Kieron Testart

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I note under this activity we've got the science agenda indicated. I'm wondering what the department's efforts are in regards to attracting more scientific research investment in the Northwest Territories. We have untapped potential to attract more research opportunities here and if the department's role in leading the science agenda is looking at ways to open the Northwest Territories up to more research opportunities and investment. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the department for their response, Mr. Chair. I'm pleased that we are working on this with our federal partners, as well, and I know that the federal government has made this a very large commitment. Is there a current set of proposals put together by the department to leverage our own resources with incoming federal funding? Do we have an ask to give the federal government to see some of this money flow north? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just noted the Minister said, “all the institutions we fund.” Is the $33 million here on the description line says, “base funding for Aurora College, includes funding for Aurora Research Institute.” Does this funding include other post-secondary institutions? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To clarify, I don't think this is an and/or solution we need to look at. Shelters serve a very important role. Housing First is a separate model. Both are equally important, and it's about being compassionate. Everything costs money, of course, but we need to think about the compassion and supporting Northerners and empowering them to make positive choices. That's what we are talking about today with Housing First. It's a proven model that works, gets people back on their feet, and solves a real problem in our community, in our capital city. That is what I am fighting...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it's important that if this government is to invest in a real solution for homelessness, that we have a full understanding of all the options available to us. Housing First remains a viable option, and there's a big difference between building new shelter spaces and empowering people with their own homes. I'm wondering if the Minister today will commit to reconsider her plan and commit to matching the current funding for Housing First so we can address more of the critically chronic homeless who are in need and using 51 per cent of our emergency services.

I don't believe the department would receive negative comments from MLAs on this program, either. It does seem to be quite sustainable and quite important to creating those jobs and economic opportunity in smaller communities, so I appreciate that it's working well and that it has a sustainable model. I believe those are all my questions, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Speaker, recently the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines and the Mining Association of Canada commissioned a survey conducted by Abacus Data. It clearly shows that the citizens of the North overwhelmingly support the mining and exploration industry. More to it, Northerners not only believe the industry's economic contributions are substantial, but that our safety and environmental standards go beyond regular expectations. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, our residents believe that the development of new mines is a positive contribution to our economy and that this government must further...

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to the department for that answer. The price subsidies, are they based solely on market rates or is there a component where the trappers are canvassed on are they getting enough, and is it sustainable? Is there like a take-home survey kind of thing where the department is actually talking to the trappers and finding out how they feel it's working for them? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you Mr. Chair. I am making good use of my time if you don't mind. That is good. I appreciate that. I think that we had a lot of conversations about a university of the North. My position has always been that a polytechnic is more appropriate. I think this change is the correct one, to actually take a rural college and make it more of a vocational institution for job training, give Northerners the skills they need for the jobs that we need in the future and today. How much involvement did the department have with that strategic plan? Quite frankly, I think Aurora College needs to have...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, that is satisfactory. To have the detail, I think we could be doing more to support these institutions. There's a very good business case that's been made by Dechinta in particular for increased funding. Based on their success rates, I think they're still sitting at 100 per cent success rate, granted they only take a few students, but this is a remarkably successful post-secondary education program that's tailored to the deficiencies we have in post-secondary education in the North. I know the Minister's very aware of this based on his work as chair of the standing...