Kieron Testart

Thank you. Can the Minister account for the difference in mineral, oil and gas royalties? I know some of these issues were raised, but if he could just clearly account for the difference between the 2017-2018 revised estimates and this year's estimates. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My understanding from stakeholder engagement is that the program review is not really the issue. Most clients are satisfied with the level of service of the programs the BDIC offers. The issue the government seems to take is the operational side, that the appropriation to BDIC is in excess of what it needs to do its job. Is the Minister also undertaking an operational review to restructure the corporation to be more costeffective? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In 2016-2017, we budgeted double the amount of applicants. Sorry, those were the actuals, okay. Again in 2016-2017, we had nearly twice the amount that we budgeted for in the preceding year. What explains the drop in that number of applicants? That's what I'm looking for. How do we understand? I understand how the budget works or how the budget works for this program. Why did we lose so many applicants when the program was doing so well?

Thank you. The last budget, there was a cut in that budget to BDIC. Now, we're seeing a second year of cuts. Is this an ongoing reduction to the BDIC? Are there going to be future-year cuts moving forward, or is this the final round of cuts to BDIC? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I believe those are my only questions for this activity. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm just following up on my honourable friend's comments on the knowledge economy. I'm just wondering what programs the department has to support innovation in the Northwest Territories? I know there is significant effort and money available in the federal government across all provinces and territories for innovation. Do we have any innovation projects or strategies in the works? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you for that clarification from the witness. Since the Minister announced the Almod deal, has there been any actual work at these facilities? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to report to the Assembly that the Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed Bill 1, Western Canada Lottery Act.

Mr. Speaker, this bill establishes the Northwest Territories Lottery Commission. It also establishes the Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation Fund, a special purpose fund that will receive proceeds from the operation of lotteries by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. The commission is responsible for the conduct, management and operation of lotteries. The Minister will administer the fund and distribute proceeds for...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to the Minister for that update. I am a great supporter of this important subsidy program to our mining industry. I wanted to also turn to secondary diamonds. My honourable friend from Yellowknife North was just scratching the surface of some of these issues. The Minister announced the establishment of a new secondary diamond operation with much fanfare. We haven't had many updates since then. What action is the department taking to help move this process along and eliminate this immigration roadblock? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, the Ontario pilot project is just one of many that is taking place in the world. We've had them happen in Canada before. I'll ask the Minister. He mentioned the productive choices. How is that similar to a basic income pilot? How is that achieving the same results?