Robert Bouchard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In follow-up to my Member’s statement about the important sector of fishery in the Hay River area, I will have questions for the Minister of ITI. Typically we have a fall session for the NWT Fishermen’s Federation. I would like to get an update on the infrastructure program that we are looking to do to upgrade the fish plant in Hay River. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This week is Small Business Week, and Hay River being one of the communities that I think is strongest in business, I’d like to make some of the statements about some of the products and services.

One of the industries that is definitely needed in Hay River is the Hay River Fishery. We’ve talked about this in this House before. The Hay River Fishery and the Great Slave Lake Fishery needs assistance. We’ve been working with the Department of ITI to look towards opportunities in the future. We’ve been looking at infrastructure, but we need to continue to work on training...

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. Minister Abernethy.

Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the guests into the Chamber.

Mr. Minister, can you introduce your guests, please?

I’d like to call Committee of the Whole to order. I’ll go to the Minister of Health. Do you have any witnesses to bring into the Chamber?

Thanks, Mr. Speaker. With that opportunity in Alberta, has the department looked into and discussed with the Alberta fisheries the opportunity that we could exchange some information, exchange opportunities, whether it’s training or maybe encouraging some people to come up here to maybe fulfill some of the quota to market NWT fish? Thank you.

Also in my statement I talked about training and convincing people to go back into this industry.

What can the Minister indicate to me that they have done as far as business opportunities and business training that would encourage people to get back into the industry? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize a constituent, Mr. Kevin Wallington. As I spoke of small businesses, he is a small business operator, Polar Eggs. I’d also like to acknowledge a couple of other people in the gallery, Mr. Garth Eggenberger, a good friend, also a business owner; and former Hay River resident Nicole Latour. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. I’m just wondering: is that percentage, or that amount, has it gone up over the last few years, or has it been maintaining? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize a constituent, a strong proponent for agriculture in the Northwest Territories and also the proponent for Polar Eggs, Mr. Kevin Wallington, and I also recognize Wendy Morgan, former Hay River resident and my adopted constituency assistant. I know she’s Jane’s, but she helps me out lots here too. Thank you.