Sandy Lee

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wasn’t expecting to come back to the line-up so soon, but I’m pleased to have the opportunity. I have some questions to the Minister on his opening statement. The first one is to do with the early childhood development. Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Social Programs made quite a lengthy comment about the positions that committee Members have on this issue. I think it’s not always the case that Members from small communities and larger communities agree on an issue so solidly, and this was definitely one where all Members in the committee were able to present...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. After I have complimented on his ability to speak French, I was hoping for a firmer commitment on the part of the Minister. May I ask for the Minister to write a letter to all of the Ministers or employees, or make some sort of a public statement reminding that department? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was trying to save time by offering the Minister to provide this information in writing or in another form, but now that he has read it, I think that really speaks to how absurd and how nonsensical the way we are reporting our budget is. Under this other expenses, it has everything from money to buy a pen and pencil and a chair, to providing subsidies to citizens for wood. Other expenses is just a big, huge basket and there has to be a better way for the Department of Finance and government in the way they keep the books so that it enables us on this side of the...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can I get an indication as to what the time frame is that he has instructed his staff who is getting information for him? I think the Minister mentioned that there is partnership going on with the college board and such. I’d like to know from the Minister at what point we, as a committee, would expect to see him get back to us as to his findings. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have another motion. I move that this committee recommends that a quantitative evaluation on grade extensions be undertaken to ensure that not only are our students accessing senior secondary schooling in their home communities, but moreover that they are graduating with the quality of education that allows them to be successful and competitive if and when they pursue post-secondary studies. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. May I get some information on that fee payment for $17 million, as well as the contract services and further breakdown of other expenses for $4 million? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table a document which is an invitation to tender put out by the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, the Honourable Michael McLeod; a tender for 22 mobile homes in which it states that the Government of the Northwest Territories business incentive policy will not apply. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wonder if the Minister could make a commitment to just look into that. I guess the schools will just have to raise the money in other ways and do more fundraising than they have done in the past. I think the money was usually used for school activities. If the Minister could make a commitment to get back to us with the figures, I would appreciate that. Thank you.

I am done with that item. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I should just state that I was right next to Mr. Roland for the last four years arguing for fiscal prudence and I’m behind him all the way. It’s just that when we have to deal with raising taxes and giving a little bit of a million dollar break on a $50 million windfall, I think we have to reconsider that.

Mr. Speaker, my next question is on the $3.5 billion contaminated sites budget and to hear that 65 percent or so will be coming to the Territories. Could the Minister advise this House as to any further information as to how that money will be spent? What do we have to...