Robert Hawkins

I need not give the Premier any lesson about how important industry is to this economy, but, Mr. Speaker, a number of people are very concerned as to what’s taking this Minister -- the federal Minister that is -- so long to address this issue. It’s a significant issue for the whole Territory and no one needs to be reminded about the recession and our much relied upon corporate taxes when economy is working.

So, Mr. Speaker, to the Premier once again, what is taking this issue so long that’s stalling it, from their point of view? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You may recall that the Standing Committee on Government Operations tabled Committee Report 4-16(4), Report on the Review of the 2007-2008 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner, on October 29th, 2009. The report was received by the Assembly and moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration. The report contained several recommendations.

I would like to recognize a constituent, Bob Reid. As well, at the same time, I would like to recognize Sevn Bohnet, a friend from here, in Yellowknife, for a long time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommends that the Department of Finance prove quality assurance processes by developing innovative cost-effective means to review procurement and contract administration practices against established risk tolerances; and further, that the department consider including tolerance standards and performance in the business plan; and furthermore, that the department persist in recruitment to fully staff the audit division.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You may recall that the Standing Committee on Government Operations tabled Committee Report 2-16(4), Report on the Review of the Auditor General on Contracting for Goods and Services in the Northwest Territories, on October 22nd, 2009. The report was received by the Assembly and moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration. The report contained several recommendations.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, I move that this committee recommends that the government provide a comprehensive response to this report within 120 days.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommends that the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act be amended to extend the period of time in which applicants may ask that a decision on a request for information be reviewed by the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories enhance its policies and guidelines on the use of portable electronic devices and the access and privacy issues that arise through the use of such devices.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I move that committee reports progress. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First, I would like to acknowledge the hard and passionate work provided by my colleague Ms. Bisaro. She shares many of my concerns on this particular issue and she has raised them quite eloquently today. Mr. Speaker, the problem about following a very eloquent speaker is they tend to take all the good stuff. It is very tough following them without trying to repeat exactly what they said.

Mr. Speaker, some of the highlights that I would like to point out, that she didn’t touch on, is the fact that this is one of the most reasonable things we can do to help continue to...