Norman Yakeleya

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services about the health care assessment that could be done in the Sahtu communities, specifically in Fort Good Hope where an increase of cancers are being diagnosed by the physicians either in Yellowknife or Edmonton or even in the Inuvik area. Can the Minister let the people know in Good Hope that there will be proper testing of the people who are afraid that they may be getting sick or they may have some other illness that they should be aware of and getting it treated right away?

I want to share with the Minister my written questions here. So that was leading up to my second question. Can the Minister tell me when can the Sahtu see such a program like a dental therapist coming into our communities that can do prevention? Otherwise, we’re going to have this come up in the House again in February. So when can the Minister advise me and the people in the Sahtu that there is going to be some plans in place to look at dental therapists in our communities, in our schools? Then I can say, “Good government.”

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services on the dental services in the Sahtu region. Last month the dentist was in Tulita. They were booked from morning to nighttime and one person wanted to see the dentist, but because it was so booked they put the person on the cancellation list, and the cancellation list was so long that this person had to wait until 19 people had cancelled their appointment before she could get in and see the dentist. I want to ask the Minister what type of plans does his department have to see if they can have a full...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m very hopeful in hearing the Minister’s words that if there is some interest or some need that we need to look at some legislation to support the Anti-Poverty Strategy initiatives, that we could have a look at it and, of course, that will support the goals of the Caucus priorities to see where we need to move away from some of the issues that are brought forward. I want to ask the Premier if he would put out a call or discussion paper or something that would now begin to bring in the key people to start working on this Anti-Poverty Strategy for some finality within...

There are various interpretations of the definition of poverty. There are forums on how to tackle poverty in the Northwest Territories. I want to ask the Premier, in his work that is before him with the anti-poverty organizations and communities, does he have an indication as to when a strategy will be completed that will have further discussions with Members from this side?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d also like to recognize two staff members from the MP’s office, Joy Newton and Josh Campbell. I’d also like to recognize our honourable colleague David Krutko, a former Member of the House here. I’d also like to say how happy I am today to see my wife and my son. I love you both.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank my colleague Ms. Bisaro for bringing this motion to the committee level and receiving support to it today where we had a theme on anti-poverty and I was very happy to offer my support to second her motion.

This is a very important piece of work that is not yet completed by some very dedicated people in the Northwest Territories that see that this is a doable thing within the life of this government or within the Northwest Territories and more so raise the issue of the poverty situation in our communities in the Northwest Territories.

Ms. Bisaro touched on...

I look forward to the report some time in 2012. As part of the report, has there been any type of discussion on any upcoming legislation that would support the strategy for the anti-poverty for the North?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement I talked about growing up in Tulita – at that time Fort Norman – as a young boy and what we had to do to support each other. I guess my question is probably to the Premier.

We didn’t know what poor was until we started to have some measurement of what other people had that we didn’t have. We supported each other. I want to ask the Premier if this government is working on a definition of poverty for the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was thinking about the Member’s statement I’m going to say this afternoon and I’m thinking about growing up in Tulita with my family. I want to start my Member’s statements from one of my uncle’s visits. He often talked to me over the time that he was alive in Tulita. He said if you wanted something done or you wanted something for yourself or your family just go and do it. Don’t rely on anybody. You have two hands, you have two ears and you have a mind, and thank God that he’s going to make use of you today.

Today people may be wondering why I’m starting my Member’s...