Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the answer. Disappointed, but appreciated the answer. Mr. Speaker, there are more regulations on bicycles and pedestrians than there are on these e-scooters, and they contemplate heavily on the concern and safety of both the riders and the public, Mr. Speaker. Is there any way we can bridge some mechanism by defining e-scooters in a manner of saying that they will be treated such as in a similar way as bicycles? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, we have genuine qualified professionals who want to live here in the Northwest Territories. They want to be contributing to the fabric of who we are and where we're going to be to care for Northerners. Mr. Speaker, they view this, in short, is protectionism without creating opportunities that we're inviting. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister be willing to assess and recommend the elimination of those hours required to practice assuming they qualify in all other areas of education and experience? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will accept the details in writing. Mr. Speaker, the BC model, if I remember correctly, is to further train and assess them at their cost. Is that how it is going to -- is that how the model's intended to roll out under this leadership of this Minister and working with CAN and the NWT Nursing Association, or will there be a bridging support program to help these individuals? Because the last time I was told this person, this family, was instructed to move to Alberta, go get your hours there, then hey, move back. We have to have a reasonable model. So, please...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Properly assessing young people with -- or diagnosing, I'll say it that way, my apologies, properly assessing the diagnosis of autism is a very specialized field, and families have told me they struggle to get a diagnosis and then therefore they do not get the supports and treatments, which early intervention would make the world of difference. Does the Minister know what the average wait time is for diagnosis of autism using a specialist? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, does the Minister of Health and Social Services have an idea as to how many assessments are done on young people to, again, diagnose them as officially having autism? Thank you.

Mr. Spooker, in recognizing it's All Hallows Eve, from time to time, as you know, I attempt to bring a little levity to this House. Mr. Speaker, it's important that we help keep our job interesting and engaging, not to mention laugh at ourselves, as we try to keep grounded. So today, strictly in jest, I've elected to make my All Hallows Eve statement in the theme of Adams Family or, rather, the Simpson Cabinet family. I do apologize in advance for the singing trauma I intend to inflict. It may be a trick, but it may be truly a treat. And, of course, I welcome Members to join in with me during...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Unlike -- I'm going to use all my 20 minutes. No, no, I'm kidding. It's been a long day. No, I won't be using my 20 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I too want to rise in favour of this initiative. I've spoken to some of the leadership. I certainly like the intent. It was sold to me on the initiative. It's a great investment of new dollars. We should not overlook the fact that this brings not only federal government dollars to empower Indigenous organizations and groups, but peoples and families and help protect our environment. This is all good stuff, Mr. Speaker.

The one thing of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, I too want to acknowledge the champion of health care we have here, my good colleague from the Range Lake riding. I know that I share his passion, and that was kind of why what started with the town hall meeting we had this summer which is to hear the voices of the everyday family, the everyday person, struggling with health care challenges. And I reiterate what I said before a few days ago, not at length, but I want to point out that the building was busting at the seams. We were probably borderline on the fire marshal's load capacity of the building...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have one written question here for the House.

My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services with respect to doctor and specialist positions, including their individual current staffing status in the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority.

Furthermore, my detailed questions are targeting the specific position type, and for guidance as an example, such as oncologist or general practitioner, where each of these positions are located, either at Stanton or elsewhere, and lastly, the expectation is to fully understand the position staffing...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One parent told me that they have to find a way to help fund the support worker to allow their child to be part of a summer program. So whether you're sending your child to a soccer camp or some other type of initiative like that, parents are paying out of their pocket. Is there any way the department can take this message back -- sorry, the Minister can take the message back to the department and say maybe there's ways we can help support and fund summer jobs programs so we can help expand these opportunities to these families and desperately excitable and engaging...