Michael Nadli

I did ask two questions. I wanted to ensure that  the first question wasn't answered. The second part of the question that I asked was clearly not answered, too. My third question, again to the Minister: what would be required to launch the Guardians program as a pilot project in the Deh Cho?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Yesterday, I spoke of the territorial parks and the increase in visitor numbers to all of our parks in the NWT. Communities are interested in building upon that opportunity. Is the Minister aware of the Guardians program I discussed in my Member's statement earlier today and the Indigenous Leadership Initiative request for federal funding? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister for his reply in terms of his interest in terms of the Guardians program and seeing it at least maybe having a glimpse of hope of seeing it realized in the Northwest Territories.

My final question: would the Minister commit to monitoring this issue and also write a letter of support and discuss it with other departments and Aboriginal organizations, how we might implement the Guardians program in the NWT? Mahsi.

Yesterday, the Minister had stated in the House about the Deh Cho parks and its advances and its scope is for recreational and economic purposes, so I am trying to scope within my questions at least the possibility of trying to advance territorial parks so that communities could be involved with it. Therefore, I am asking those questions.

My second question is to the Minister of  again, I don't think he answered my first question, but my second question: has the Department of ITI considered implementing the Guardians program in the Northwest Territories?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, a non-profit organization, has asked the federal government for $500 million over five years for a new nationwide monitoring program.

Mr. Speaker, the proposed National Guardians Program would send around 1,600 First Nations people out on their traditional lands to keep an eye on visitors, protect sensitive environmental and cultural areas, and help in case of emergencies.

Mr. Speaker, the former Premier of the NWT, Stephen Kakfwi, described it as an ambassadorial program, keeping people's eyes and ears on what's happening...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize two pages from Deh Gah School from Fort Providence. Nyssa Mackenzie and Shannan Bonnetrouge, along with their chaperone Trisha Landry will be here this week from February 6 to 9. I'd like to encourage my colleagues in joining me and welcoming them to the Legislative Assembly. Mahsi.

Mahsi. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho region is one of the most spectacular in the Northwest Territories. Our territorial parks are the first people reach when they enter the NWT from either BC or Alberta.

Between campgrounds and day-use areas, parks in the Deh Cho area offer a variety of opportunities for recreation and relaxation. We are welcoming increasing numbers of visitors and want to ensure they enjoy their stay.

The government has worked hard to improve parks infrastructure and visitor experiences. For example, parks throughout the Northwest Territories now have more...

I think the increase of visitors to the park is a great opportunity for this government, plus communities, as well. My question to the Minister is: how are Deh Cho communities involved in the development of parks and tourism in the region?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Recently, it was stated that there is an increase of visitors to the territorial parks all over the NWT. Now, those are great parks that we have, and we have six of them in my riding, so my question is: has ITI considered the possible links between territorial recreational parks and conservation areas? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would to thank my honourable colleagues for speaking before me on this very important matter. I want to take this time to offer my thoughts on the 201718 budget. As you know, my riding of the Deh Cho is made up of mostly small communities. I hope with my remarks today to represent the concerns of the people who live in my riding.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the budget should be about vision and leadership first, fiscal prudence second. It is very clear that our House is divided on the matter of fiscal priorities. On one hand, the Minister of Finance and...