Tom Beaulieu

I guess I’m asking for a change of policy, which would be long term. But at this point in the year and the importance of the construction season, can the Minister direct his delivery staff in the regions to set aside issues pertaining to land arrears as far as tax and leases go for the delivery to our seniors’ households? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, while the issue of land tax arrears has been affected by many things in the past, including negotiations where small communities have been told this is Dene land, you don’t have to pay taxes and leases, as you can see, Mr. Speaker, this issue is very complex and the NWT Housing Corporation should not wait until it’s concluded before delivering programs to seniors that need programs so badly.

Mr. Speaker, during the appropriate time I’ll have questions for the Minister of the NWT Housing Corporation. Thank you.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to acknowledge Tony Whitford and recognize him for all of his tireless work working for the people of the North, working for the Assembly and I think that Tony did truly work for the people of the North. It seemed like everywhere I travelled -- I have been to all of the communities in the North also -- everywhere I have travelled, it seems like people know Tony.

I don’t even know how I got to meet Tony, actually. One day I just knew him. Maybe that is a way in which Tony presents himself to people. It seems like when you meet Tony, you actually already...

For the Housing Corporation to be able to address the size of the problem with coordinating issues pertaining to senior households, can the Minister separate the seniors’ core need issues from the rest of the households like families and single peoples’ core need issues and do that as a top priority? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Mr. Speaker, in my Member’s statement I spoke of the NWT Housing Corporation delivering programs to seniors and the tax and lease arrears being a deterrent to that delivery. I would like to ask the Minister of the NWT Housing Corporation some questions. Can the Minister change the policy of the repair programs so that land and tax arrears will not adversely affect the approval of seniors from obtaining repair programs for their units? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, I have always spoken in the House about the government putting as much support as possible for our youth. They are our future. Also, Mr. Speaker, I advocate that this government, in delivering programs to seniors, must do it in a respectful and timely manner.

Mr. Speaker, I feel this government must pay more attention to our seniors when delivering their programs. One of the programs that I speak of is the delivery of housing repair programs. Right now across the NWT, our seniors are going through a lot of hardship...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the GNWT, we work on several projects with the communities whether it be a community council or a band council. Does the GNWT have a plan that updates all of the newly elected officials soon after their election on the initiatives and projects that are occurring in those communities? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask the Premier what supports are in place for the GNWT to assist these organizations, newly elected officials and their organization, with capacity building and training of the elected officials? Thank you.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a new chief and council of Lutselk’e. Chief Antoine Michel and a new council were officially sworn into office on May 7, 2010. Mr. Speaker, I had an opportunity to speak with Chief Michel about various issues and projects in Lutselk’e. We talked about many things we want to see for Lutselk’e. It was especially good to hear that he wants to improve programs and services for the people of Lutselk’e.

Mr. Speaker, Chief Michel has been the Lutselk’e First Nation chief in the past and more recently a councillor at...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public review of Bill 5 on Monday, May 17, 2010, in Yellowknife. Committee members thank the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill. Committee also heard a presentation by Mr. Manual George regarding Bill 5 and would like to thank him for taking time to present his thoughtful comments.

The bill repeals and replaces the Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupations Certificate Act. It provides a framework for certification of apprentices in designated trades and trainees in designated occupations.

Foll...