Sandy Lee

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I do understand that these monies that were announced by the federal government on economic development, oil and gas and many other issues are not coming directly to the GNWT, but they are monies that will come to the North. I do believe it is incumbent on this legislature and the Cabinet to jump on every penny coming to the North and find the leakages so that we maximize our benefit.

There were lots of other areas, such as student financial support, where we know our GNWT program is under great strain. Any additional assistance...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Of that increase that is attributable to enrolment increases, could the Minister indicate as to the regional trend by the enrolment increase in major centres? Is it all over the Territories or is there something distinctive about age groups? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Keeping up with the work that we have been doing, may I ask the Minister for the breakdown on the other expenses for $2.9 million? Thank you.

Thank you. That concludes my comment on that issue. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. May I get a breakdown for the other expenses there, please?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. As I indicated earlier, we have in our presence the contestants for the Caribou Carnival queen, the princess and prince, and I would just like to call their names and if they are there if they could stand up and bow. Mildred Wilke, Jodi Wilson, Elisbeth Fossum, Chelsey Normandin; they are the contestants for queen. For princesses: Alaina Reyes; Blessing Tsar; Danica Wouters; Ramona Normandin; Karlee Turner; and, Stacey Grandjambe. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On that, the amount for the chargeback to TSC and systems and communications, am I to understand that TSC…I mean, it’s a little confusing here because TSC is within the mandate of this FMBS, but is that the money allocated for this section is charged for the services they use from TSC even though they are TSC? Oh, no, this is the money that directorate would spend to get the services from TSC. Then I would have to ask why it is that this directorate needs to spend that much money on TSC. What is the major work that they need from TSC? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In keeping with my notice that I gave yesterday, I would like to ask for the breakdown on the other expenses of $1.142 million. Also, maybe I should just add here that there were a couple of breakdowns for other expenses that I asked for under Finance. I appreciate that that department has been dealt with, but given that we have the same Minister here, I just want to get a commitment from him again that he will provide me with those breakdowns that weren’t provided yet. Could I get a breakdown on this particular number, please? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just a short comment. I do believe that the AOC committee report on the review of this budget was already read. One of the things that was mentioned there is the rationalization of a technology service centre, and I was one of the Members who felt that this was a positive step. The decision to amalgamate and centralize this function came about due to the nature of the work, where I am sure the rapidly changing technology made it necessary and made it sensible that there be some focused, central location where these services could be provided and there be some level...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have a short question, which has been introduced by Mr. Menicoche on the property taxes and school levies. May I get the information as to what portion of the increase between 2003-04 mains to 2004-05 mains, which amounts to almost $7 million, is coming from the diamond mines? Thank you.