Norman Yakeleya

I want to ask the Minister, if he’s good with lyrics maybe he could write the song “How Do You Mend a Broken Heart.” I want to ask the Minister, in his estimation, working with this Cabinet on this existing liquor law, can we look at something maybe by, for example, the May/June session that we could look at contemplating a new Liquor Act that would seek the support of the Members, of course, and also for the Sahtu communities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to talk to the Minister of Finance on the liquor restriction that the Town of Norman Wells had a vote and it was lifted. It’s in effect. I want to ask the Minister if he’s willing to look at the regional approach to deal with opening this piece of legislation so that the communities within the Sahtu can have a say into the operations of the Norman Wells liquor store through the Minister of Finance.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to raise the issue of the Norman Wells liquor store restrictions that were lifted on February 1st. This is a life and death issue for my people in the Sahtu. Historically, when we lifted the restriction in the 1970s, several people in the Sahtu communities died because of the outcomes of alcohol. In addition to the other causes we know about, more violence and more crimes in the homes in the communities, suicides, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, liver problems and other alcohol-related deaths and injuries due to drinking.

We had people who couldn’t get jobs, who...

I want to say publicly I really appreciate the Minister taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the people in the Sahtu and hear face to face as to what needs to happen on certain issues. That’s really appreciated of this government to get the Ministers into our community.

Now, the Minister indicated to me that he will see when he gets back to Yellowknife how he can work with his colleagues to see what type of support he can get to enhance the on-the-land treatment program. It would be much appreciated. Can the Minister tell me any more than what he has already told the people in the...

Mr. Speaker, money comes and money goes. Look at the relationship at a moral cost to us on a government-to-government relationship. Are we willing to pay that cost for some short-term gains for long-term damages?

It’s a heavy cost to this government here. We could use the money, but how bad are we willing to not mend some broken hearts between us and the Gwich’in Tribal Council? That cost is more important to me, so that’s what I want to ask the Premier: What will he do, what can this government do? When it comes to a final agreement, do people in the Northwest Territories have a say in saying...

I actually have a copy right here, and the Premier was right on the priorities. We also have a goal for a strong and independent North built on partnership, and if we don’t have those types of partnerships, how can we build a strong and independent North? We only have a few of the partners on board.

I want to ask the Premier, when they’re looking at the Devolution Agreement, is the Premier and this government going to look at a referendum where people will have a chance to say this is a good deal or not a deal we should be signing?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to talk about the issue of devolution and the importance of this issue here in the Northwest Territories. In our communities we are not hearing enough on it. For example, once devolution, whenever it gets completed to a final deal, will it be a vote throughout the Northwest Territories to say yes, people in the North want this deal to go through, or will it be like in the last government where seven Cabinet Ministers said this is what we’re going to do, we’re going to sign it with the majority of the Aboriginal governments not participating or wanting our...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues.

WHEREAS Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, which marks 60 years since her accession to the throne on February 6, 1952;

AND WHEREAS Her Majesty the Queen will become only the second United Kingdom monarch to mark 60 years on the throne;

AND WHEREAS Royal Jubilees celebrate significant periods in monarchs’ reign and national life;

AND WHEREAS such important milestones in Her Majesty’s personal and public life should be celebrated widely;

AND WHEREAS such events help reinforce the sovereign’s role as a...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Thursday, February 9, 2012, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that the Legislative Assembly send the following message to Her Majesty:

Her Majesty the Queen, Most Gracious Sovereign, Queen of Canada:

We, the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories of Canada, wish to extend our sincere congratulations to Your Majesty on this year of celebration marking the 60th anniversary of your accession.

The people of the Northwest Territories have been honoured to welcome Your...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The municipality of Norman Wells held a liquor restriction vote and it was passed some time ago. On February 1st the Town of Norman Wells, the liquor store there will be open to restriction, meaning no restriction, meaning that anybody that comes into the liquor store can purchase liquor.

The effects of liquor and alcohol in our communities is devastating, especially to a small community. I want to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services to help us deal with the impact of alcohol and drugs and other issues that are going to be a problem, potentially hurtful for...