Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, too, speak in support of this motion. In the 17th Assembly, I think we laid some fundamental roots of at least the initiative that is before us today. My colleague had made reference to the Norway model in terms of the Heritage Fund, and just the gains in terms of the investment, in terms of ensuring that there is indeed a Heritage Fund out there that perhaps could be seen as a legacy fund as well. It’s an investment fund to ensure that we do set aside some of the revenues that we generate from these large natural resource projects, that they are invested for the...

How does the Environment and Natural Resources department plan to engage the public in information and planning sessions for wildfire protection plans and other forest fire preparedness activities?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. Can the Minister explain what is included in Community Wildfire Protection Plans, and why it is so important for community members to participate in updating these plans? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.This work in terms of the ombudsman has been something that the 17th Assembly had committed to work on, and I understand being part of the Government Operations committee at that time lots of work was committed in terms of ensuring the study of the concept of an ombudsman. A lot of research and background work was done. I'm quite pleased to ensure that this process continues to move forward. With the recent election that we've experienced, it was very clear that the public is demanding transparency in how we do the business of public government on behalf of the residents...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think my colleague has further explained needing to consider this whole initiative in ensuring certainty in terms of moving forward on this program and making it available to men, and also at the same time, addressing the whole issue of family violence. I think this is a step forward. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that Tabled Document 1-18(2), Proposed Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories, 2016-2019 be amended on page 27 by inserting the following words under “Taking Action on the Crisis of Family and Community Violence” section, “continuing the support for a healing program for men who use violence in intimate relationships such as the Wek'eahkaa, A New Day Healing Program.”

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What is Environment and Natural Resources doing to help the people, the Deh Cho, and the Northwest Territories FireSmart their homes and cabins for the coming season? Masi.

I would like to thank the Minister for his very terse and brief reply.

---Laughter

The people of Enterprise are particularly concerned about the forest fire protection for their community. I understand that communities forecasted to have the highest impact from wildfires are given the highest priority. When will the Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Enterprise be updated?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The people of the Northwest Territories will always remember the forest fire season of 2014. Drought conditions and hot, windy summer days sparked forest fires that burned over three million hectares of boreal forest, melted asphalt and road signs along highways, forced people to evacuate homes, and filled communities with dense smoke. When rain fell, it was black, and many people spent hours cleaning ash off their vehicles and other property. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the people of the Deh Cho, where there are usually the most fires, aren't taking any chances...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think this motion is essential in terms of the preservation and enhancement of the Aboriginal languages, not only in that respect, but also the culture that's also related to the language and culture of the Indigenous people of the NWT. You know, there's hand games that are growing in popularity among the communities of Denendeh. We just had one major one in Deline, and a few that have been organized before spring arrives. Then of course, in the summertime we're going to see more likely more hand games down the valley, and equally so our drum dances that are hosted in...