Wendy Bisaro

That was, unfortunately, the answer I expected. I know that rent caps are a very controversial issue. The landlords don’t like them; tenants do like them. But it also creates a diversion in the marketplace, and I can understand why they’re not currently in place.

However, to my suggestion of an ombudsman, I think there needs to be some sort of appeal for tenants. I’d like to know if the Justice Department has considered creating an ombudsman’s office to hear appeals from residents where no other avenue of appeal exists. Thank you.

Considering the very tight rental market in Yellowknife at the moment and considering the rent increases that constituents are facing, I would like to ask the Minister whether or not there is anything in current legislation that limits the amount of a rent increase by a landlord.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to follow up on my Member’s statement with some questions for the Minister of Justice.

Considering the very tight rental market in Yellowknife at the moment and considering the rent increases that many of my constituents are facing, can the Minister advise if the proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act will address the issue of limiting rent increases?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues.

One hundred thirty-five affected positions is not a last resort, in my estimation. I’m left feeling that the government has acted in a high-handed manner: job cuts already in place and funding for programs deleted as of April 1, well before the budget is approved.

The following quote appeared in a northern newspaper last month, and I have to agree with it: “It” — job cuts — “would imply that the decision-making process is being done outside of the formal budget process.”

Yes, it was only notification of possible job losses, but the public...

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize two fairly distinguished ladies in the gallery today: Lydia Bardak, whose official title is managing director of the John Howard Society and coordinator for Community Justice, Yellowknife, and also a city councillor for the City of Yellowknife; and Arlene Hache, who represents the Centre for Northern Families.

It’s a relief that, finally, I can talk publicly about the 2008–2009 budget. As a new MLA, the development of this budget has been an interesting and thought-provoking experience but, unfortunately, not one I wish to repeat if the process and the outcomes are the same.

Last December this Assembly agreed on goals and priorities and sent Cabinet away to produce a budget for us based on those goals. I had high — some would say naïvely high — hopes that I could have some influence on the development of this budget, that my input would be sought and respected. I’m sad to say that I don’t feel that...

Mr. Speaker, I use my Member’s statement today to acknowledge our emergency service personnel, particularly firefighters, both career and volunteer members. As is the case for many of the people who work silently behind the scenes on our behalf, we don’t recognize them nearly enough.

Emergency service personnel stand by for us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready and willing to do dangerous work if called upon. These men and women train and prepare to be ready for action at a moment’s notice. They have specialized skills and knowledge that enable them to do an outstanding job, often in...

It can cost the bidder for a project of this size up to $400,000 to develop a good proposal, with no guarantee of success. The process used in this case suggests to me that it was the intent of MACA to give the project to the winning proponent from the start. If that was the department’s intent, why do an RFP at all? Why not just sole-source the project in the first place, and save the other proponent the cost of developing the proposal?

That seems a little unusual. Why would one bother to put a request for proposal together and get numbers and figures and so on if it is only going to be negotiated once the proposal has been done? It seems strange to me, as well, that if negotiations are taking place with the winning proponent, the losing proponent doesn’t have the opportunity to negotiate terms and conditions. If the Minister could elaborate, please.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two pages from the riding of Frame Lake: In front of me, Stuart Hamre and then, behind me, Jeanne Yurris. They’ve done a great job. Thank you.