Kieron Testart

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned in my Member's statement, as of April 1st, the prices of beer for licensees in the City of Yellowknife increased dramatically: for draft brewers, around 10 to 18 percent; bottled beer, 20 percent; and wine, 6 percent. These are significant costs to their businesses and their ability to maintain a viable business without passing on too many costs to the consumer. These are far ahead of what was advertised by the NWT Liquor Commission, who said the prices would be modest. Can the Minister responsible for the Commission respond to what caused these price...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today marks 201 days until the next election, six months until a new government takes its place to set the priorities for the 19th Legislative Assembly. It is also the last day of our winter sitting. We have passed the last operations and maintenance budget and set the course for the final stretch of this Assembly.

This government has made progress on many issues: mental health programs, housing, 911, an office of the ombud. These past weeks have demonstrated that this government is willing to move, if it is only on the terms of the Cabinet regardless of the consensus of...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think all of my honourable colleagues would agree that our constituency assistants, the people who occupy that role, are very hard-working, capable individuals who are essential to the good functioning of the representation of our constituents. You know, the North often struggles with finding the kind of talent that you need to do well in various professions, whether it is trades or medical or even political work, and being able to provide enhanced benefits and decent wages I think is going to greatly enhance the ability to attract the kind of staff that you need to...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The committee would like to consider Tabled Document 237-18(3), Independent Commission to Review Members' Compensation and Benefits 2018 Review of Members' Compensation and Benefits Report, August 2018. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move the chair rise and report progress.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I agree with my friend the honourable Member for Yellowknife North on this one. I think there is a distinction between the roles that we play in this Assembly and the benefits and allowances that are afforded to us by virtue of those offices. It's very different than, say, a lengthy career in the public service or with a private employer. Those kinds of transitions are expected and, if you have a good employer, a good job, a good career at that job, you're more likely going to continue on, and receiving that support is a tangible benefit. I don't think that this will have...

Thank you to the Minister. That is encouraging. Can the Minister give direction to his department to provide at least an active offer or something public-facing on a website to let other people know, if they are interested or have a proposal, that they can go to the Department of Finance for assistance with Ottawa?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There was a recent proposal brought to Yellowknife City Council for establishing a cannabis production facility here in Yellowknife. Part of that proposal is 10 to 12 full-time jobs, 15 to 25 part-time jobs, and the confidence that this would be a viable way to solve some of our supply issues in the Northwest Territories for legal cannabis and also to be competitive in pricing.

There is some concern that was raised at those meetings by councillors that this initiative might require support from the GNWT, support that might not be forthcoming. I was wondering if the...

Merci, Monsieur le President. [Translation] The goals of the BDIC are noble ones, to help small businesspeople to address heavy bureaucratic requirements [translation ends]....territory, and this government's claim that diversification of our economy is a top priority, it would be reasonable to believe that this organization is pulling its weight and providing effective assistance to private enterprise. Yet I have been hearing from an ever-increasing number of small businesses that they have lost support from BDIC once the money has been lent. It seems that this organization has forgone its...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, as Members know, have a young family at home, and oftentimes I like to share those childcare responsibilities equally with my partner. She has a job of her own. It's a very demanding job. Oftentimes, childcare, it can be quite difficult to just on rely on another partner to do so. I think, for a long time, that has kind of been the status quo. I recall in other occupations that, when the childcare issue would come up as a single parent, I would often be told, "Well, you know, you have a girlfriend. Why can't she help out?" That is not really the point. The point is, if...