potential lost-work time remain stressors for families. Further, JK is not childcare. Childcare is...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the students that we work with on the reserve have this question in mind, and most likely all residents of the NWT. Perhaps this is the opportunity for the Minister to directly respond to this question to the students and people of the NWT. The question is: why will the GNWT not support a treatment centre in the North for the North? Masi.