Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would again like to raise current issues surrounding the monitoring and enforcement of the COVID-19 orders established by the Chief Public Health Officer. I continue to receive numerous calls about persons, businesses, and visitors not following the Chief Public Health Officer's orders in the community of Hay River. I have been informed time and time again that we continue to have drug dealers and others snubbing the orders while we put these people up in hotels at this government's expense.

In addition, the community is experiencing an influx of southern workers who...

That's good to hear. I know that's been ongoing for several years, so hopefully, it will come to fruition. The next question or comment: in some of the regions or smaller communities, one common theme is a location where artisans can showcase and make their work available to the public. Fort Liard is a community that has a beautiful building where local art is showcased and placed for sale. We need that type of facility in every community. Will the Minister commit her department to work with a community organization willing to provide space for artisans to work out of and showcase their art?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've got questions for the Minister of ITI. Can the Minister tell me: what is the departmental budget for assisting artisans working from home, more specifically those who create artwork and traditional crafts? Also, is there an equity requirement to access grants, and is there a requirement to have a business licence? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is important for Indigenous people to pass down traditional knowledge. Would the Minister commit to work with the Minister of ECE to support and develop the grant program beyond what is in place, without a requirement, to artisans willing to teach their children or grandchildren or extended family the craft? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I'm not sure I have any more questions after that. Anyway, the main issue for artisans in the South Slave is access to materials such as beads, stroud, and, more importantly, naturally tanned moose hide. This government has talked about a tannery building for a number of years, but this has not become a reality. I ask the Minister: is her department willing to identify and work with a proponent in the South Slave to build a tannery?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have noticed on social media the availability of Indigenous traditional artisan products has diminished, and I am not sure why this is. For myself, I do not have the talent or vision that these traditional artisans possess. However, the creativity of these artisans truly amazes me. It is important that this government provide meaningful support to the artisans of the NWT. Not only do they create beautiful products, they keep Indigenous history alive.

Mr. Speaker, over the years I have had the privilege of meeting many of the artisans whose creations are displayed, not...

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just thinking about it, I am hoping that we can encourage a lot of northern people to use the facilities and move around the territory. I would suggest that, if it is nominal, then it's something we probably won't really miss, and we can mark it up as COVID dollars. I would recommend that we actually eliminate the fees for this year. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I can wait until we get further down. That's all for now.

Thank you, Madam Chair. That is all for now, thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd just like to get an idea of where we are with respect to oil and gas activities or planning. I understand we have a number of people on staff who deal with that, so I'm just kind of wondering what they're doing and if we're actually doing any work in that area. Thank you, Madam Chair.