Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to use my time here today to focus in on the pluses and minuses of this motion. First, on the plus side of the ledger, I want to thank Mr. Bromley for bringing forward this motion. This is the second time it’s been around. The first time, I’ll have to tell you, the tone brought forward to the Members was less than receptive I have to admit. But that said, I wish to acknowledge Mr. Bromley’s relentless pursuit of environmental initiatives. There are times that we think that that’s the only focus he’s got, but I have to admit he is a good colleague to work with and...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to follow up on my Member’s statement on the Mackenzie Valley Review Board employees, those six employees that were fired. Mr. Speaker, if I may, the review board is almost like an arm’s length, a bit of a reach on some of the work we do here, but they were unceremoniously fired last week. My question to the Premier is, and I’m going to link towards a devolution type of relationship because they are an agency we depend on. Would the Premier be willing to look at assisting those employees, those six Yellowknifers that were fired, by putting them on our priority...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to follow your lead and acknowledge my wife, Sue, of almost 13 years. I want to say, when you add the wind chill to that some days…

---Laughter

… it’s still 13 years happily married, Mr. Speaker.

A great deal has been said in the House and in the media this week about disturbing news that the Mackenzie Valley Review Board has fired, not laid off, fired six members of their staff. I am sure that every Member of this House would agree it is detrimental to the protection of our environment in the NWT, and our federal government Department of Aboriginal Affairs and...

Mr. Chair, I move that we report progress. Thank you.

---Carried

A perfect answer, Mr. Speaker, a perfect answer.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to use the occasion, as well, to recognize both Val Watsyk and Shari Olsen. They are two friends of mine who have grown up in the South Slave for many years. As well, I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Pat Waugh, who I have known for a long time. As well, welcome to all the court workers. Thank you for your work.

Thank you. A seniors’ charter would be a mission statement of this government on its principles and support for its seniors. Does the Minister believe in that type of concept and ideals? Would he lead this initiative? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, in a coordinating fashion, how do we know we’re meeting the needs of seniors? How do we measure this? How do we understand this and what type of relationship fashion is set up to ensure that the messages, their needs, are being communicated to the government? Is it the responsibility of this Minister? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s no surprise to Members that I’m a big supporter and champion of seniors’ issues and certainly their rights. In the 16th Assembly, I brought up the issue of an NWT Seniors’ Charter. In my belief, it would complement the work here that we do in the Assembly. It would serve as a mission statement as to how the government sets out its commitment, well-being and support for quality living with seniors.

My question for the Minister responsible for Seniors is: What does he use for his guiding principle and mandate to build and work within a relationship with NWT seniors to...

Mr. Chair, I don’t really have any more questions on this page, but I did want to make it clear that it is not that I am against solar energy. It is just that I think it is the least practical of them considering the infrastructure costs. That said, I do also agree with the Minister’s point, which is that technology is getting cheaper all the time, but my view is, and I still maintain let’s do the things we do very well and biomass is certainly a hallmark of quality work with good benefits at a great price. Thank you.