Robert Hawkins

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.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement I talked about this being the wrong approach. I’m reminded by Steven Cubby when he talks about begin with the end in mind. I questioned myself as to what the Minister decided at the very start as to where we’re going on this initiative. Did he decide that he’s going to eliminate all these boards? Or did he decide that he was going to strive for efficiencies? I would say he certainly didn’t get the second one right. I think he strived to eliminate boards and I think that is the wrong process.

He has said on record that there will be no...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a question for Minister Miltenberger, Minister for refocusing government. I’d like to ask the Minister what meaningful work and consultation has been done with the boards to find efficiencies prior to taking the singular approach of a board roll-up. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I have questions for Minister Miltenberger as well. I was listening closely to Mr. Yakeleya’s question and the response from Minister Miltenberger. Mr. Yakeleya’s question was basically what is stopping you from stopping this. Minister Miltenberger’s somewhat response is, if the Legislature decides. So, Mr. Speaker, I think this question could be put to rest today clearly and simply. Mr. Speaker, my question to Minister Miltenberger is, if this Legislature passed the motion today to stop board reform, would the Minister heed that recommendation and take it back to Cabinet to stop...

Mr. Speaker, today I publicly demand Minister Miltenberger please put down your board reform pen and join the side of the people. If there is a time for unity, a vision where Northerners need to work together during these fiscally tight and uncertain times, the time is certainly now. The thinking of “government knows best” has been heard and is certainly now refuted by the people who are demanding better from their elected officials. From the turnout today, it is proof enough that the people want their government Ministers to now listen.

Mr. Speaker, if I may, the dream of a democratic approach...

Mr. Speaker, is the Minister saying that no consultation about this approach was taken in advance to discuss, design, find efficiencies prior to the roll-up decision? Thank you.