Caroline Wawzonek

Thank you, Madam Chair. So Madam Chair, these funds, and I take note, and I appreciate the comment here, that these are programs that really one of the reasons I think that they were chosen or targeted is that they are funds that people can apply to so that they are funds that then are the dollars go out to the communities or to individuals who can apply to the funds. So rather than relying on what is, frankly, often already stretched to capacity to deliver further capital planning programs from within GNWT departments, and particularly and including Housing, here individuals who would like...

Yes, please, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, only to note some of this funding does specifically support a victim services coordinator position, which can help hopefully answer some of that concern of ensuring that there are services being provided to those communities that don't necessarily have staffing.

I can note that there is an extension now of victim services programming into Fort McPherson and Fort Providence that previously did not have staff. So incrementally there is at least some increase in the availability of staff to communities outside of regional centres. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the core programs amount there that you see for $4 million is going to be ongoing. It wouldn't necessarily be reflected here. This is a supplementary appropriation to the 20222023 Main Estimates but it should be showing up when we do the review for the 20232024 Main Estimates and through the business planning cycle. Thank you, Madam Chair.

For.

Thank you, Madam Chair. So for 20222023, anticipated total spend is $291,000. The total amount under the Active Forestry Carbon Sequestration Fund, ultimately, Madam Chair, is projected to be $1.333 million.

As for where they will go, they will be planted in the Northwest Territories, Madam Chair. I don't have that information. But I'll endeavour to get it for us. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, my understanding is that this is meant to be a contract for the use of those planes for the 45 days. It's similar, if you might recall, to what was done last year, again, just given, you know, what the impacts of COVID were on the airline industry and the predictions for the potential for a significant fire season.

It's not necessarily intended to be long term in the sense of multiple years but will provide for the use of the planes for this year. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let me give a qualified yes. Because the program is under review, we can certainly promote the program in its current iteration but it might be best to promote the program once it has had its review so that staff are, indeed, getting the very best that is available.

But at the same time, all departments are now expected to start increasing their Indigenous representation at all levels. Those levels are being looked at and monitored for the targets that exist in our business planning process, that were put in place as part of the Indigenous Recruitment and...

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I think, you know, with respect to the administration of the program, that is probably a question best left to the department. I can certainly direct it to my colleague, or I can certainly undertake to ensure that, now that we are seeking to move this money forward, that the departments that are involved, both Infrastructure and ENR, are doing so mindful of the fact that we want to get the money out the door. So taking the comments around the availability of assessors into account when we do that. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We are anticipating this is with one company. Thank you. It's for 45 days. Thank you, Madam Chair.