Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had the pleasure yesterday of meeting with the folks from Dechinta and they expressed, very well by the way, their desire about continuing in their program here in the Northwest Territories and they cited about their need of support, and support means cash, obviously, but it also means enabling legislation.

I’d like to ask the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, what work is being done on developing legislation that could allow Dechinta to create its own northern university? Thank you.

So, when a Member of the Legislative Assembly stands up and cites a particular issue and tries to draw it to the attention of the Minister, is it because it’s this Member or is it because one Member is bringing an issue forward on behalf of an association it doesn’t matter? Is that the attitude we’re getting from this government that we have to have the whole Assembly agree that something matters? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We all know how essential services such as foster families provide the Northwest Territories. They are obviously critical to the care of those most vulnerable at certain times. It’s my understanding that only two territories and two provinces don’t offer support through insurance programs and legal support.

I wonder what the Minister of Health and Social Services can do to ensure foster families are protected and provided the right services so when they do step up to the plate to help this government deliver those essential services when necessary that they are supported...

The everyday person doesn’t really care about government policy until it affects them. Frankly, that’s probably the truth.

What energy policy do we need to do and work on, and what can we do today to ensure that we start delivering an energy policy that is delivering results to the everyday Northerner who is trying to get by? Thank you.

Thank you. Once again I’m rising to continue the conversation regarding power costs here in the Northwest Territories. Without having to go through it at great length, we all know how this affects the everyday family and certainly the everyday business that’s trying to get by.

My question for the NWT Power Corporation Minister is that we all understand that restructuring could happen and that could take out some of the inefficiencies within the system.

Can the NWT Power Corp Minister explain what work is being done to analyze the inefficiencies in the system, and where does he see us moving...

Mr. Speaker, respectfully I say I fail to understand why this sort of looming election always affects the work we’re doing in the Northwest Territories. It continues to be the overriding well, we can’t work on this because we have an election. Frankly, the bureaucracy’s machinery keeps grinding forward day after day after day. It doesn’t care who the politicians are. The process and the bureaucracy keeps working forward every day for us. Politicians are talking heads of departments, that’s all.

So, I’m asking what type of time frame can we see a legislative proposal or document that the public...

My understanding is that some of these questions were asked last week, but there’s certainly no reason not to ask these questions again and ensure we get clear policy direction from the Department of Education and to show that we’re moving in the right direction.

So, when can we see something that would create enabling legislation so that this organization can be a stand-alone university in the Northwest Territories? They’re working very hard with the University of Alberta and the McGill University. They’ve also told me that they have in the range of 22 Ph.D. professor types who will work in...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I feel terrible I had to waste three questions to ask for something to be looked at. If the Members would so oblige me… Or I should say not me; the heck with me. On behalf of the foster families, if you would also look upon the issue of the fact that since 1996 a per diem rate of $24 a day has not changed.

So, in 19 years, $24 a day for the children under their care has remained stagnant and it’s been a challenge. So don’t look at it for me. Would you be willing to look at this issue on behalf of the foster families? Thank you.

So, a Member bringing it to the attention of the Minister means nothing? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For my final supplementary, of course, when can we actually see something on the ground to see the emergence of new policy that will break ground on how we deliver power in the Northwest Territories? I’ll add that citizens themselves can’t wait much longer and we need a government that responds, that’s light on its feet to be delivering real results for the cost of living problem to Northerners. Thank you.