Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I read in the news that there were two separate environmental incidents tied to the oil sands in northern Alberta. Incidents that this government only became aware of yesterday.

Mr. Speaker, the Alberta energy regulator is aware of the situation and, on February 26, 2023, issued to Imperial Oil, an order pursuant to sections 113 and 241 of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. The order, which I will table later today, confirms that since May of 2022, there has been ongoing seepage of industrial wastewater into the environment and the released...

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah, you know, I think it is important that the public are engaged as well. And, you know, I think that it's up to the department or up to this government as well to make sure that they're the public are aware of, you know, how they can contact the RCMP, how they can provide these tips and, you know, what their role is. You know, they're concerned about liability. They're concerned about backlash and retaliation from some of the you know, the people who are, you know, moving the drugs, addicts and that. So, you know, we've got to ensure their safety as well so...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister confirm if there was any requirement for proof of vaccination either at the Arctic Winter Games or the Canada Winter Games, and if not, what was the reasoning for it? Both these events were outside the territories. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. With the increase in I guess or it appears there's an increase in drugs coming in the territories and, you know, increase in, you know, addictions and that type of thing. Is there anything in the budget incorporated to address that area because it seems like drugs are, you know, the big problem in all areas. It's you know, it's in it's in, you know, the health. It's in, you know, suicide. It's in violent crimes, all that. So I'm just wondering how much effort that the RCMP would be putting into that area now as we see that increase keep climbing. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm offing today, so. Mr. Speaker, the North American Indigenous Games will take place in and around Halifax from July 15th to 23rd this summer, with a multitude of sports.

Mr. Speaker, many Indigenous athletes and volunteers from the Northwest Territories have been looking forward to taking part in this event and, for some, they now find their dreams may be dashed due to a requirement to show proof of vaccination. It's the role of the 2023 North American Indigenous Games host society board and staff to ensure the games follow all policies and requirements...

Thank you. Also in the biology case work, I see a decrease there from 275 to 183, is that correct?

Thank you, Madam Chair. And how successful is it, I guess? Are we looking at potential expansion of it or contraction? Thank you.

That's all. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Can the Minister tell me if the caseload in Hay River is sufficient to warrant a you know, or to support a territorial judge at this time? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd just like to ask the Minister if the Hay River courthouse is fully staffed and what is the full staff complement that's required to operate it? Thank you.