Tom Beaulieu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These people aren’t in the gallery, but I want to take the opportunity to recognize two Pages from Lutselk’e, Helena Marlowe and Alex Rabesca, and also their chaperone, Evelyn Marlowe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’d like to thank the Minister for that response. Mr. Speaker, in the community of Lutselk'e, I have been advised that there are people in the community that know the lake very well and that they’re able to assist in any such construction that this government or any industry was prepared to venture into. I was wondering if the Minister could commit his department to working with myself and members of Lutselk'e to maybe start to do some of the footwork that’s necessary to develop a winter road on the ice across Great Slave Lake. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I talked about getting a winter road into the community of Lutselk’e from Yellowknife. I have questions for the Minister of Transportation. I spoke about low water levels throughout the North and some uncertainty with the barging system. For whatever reason if the barge is unable to get into Lutselk’e to deliver the goods this coming summer, does the Minister have any sort of backup plan in place in case there’s anything wrong with the barges?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am going to read the report, the Child and Family Services Act review.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I will be talking about Lutselk’e and their desire to have a winter road to the community from Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, here in the NWT we have many communities that are isolated with no road access in and out of their community. These communities know all too well the challenges of living in their isolated communities. Lutselk’e is one such community. However, Mr. Speaker, unlike many isolated communities, Lutselk’e does not have the benefit of a winter road.

While residents in other communities can drive in and out of their community anytime they wish to in the...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Committee wishes to consider Tabled Document 66-16(5), NWT Capital Estimates 2011-2012, and do the Department of Justice and Human Resources and, time permitting, Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to return to otem 6 on the Order Paper.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mr. Speaker, I spoke about the approximately 125 kilometres of road that is usually in place to service the exploration at Thor Lake. I was wondering if the Minister will commit to work with the community and industry to complete the winter road from there to Lutselk'e, which has many benefits to the community: cost of living, stuff that they can’t normally get in unless they are able to fly it, and that’s the community members. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The committee recognizes the health and welfare of families are influenced by a great many factors, many of which fall under the control of other divisions of the Department of Health and Social Services, or other GNWT departments altogether. Much can be achieved by taking a unified approach to improving services that often have a profound influence on child welfare.

68.

The Department of Justice must increase its support for legal aid, and ensure access to legal aid for children and families involved with child and family services.

69.

The NWT Housing Corporation must:

de...

So, Mr. Speaker, it is within reach, and with the cooperation of industry I believe we can finally get a winter road to Lutselk’e.

Later on today I will have questions for the Minister of Transportation on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.