Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me whether these positions will be under the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority or under the NT Health and Social Services Authority? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, that's my understanding that they were reprofiled and that the positions are probably only going to be for one year maybe. And I'd like to see, I guess, multiyear funding for it. So I'm hoping that, you know, the Minister will look at that, and I'd ask her if the department is actually looking at funding for those two positions so that they are ongoing and multiyear. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you know, I guess when we're talking about people who are, you know, crying out for help, we have sort of the middle component. We have a lot of programming. You know, I don't dispute that. And, you know, and I try and encourage people to you know, to take some of that programming or talk to counsellors. And we also have access to treatment centres, albeit that they're put from down south; they're not here in the territories, but we do have that. What we don't have is the front end which is the detox centres or beds. We need something for these people...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate that answer. However, you know, when somebody comes to me, and they ask me to take them somewhere, they want you know, they want to detox, you know, I've got to respond, and I've got to try and help them because it could be between you know, a matter between life and death. So, you know, to say that, well, not all people, you know, require a bed in the hospital to detox is maybe correct, and I agree there's other forms. But I think it's important that, you know, we have those places available. And I find that in the community we need them. Mr. Speaker...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd also like to recognize the Kole Crook Fiddlers. And I'd like to recognize, even though they're not here, they were here, Sumara Wilson, Jackson Fuller, Blair Engdon, Linda Duford, Darcy Deloriea, Navia Beck.

I'd also like to recognize Mr. Lou Sebert, a previous MLA, and a fellow lawyer as well. And he could just as well be sitting here next to me, and I wouldn't mind it. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. You know, it's good to hear that because, you know, here in the last few weeks, you know, we've been talking about youth and all the things that we should do for youth, and so it's time for us to, you know, walk the talk and step up to the plate and that's providing them the services that they require.

So the other issue another issue here is and I've talked to youth in and parents also in Hay River, about access to facilities. And I'm finding that some of the Indigenous children, and maybe some that are at risk, don't feel like they're being served. So, Madam...

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the Children and Youth Resiliency Program is a meaningful program but it's severely underfunded. Will the Minister commit to look at the current funding allocation and potentially increase it to an acceptable level? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the Kole Crook Fiddle Association is committed to teaching not only youth but people of all ages the art of playing the fiddle and other musical instruments. It is important that this government support not only sports but the arts as well.

Therefore, Madam Speaker, will the Minister commit to considering a proposal from the Kole Crook Fiddle Association for a threeyear funding agreement that would provide longevity and support for the excellent work they do for our youth in the NWT? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, this is a little more personal I guess. Will the Minister let us know how proficient he is in the art of playing the fiddle and if he will be taking part in the fiddle jamboree? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, this past four weeks my Member's statements focused on those issues residents of Hay River have concerns with and that have implications for the continued existence of our community.

Madam Speaker, one must realize, and as long as I can remember, the community of Hay River has relied on the presence of marine transportation infrastructure, whether for commercial fishing or the transportation of goods and equipment. Without a navigable harbour and channel, we may well lose our ability to provide a service that, for decades, has sustained our community and...