Tom Beaulieu

Mr. Speaker, today I have questions for the Premier or the Minister responsible for reducing the cost of living — the cost of living for communities in the Tu Nedhe in the area of food, fuel, power and gasoline. The cost of living is extremely high in those areas. An example is that in order to reduce the costs themselves, the people would supplement their food by hunting. However, the cost of gasoline is so high that people are unable to do that.

I’d like to ask the Minister if there is a plan to address the problem on a short-term basis. A lot of the costs of living are laid out. The...

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

I seek unanimous to finish my statement.

Unanimous consent granted.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve just a short question. Would the Premier look at other jurisdictions, specifically for the reduction of food costs, where they have communities where there is fly-in?

I would like to ask the Premier if he could give me an idea of the time frame they’re looking at to have some sort of impact on the hydro strategy and the energy programs.

The MLA from Nunakput advised me that a tomato has doubled in price since then.

Interjection

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

Mr. Speaker, I just advised the people of Tu Nedhe I had some concerns with the budget that would relate to some of the issues I wish to work with.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask the Premier if they’ve examined any sort of subsidies that other jurisdictions might be using to reduce the cost of living.

And it’s the same one, yes.

Laughter.

Thank you to the Minister for that answer.

Mr. Speaker, I pointed out the successes that we all are aware of in the trades program. Just look at all the apprentices in our community. Would the Minister commit to supporting the recreation director-type position and the trades apprentices-type approach or possibly working with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to reinstate the Public Service Career Training Program?

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize Arthur Beck, a chaperone. I would also like recognize the two pages from Fort Resolution, Tu Nedhe: Kelley Lizotte and Peter Beaulieu. Arthur Beck is also the Vice President of the NWT Métis Council.