Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

Thank you. I guess I’d just clarify that. I was just looking at actuals for 2018-2019, and we jumped up to $448,000 and then the main estimates show $452,000. I’m just wondering what is the difference between the $332,000 and where that comes in. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister be willing to throw another $500,000 for grant money for the fishers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

I’ll ask the Minister: are there any funds that will be put towards ensuring fishers have access to safety equipment, such as the emergency position indicating radio beacons, which can help locate fishermen or vessels if something happens?

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions were going to be for the Minister of ITI, but listening to the Minister of health say “yes” all the time, I might ask her instead.

---Laughter

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

Thank you, Madam Chair. Well, I hope that all that excitement turns into dollars for us, so that we can get some programs and help the people of the NWT. I just want to turn to the friendship centres, I guess, and NGOs. The Premier talked previously about how we need to make sure that the dollars we are spending are providing a quality service and that there is accountability there. Well, I think we have to balance that, as well, with what we are requiring for accountability, because we don't want these NGOs to get bogged down in red tape.

To me, I would look at it and I think, "Well, if we got...

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

Thank you, Madam Chair. That’s all.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

Thank you, Madam Chair. Basically, I guess what happened, there weren't any hearings, or kind of, in that year, I suspect. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to talk about those board appointments as well. I do have a problem with them. I guess it's hard for me to understand that the DMs -- I suspect they have a lot of work; probably a full-time job. To sit on the board and, I guess, kind of, give direction to, say, it's the Power Corporation or whoever; I don't believe that's working. I don't think that they can give good advice.

I know that they all have experience in certain areas. Some of them probably have no idea about utilities, for instance. They probably try and do their best. I'll give them that. I think...

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

Does the Minister’s department work with DFO and/or the WSCC to ensure vessels are inspected and are seaworthy and have the necessary safety equipment to meet safety standards?

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said in my statement, fishing is one of the most challenging and dangerous occupations. As such, we must ensure that our fishers are provided safe working conditions and the tools to make that happen here in the NWT. My first question for the Minister of ITI is: the NWT fishing revitalization strategy focuses mainly on production of fish and is silent on safety; can the Minister confirm if it includes the supports to improve fisher safety, and, if so, what are those safety supports? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.