Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my statement today, I spoke about the issue of recreational land availability around Yellowknife, in particular the Ingraham Trail. The issue, as I see it, needs to move forward and it’s an important issue. I would like to direct my questions to the Premier because it involves multi levels of government.

Mr. Speaker, is the Premier aware of any interim agreement or negotiations going on between DIAND, the Akaitcho, the GNWT to resolve the issue of squatters in and around Yellowknife because there is little enforcement and, further, is there any commitment...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise again to speak to the issue of squatters and land availability in the Yellowknife area. We know there is a big demand for recreational properties. We also know that because no new leases have been made available for many years, some people have helped themselves and went out to build structures, some more permanent than others, without permission or further legal right to be out there on that land. The area around the Ingraham Trail is particularly affected by these so-called trespassers or even squatters. There have been many previous debates in this House...

I will tell you, it was painful sitting here listening…

---Laughter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, like all my other colleagues here, probably every single one in this building would believe that good infrastructure is critical. It’s important to the growth of the Northwest Territories as a whole. It’s good for the people. It’s good for the people, it’s good for business, it’s good for everything. Mr. Speaker, just like the road to Tuk someday, just like the bridges and roads in the Sahtu and maybe the roads that link the Tlicho communities, good infrastructure to Yellowknife such as a bridge is a significant step forward for everyone. Mr. Speaker, I am...

Yes, still there.

I haven’t changed.

Thank you, Madam Chair. If the Minister could further explain in detail, we have an item listed as $221,000 to provide funding to ensure GNWT’s interest in current and emerging water management issues are maintained. Maybe he could explain what that statement means. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, Mr. Speaker, let’s be honest; we’re not talking about a typo here; we’re talking about a company that misrepresents themselves with false information by saying we will offer a service by bringing forward this professional who’s competent. Mr. Speaker, I think we’re really down to an ethical question that the Minister should be asking himself. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister go back and review this and do the right decision by pulling back this contract and reissuing a fair tender; therefore, we have all the facts on the table and the most honest and fair process...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate that. Mr. Speaker, I’m sure the firm that’s offering this program offers competent programs but, Mr. Speaker, the fact is that they misrepresented themselves and the Minister doesn’t seem to characterize false information or misrepresentation as a no-no. Mr. Speaker, what investigation has the Minister done to ensure that this was either the only issue or what other issues may have arisen? Because if you’re putting in a proposal that is not full and true, this government should not be honouring it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Is there an expectation in any way that we will have some type of parking for RVs this summer? Is there anything to be done, explored, that the Minister can talk about, or is it just planning money for maybe next year? Thank you.