Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recently, I talked to the sister of a young lady who was murdered in Hay River a few weeks ago. The sister I talked to is also married to my nephew. This shows you how we can all be impacted by events. She understands that her sister is gone and is looking for answers to ensure that something positive comes from her sister's death. She requested that I ask the Minister of health: what supports are available for young adults between the age of 18 to 30 who may be fighting addictions or drug use as there appears to be a support gap in that age range? Thank you, Mr...

I had the opportunity to go through some of the government websites, and I noticed that there are quite a few toll-free numbers you can access to get support. I would ask the Minister: can she confirm how many calls are received on support lines, and how many of these calls are from Indigenous peoples? How many are from others? How many by community, and how is it determined if services provided by these toll-free numbers are actually working?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Addictions have a devastating impact, not only on individuals but on families and the community, as well. It is a difficult and sensitive issue, one that is hidden in the background, quietly discussed, provided some support, but never appears front and centre.

In the past several months, Hay River has had to deal with several events that included the tragic loss of local residents. The community has seen the hospitalization of others due to overdose and vehicle accidents brought on by alcohol or drugs. When events such as these happen, we immediately look to lay blame in...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The people of the NWT want a champion. They want a leader, and they want to hear from that leader. In this instance: the Premier. They want her to show leadership and create enthusiasm by providing relevant information in a timely manner, not only on COVID matters but, just as importantly, the economy. I ask the Premier: how will she accomplish this, that is, becoming a champion for the NWT?

This government has had a few problems with putting our message out to the public. The big one is the establishment of the Covid-19 Coordinating Secretariat. People were angry, and they let us know about it in no uncertain terms. I would ask the Premier: has she had time to reflect on this, and how will this government address the way we communicate with the public in the future?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am proud to say I was born and raised in the NWT. I was taught to respect all people, whether or not I agree or disagree with them, and most importantly, I was taught to be principled in my beliefs and to believe in others. What has this got to do with being a politician? I would say: everything. It reminds us that we are here not for ourselves but to represent those people who placed us here, the same people who are just trying to stay healthy, trying to raise a family, trying to put food on the table, and trying to keep a roof over their head.

Mr. Speaker, it has...

Mr. Speaker, various businesses throughout the NWT have been suffering financially over the last few months. Can the Premier confirm what communication strategy is in place to ensure that businesses are being heard and responded to in a timely manner?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Communication between Cabinet, Regular Members, and constituents is very important if this government expects to get most of our decisions right. COVID threw a curve ball at this government's communication plan. I would ask the Premier: now that we have a year behind us and we have somewhat of a track record managing COVID, how will she ensure that we get our communications back on track between Cabinet and Regular Members? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is unfortunate that we are here today. However, it should not come as a surprise to any of the Regular Members or Cabinet that we have this motion before us. Our constituents elect each one of us, and in turn, it is our responsibility to elect the Premier and Cabinet. It is also our responsibility to keep each Minister accountable and remove any one of them when necessary. We also expect Cabinet to be respectful and work as a team if government is to be effective.

Mr. Speaker, a decision like this is not one that comes out of nowhere. It is not one that is taken...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have lots of conversations, and that is kind of part of the problem. What we need is more action. To address the housing deficit in the NWT, it always comes down to money. What action has the Minister taken to address the issue of lack of funding to substantially address our housing shortage here in the NWT? Is the Minister applying any pressure on the federal government to access additional funds for housing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.