Ronald Bonnetrouge

Mahsi, Madam Chair. I was looking at your production of granular materials, although I don't quite see a line item for it. I had a question in that area. I'm not sure if that's saying that the GNWT reduces their own stockpile for granular material because I would really hope to stimulate local economies in our communities along the highway systems, whether the department can consider working with local development corporations for the supply of the granular material. It creates much needed employment and ripple effect for the business opportunities to the mechanics and everybody else. It hires...

I'm assuming, since there are no line items for these coming up for 2021-2022, this program is defunct or no longer available? Mahsi.

Okay. Moving on to another one, it could be similar, but there is the First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care Program. I'm just wondering if this is where the personal support workers were funded, under this program? Mahsi.

Regarding that funding, I was provided a table where it showed funding that went to First Nations. Some of them were getting, like, $190,000 and stuff like that. Is that one-time funding to them to last them five years? Is that the way this is working?

Okay. All of my other questions are not budget-related, so I have no further questions on that. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I spoke to the fact that Enterprise is the first community on Highway No. 1 from the border. It's sad to say there is no visitor information centre at Enterprise. I mean, goodness, we have all the ITI staff in Hay River, all the business advisors, and no one is speaking tourism business opportunities to the Hamlet of Enterprise. This is potential employment for the residents of Enterprise where there are limited jobs. Can the Minister commit to having all available staff meet with the Hamlet of Enterprise to realize the tourism marketing potential and associated businesses...

I am aware of ENR and ITI being into the community, but that was strictly to discuss another issue dealing with an AWP. The ownership of the gas bar, the convenience store, and the motel creates the jobs for residents of Enterprise, and it's always going through different ownership throughout the years. This is a really great business opportunity for the hamlet itself since no one else would be able to take it on. I am just wondering if it's possible for ITI and MACA officials to meet with the hamlet to discuss the options available for the purchase of this business opportunity with the help...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The Hamlet of Enterprise has approximately 120 residents; five businesses, including a motel, convenience, and gas bar. The businesses mostly cater to out-of-town requests for service, businesses such as a plumbing and heating contractor, cabinet supply company, modular home company, and the furniture cash-and-carry business. There are a couple of small, niche businesses such as Winnie's Dene Art Gallery and D'Arcy Moses Fashion Design, both in the same building that used to house a former cafe and gas bar.

Mr. Speaker, one would think this was a vibrant and happening place...

I don't have any further questions, Madam Chair. That's wonderful to hear that, that they would consider that. Mahsi.

I have no further questions, here. Mahsi.