Daniel McNeely

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I liked the Minister's earlier statement there: build it, and they will come. Mr. Speaker, this is Small Business Week, and I appreciate the Minister's words about small business in his statement today. I would, however, like to ask the Minister some questions about the government's support for small business in the Sahtu region. Can the Minister give me examples of how ITI is supporting businesses in the Sahtu? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My final question is around the role of BDIC. It is also to be a developmental leader and to flow funding to the Northwest Territories' businesses, and that is needed most. Like the small communities in my riding, what is the GNWT doing to ensure that the BDIC provides the best value to the NWT? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

That leads me to my next question. The Minister mentioned the SEED program, or the SEED policy. The government's mandate for the 18th Assembly commits to updating SEED programs to better align themselves with the needs of entrepreneurial and small business owners. Can the Minister provide an update on this work?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I recognize Small Business Week and the many challenges facing this community for continued stability and sound going concern while recognizing the many contributions created by our NWT small business community, right from household income to property taxes.

Mr. Speaker, aside from governments and industry, in my region, we have the small business. Isolation by itself, Mr. Speaker, is of huge concern. Isolation creates barriers of limitation to supply, recruiting skilled labour, and the marketplace.

Mr. Speaker, our government through strategic engagements...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Preparatory measures. Mr. Speaker, project planning is an essential element for project success.

Mr. Speaker, the Fort Good Hope K'asho Got'ine Council, with funding, sponsorship, and support from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, are initiating a driver training course in Red Deer, Alberta. Starting tomorrow, there will be nine Sahtu students receiving training.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the partnership companies, Divergent Employment Solutions, Career Assistance Network, the Fort Good Hope K'asho Got'ine Dene Community Council, and...

As I live in Norman Wells, I have seen the change and I have seen in particular the changed contributions created by this building, particularly with the staff and the employment and the incoming families that took the opportunity of employment. Now, adding to that: training, in general an important element for sound administration, what plans are in place or going to be in place for the staff created by the institution?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to my Member's statement on the issue of operational progress for the Sahtu health and long-term care facility, my question is: can the Minister of Health and Social Services provide an update on the employment positions created by this impressive building? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister must have a mirror on the wall. That was leading to my next question on when can we expect the second wing to open up. Adding to that question: when can we see the elderly clients moving into the second wing once it's in operation?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Advancing our Sahtu healthcare, Mr. Speaker, the official opening for the Sahtu Regional Health and Long-Term Care Facility by Minister Abernethy for Health and Social Services and Minister Schumann for the Infrastructure Department was held on August 27th in Norman Wells.

Mr. Speaker, over the past couple of months our region's medical clients and elders have come to realize improved primary healthcare and a modernized single accommodation. Mr. Speaker, the region has seen significant positions from this modern building, and the long-term care wings will accommodate 16...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further into my statement on landfill disposal, Mr. Speaker, this is a joint effort. In preparation on an affordable shipping schedule, Mr. Speaker, this winter, Husky Energy will be delivering a winter closure project in the Tulita area. My first question to the Minister of ENR: in cooperation with MACA, Infrastructure Department, and Husky Energy, can the Minister commit to working with our regional office to coordinate backhaul arrangements from the landfill to licensed disposable sites in the south? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.