Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For this Minister, I am trying to have some theme days in Hay River. She is coming to Hay River, I think, on the 23rd, and it's going to be small business. I also want her to show up to Hay River, and the theme day then will be agriculture and meet with people. Will the Minister commit to visiting Hay River to meet and discuss agricultural impediment with producers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Next question is: has the Minister commenced discussion with the Minister of Lands on how to address the need for lands dedicated for agricultural use in the South Slave?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The need for a strategy to advance economic opportunities and agriculture was identified in the 2013 Economic Opportunities Strategy. Subsequently, the 18th Assembly developed an agricultural strategy that looked to expand the agricultural sector, increase local food production, increase producer and supplier opportunities, and improve distribution networks for NWT food and food-related products.

Three terms later, this 19th Legislative Assembly continues on a path looking to increase employment in small communities, reduce the cost of living, increase economic...

No, I think that's all. I just want to make sure that fish are protected. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Is there a budget item or a budget amount for the policing? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I guess I just see the title, wildlife and fish, and I am just curious at what section the fish are actually in here. I see lots of fur-bearing type headings. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I guess I see forestry as a potential for development and a way to create jobs and that, so I also encourage ENR to work with ITI to promote it, because it appears to me that, I guess, living in the South Slave, I don't see a lot of harvesting going on; there is a little bit. I guess, in saying that, I would kind of like to know from the Minister: what activities, or to what extent are activities happening in the South Slave with respect to harvesting? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm just looking at page 81. Under industry development, there is a section on forest management agreements. Do we have any in place, and how many? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Can the Minister confirm whether she's prepared to address the need for legislation that will enhance and support an agricultural sector in the NWT?

Thank you, Madam Chair. The other one of the concerns that people had was that, like, I am not quite sure what the cost of the commercial lease would be, but would it equate to what it would be for an agricultural lease in Alberta, say? Thank you, Madam Chair.