Kieron Testart

Mr. Speaker, these days we face a challenging global landscape with tense conflicts and political developments around the world. However, while the future may be uncertain, what we can be certain of is our country is safer thanks to the unimaginable sacrifices generations before us made to preserve the values of freedom and democracy during conflicts stretching back centuries.

Every year we wear these poppies over our hearts to remember the sacrifices of our armed service members, all of whom came back from world wars drastically changed mentally and physically, and tragically, too many paid...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, as a Member of committee that considered this report and that is making the recommendation, I can tell you we did have a robust discussion of the CEO's report where this was -- this idea was brought forward. Just now speaking with a colleague on the committee as well and we couldn't remember why we didn't include this, so I think this is -- I have no -- so I think this is a good motion. It's not saying that the CEO will insert themselves in, you know, sovereign government electoral processes; many Indigenous governments have custom election codes and they're...

Thank you. And I think the youth council's proving how effective it could be at raising these issues, and I just want to acknowledge the Minister's response to my first question where she committed to provide that information, and I thank for her that, so do the youth council I'm sure.

I think some of these problems, Mr. Speaker, could be solved if this was a revenue neutral tax where there was a clear indication of where all the revenues went instead of just general revenue, which is how it appears in the report. Will the Minister commit to a revenue neutral tax breaking out how the money is...

Thank you. Can the Minister explain why the program is designed to run with surpluses like this? Thank you.

That's interesting because no one I've spoken to has heard about this people plan or that it was -- or that it's going to roll out in 2025. Can the Minister commit to going back to -- hosting a town hall, another town hall, where she can attend and explain this directly to workers? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For me, at least, it's not a problem of understanding. As my colleague said moments ago, I'm kind of briefed out. What I do understand is that the workers who are in our health care system providing the service don't feel like their concerns are met. The Minister just spoke to a people plan. Can she elaborate further. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I've spoken to many of the participants in that town hall. Many of those staff have mentioned their concerns that they do a lot of work mentoring other staff, helping them with their concerns, and they feel like there's not a transparent, non-biased staff person whose job is to go back and specifically take their feedback and issues with an open mind. Last budget, we asked the Minister to explore the implementation of an office of practitioner experience or some sort of dedicated ombud-like role that staff can bring their concerns to that can get worked on. That...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to reassure the Minister that it's not just Yellowknife Members who are advocating for our health care workers; it's everyone on this side of the House up and down the Valley. So, Mr. Speaker, it's important as well that health care is not understaffed. The Minister just spoke to this. The staff that we do have are being forced to work long hours, sometimes 12-hour shifts without breaks. How is the Minister going to ensure frontline staff, such as emergency room doctors and nurses, are not overworked and not tired, burnt out, and unable to provide high...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my constituency assistant, Mr. Taylor Pagotto, who is in the gallery with us today. I couldn't let -- I share him with the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, and he mentioned him in his opening statement so I couldn't be remiss not to recognize him for the amazing work he does for the Range Lake riding to help all the constituents out there. Thank you so much, Taylor. You work very hard every day, and we're very lucky to have you. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) is the primary authority responsible for all ground search and rescue (GSAR) in the territory except for national parks and national historical sites which are the responsibility of Parks Canada.

As the primary authority, the GNWT is responsible for overseeing all aspects of GSAR including service delivery, training and preparedness, and prevention activities. The need for responsive ground search and rescue services is especially key in a territory as vast as ours. Therefore, The Government of the Northwest Territories'...