Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Madam Chair. That being said, recognizing that buildings certainly have a lifecycle and 37 years is a life, possibly that wall had lived its life. Would the Minister be able to assure us today that maybe this has created a paradigm shift on how we maintain our buildings? Possibly a policy change, and you know whereas we buy some ladders, shovels and snowsuits, that we make sure that these are clear from the anomalies of big, heavy snowfalls of some sort? Is there a policy change on how we maintain these buildings and what we are doing about it? Could the Minister elaborate?...

Thank you, Madam Chair. My request two days ago was to investigate the process which led to what could appear as a significant change in the figures. I want to thank the Minister for bringing forward and making that process very crystal clear that it was on the direction of FMB to work with the old numbers until actual costs were derived. This seems absolutely clear to me. I would suggest that we conclude the page then. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ve sometimes been known as one to bite the hand that feeds me. In this regard I think it’s important that our Premier takes a strong position, at least echoes our concerns with our federal government and says will they provide us a clear position of Canada’s position on that regard. Will he commit to bringing that position paper to the Assembly for discussion? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been well said many times that the population of the Northwest Territories does not anchor Canada; however, it is a significant population, I would like to say. I think that the fact that the missiles, if we ever reach that stage, would all be going over our heads and who knows where the fallout may happen one day, I think it’s critical that we do take a position. Why do we not have a position? Why do we not send an open letter from this government to our Prime Minister on our position? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will keep that in mind; I appreciate you pointing that out. Mr. Speaker, I won't read the questions then at this time, because, as you are right, the document has not been tabled in the House. However, I will table it later today in the House for all Members to have this in front of them. Again, I won't read the questions, but I will say that there are 10 simple questions that are straightforward and there are 10 straightforward answers. Everyone can access them on their own. Again, it can be found at polarisinstitute.org. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you...

Thank you, Madam Chair. Of course, God forbid if this ever happens again to anyone, let alone any territorial facility, but just anywhere. Were there any preliminary findings as to the cause of this, other than the simple answer of snow? Was there a structural default in the roof of this building of some sort that could lead to the cause of this? Could the Minister kind of highlight some of the root cause again, other than the snow? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the document Canada and Missile Defence: 10 Straight Questions and 10 Honest Answers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Premier, for what you were saying there. Mr. Speaker, if the Premier could further elaborate just for my clarity that he will endeavour to take forward a position to get out there and research what is happening and bring forward a comprehensive briefing note to all Members about the consultation process, about us getting involved on this and possibly, maybe even someday passing a motion in this House for either our support or non-support in this regard. Would the Premier make that commitment to this House? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I won’t be as long. I see this pipeline not like a train, but I get the image of more like a hurricane or tsunami taking over Florida. It is just going to come through the Northwest Territories, destroy our little towns and villages. So anybody in a trailer or whatnot better watch out, because these big oil companies are coming in.

Mr. Speaker, it’s paramount, it’s not just critical, it’s paramount that we receive primary benefits, substantial benefits, from this. In the Northwest Territories, we truly are the stewards of this land. However, I really doubt we have a...

My apologies, Mr. Speaker, and, of course to the Prime Minister of Canada. I would not insinuate that in a very negative way, and my apologies and I will retract that.

Mr. Speaker, I see the North is hurting from the way Ottawa is taking our resources, and I think you can tell from the passion in my voice I think our people will be suffering from that. Would the Premier tell us today how much has been invested to date in preparing for this pipeline? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.