Michael Nadli

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke about a traditional economy and my questions today are for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. In small and remote communities there's a heavy reliance in terms of traditional foods where people have to supplement their diets and their income by taking on traditional economy and so it becomes a very critical and integral part of the community's economy. How is this government investing in the promotion and protection of traditional lifestyles? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take the time to say a few words in my language about the late Daniel Sonfrere of the Katl'odeeche Reserve, who passed away August 24th, a week shy of his 98th birthday.

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There was a feast and honour of the late Daniel Sonfrere's funeral and many people travelled to Hay River to attend his funeral. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What are the findings of the Department of Transportation on the reasons for the increasing deterioration of the road conditions? Are they unique to the North and how would the Department of Transportation address them? Thank you.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister responsible for the Department of Transportation. Can the Minister provide an update to this House on the plans for maintenance and improvements on the Northwest Territories highway system? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. No further questions.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister did state that the department is looking at some best options in terms of addressing the need for improvements in maintenance on the highway system, so this could be a long shot, but my closing question is: would the department consider the options in terms of currently using chipseal versus the idea of maybe down the road examining the serious merits for using asphalt versus chipseal? Mahsi.

I would like to thank the Minister for his very terse and brief reply. My second question is what is the plan for the repairs and improvements for the section of most concern, between Behchoko and Yellowknife.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is a beautiful place in northern Canada. We have the second largest river in North America and several of the deepest lakes in Canada. “Wild” and “pristine” are words we use to describe the North in the promotional materials to draw in visiting tourists that may either fly or drive north. Mr. Speaker, I went home on the weekend and drove from Yellowknife to Fort Providence. I understand that summer time is the time when repairs and construction for our highways take place. I came across intermittent stops for construction. I ask...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I’d like to seek clarification in terms of the intention of the community health programs. There’s cited an amount of $200,000, Fort Providence Health Centre. Can I get some clarification on that? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. No further questions.