Tom Beaulieu

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.

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

I don’t have anything further. I’d just thank the Minister for those answers.

Mahsi cho. Mr. Speaker, today I have questions for the Minister of MACA. Today I spoke about the many challenges my communities are facing regarding hiring properly trained recreation youth staff.

In response to my previous question on challenges in communities hiring trained recreation staff, the Minister of MACA acknowledges it was something that was recognized for quite some time.

I’d like to ask the Minister: Would he commit to following through with his commitment to meet with me to discuss these challenges, possibly redirecting financing to find solutions?