Rocky Simpson

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Basically what this amendment does is to freeze the wages or freeze the indemnity for this year until 2024, and there would be no increase. And I guess the reason that I brought the amendment forward is that you just you know, not too many minutes ago, we talked about how hard it is for people to survive in the Northwest Territories because of wages and the cost of living. And, you know, we've got to, you know, walk the talk as well. And, you know, as a politician, when I decided to, you know, to put my name forward, it wasn't about the money; it was about...

Thank you, Madam Chair. You know, there's been lots of discussion on the carbon tax, whether we should let it go and let it go back to the feds. And, you know so when I look at it, I guess I ask myself, you know, when it comes to the residents of the NWT where many are really considered vulnerable, is the carbon tax just? The simple answer is no. Like, we're reliant here in the NWT on fossil fuels and we and, you know, the cost of transportation, the cost of everything, is just that much higher. And for some reason the feds don't see it. But the reality is is that the legitimacy of the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to table the following two documents: Guidelines for the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements, Public Safety Canada; and, Public Safety Canada, DFAA Interpretation Bulletin Number 8, dated July 2017, Innovative Recovery Solutions. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, has the Minister's department given consideration on how property acquisition costs would be calculated if we were to proceed with them? Would it be based on fair market value or similar to what is currently being done under DAP. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the flooding that happened in Hay River last year was devastating to many. We saw some people lose their homes, businesses, incomes. We've seen the impact on mental health, physical health, and quality of life. In each of these items each of these areas come with a cost financially, emotionally, physically, and mentally. And as well, Mr. Speaker, the building season in Hay River is short so it's very important that the Minister and his department connect with those parties that I mentioned in my statement because they need to get after their solutions to...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the events of last years' flood is fresh in the minds of those affected, and questions continue to be unanswered for some residents when it comes to future mitigation.

Mr. Speaker, the community of Hay River is situated along the shore of Great Slave Lake and the Hay River. The reality is that a portion of the residential, commercial, and industrial area is in a flood plain and will always be subject to potential flooding.

Mr. Speaker, this government talks flood mitigation but does not appear to understand that it is not reasonable to expect a...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd just like to, you know, acknowledge the, you know, the comments I heard from the Members. You know, and I respect, you know, that they the comments, I respect the decisions that each make. You know, we're all here, I think, to do the best we can for the residents of the Northwest Territories. And if we all thought the same, we probably wouldn't be doing a good job. So I'm glad that we have diverse views, and that's what makes it work. And for this vote, I'd like a recorded vote as well, Madam Chair. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I move that Clause 2 of Bill 73 be amended by adding the following after proposed subclause 21(1)(1.1) notwithstanding subsection (1), the amount set out in parts 1, 2, and 3 in Schedule C shall not be adjusted on April 1st, 2023. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, March 30th, 2023, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Hay River North, that when this House adjourns on Thursday, March 30th, 2023, it shall be adjourned until Thursday, May 25th, 2023;

And furthermore, that at any time prior to May 25th, 2023, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, or at a time later than the scheduled...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's important that this government connect with the people that have been impacted because they're sitting back there, and they are dealing with Pathfinders and other people as well, who are doing a great job, but at the end of the day they want to be able to hear from the Minister, hear from, you know, deputy ministers as well.

So will the Minister commit to a facetoface meeting with those residents of Paradise Valley and the Riverview drive property residents to hear concerns and solutions on how to move these files forward? Thank you.