Tom Beaulieu

Mr. Speaker, in the latest detailed plan I have, the planning study was to be occurring in this fiscal year, 20172018, and then the beginning of the renovation in 20182019, so I want to ask the Minister if that plan has just been shifted one year and that is the only change.

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has become an unfortunate tradition of mine to do eulogies for the people who have passed from sitting to sitting in my riding. Today, I have two such eulogies.

First, I would like to speak of Marie Jackie Smith, born May 29, 1939, and sadly passed away on July 7, 2017, at age 78.

Mr. Speaker, Jackie came from a large family in Fort Smith, the Benwell family; and also a family in Ndilo who loved being around her. Jackie was a very kind-hearted person who loved to work hard for her family. Jackie wanted to make everyone happy, so she always took time around...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, clean, safe drinking water is important to residents of the NWT. The Alberta oil sands are a great concern for people as the water flows through the Slave River, which provides most of the source for the Great Slave Lake. I was wondering if, as a result of this MOU, there would be an opportunity for individuals who are concerned about their safe drinking water as a result of Alberta's tar sands to speak to this government on this MOU concerning safe drinking water. Thank you.

My favourite topic is always employment/labour for small communities. Would the MOU support and provide a benefit to the small communities insofar as employment goes?

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [no translation provided]. Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to do a tribute to the late Sonny David Drygeese of Detah.

Mr. Drygeese was born June 2, 1975, and sadly passed away on June 6, 2017, at age 42. Mr. Speaker, David was born in Yellowknife and came from a large family in Detah. The Drygeese family also has family in Ndilo who all loved being around him. David always had a smile and a contagious laugh. He was well known for his generosity and kindness. Mr. Speaker, his passion was for playing the traditional dene drum and...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I move that the chair rise and report progress. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

We have very high energy costs in many of our communities. I'd like to ask the Premier if there was any discussion about reducing energy costs as a result of this new memorandum of understanding or the renewed memorandum of understanding.

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I have questions for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to say happy birthday to our Premier first.

Mr. Speaker, just about 19 years ago now there was a memorandum of understanding signed between Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Recently, the Premier announced that that was renewed; last week, in fact. I'd like to ask the Premier some questions on that: what positive impacts will this MOU have on small communities in the NWT, specifically small communities that are within Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am more or less talking about individuals who already own their homes. What type of direct action has occurred between NWT Housing Corporation and perhaps the communities and regions, whatever way the money will flow, to try to get something going this construction year? We're moving into the construction season quickly here. I would like to know if there are going to be any units in the fall term, any units where a senior can say, "I think I have a home here that I can stay an extra 10 years," as an example.

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to ask questions of the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation on aging in place. Mr. Speaker, I recognize that aging in place is important. I think we also recognize that aging in place for individuals in our housing is important. I would like to ask the Minister if there have been any discussions or plans put in place for having individuals age in place in their own home, in their own communities? Thank you.