Robert Hawkins

I would like to talk today about an issue that affects a lot of Northerners. It is an issue about trying to be able to afford basic living here in the North. Whether you are a one-income family or two, everyone needs to be able to afford to live somewhere. In many cases, and not all, but many of these people can’t afford to buy and own their own homes so they do what everyone else does in this situation, they rent. Now over the last few years, I have seen rent rates jump 16 percent or more each year here in Yellowknife. I have learned that even in some small communities around our great North...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Specific to debt repayment of course, what is the actual outstanding debt that Canada is picking up for us in total? As I understand it, I think it is in the range of $80 million dollars, but I will let the Minister say it for the record, the actual debt amount. I see what we are doing as a repayment this year, but that money is funded through Canada. So if the Minister could put it on the record, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know that this is probably more of an FMB question but I’m just curious from the Housing point of view, from the Housing Minister. The debt in the department of Housing is carried on the territorial overall debt, or debt wall. I’m just wondering what work, if any work, is done from the Housing Corporation point of view to see if that debt will come off our debt wall as reportable debt that the territorial government carries. As I understand it, it’s money that’s being funded directly from Canada to pay for that. To me, it’s an in and out and I’ve often wondered why...

What would be the average usage per household? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommends that all standing or special committees of the Assembly consider allowing the use of BlackBerries in a manner similar to cell phones; that is, disruption of Members’ activities is not allowed;

And further, that the use of laptops be permitted by committee members and staff.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

What portion do they have to pay? Can you explain that in a percentage or is that a flat rate? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I look forward to the defining vote on this issue. I just want to thank the traditionalists who have changed their mind and are willing to give this a try. That is all I will say. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, what type of auditing is being done on consumption? I have to tell you, I’ve been to different houses through public housing units and if you’re only paying $10, $20...Well, I don’t even know how much some people are paying. I know it’s very low, in some cases, just a few hundred dollars to be there. Sometimes there’s a disincentive to worry about consuming electricity in a reasonable manner, and perhaps on the same ticket would be the usage of fuel and water, when you don’t actually have to pay the real costs. What type of work is done through the local housing authorities to...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommends that Members be permitted to use laptops during Committee of the Whole proceedings during the winter 2009 session only, after which their use will be evaluated;

And further, that communication devices cannot be used by a Member who has the floor; and that a Member who has the floor must have his or her laptop closed.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Is that based on some type of policy and, if it is, when did that get instituted? Thank you.