Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my last question is does the Minister see this as a waste of money that we would have to invest in the expansion of this facility to have the facility up and running by late next year, whereas we’re going to have to tear it down in a couple years and build a new one? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Minister, for your answer. As you know, any renovation would have an effect on the clients and customers that use that facility. What consultation has the Minister taken into account in regard to this renovation of that building and the effect it will have on the clients and customers that use that building? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Minister provide all the Members of the Assembly the action plan that will show the steps to be taken to complete this initiative and how his department plans to maintain this strategy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the honourable Member responsible for RWED brought to my attention an initiative that was called integrated arts strategy to support art and culture in the NWT. Part of this strategy is designed to bring support to the arts and craft industry. Current and immediate actions proposed in the integrated arts strategy are supported by having raw materials and equipment available for people out there. This strategy, as the honourable Member stated in his letter to me, is to be completed by early 2004. Since the time is nearing, my question for the Minister of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I want to thank my colleagues, as well. Mr. Speaker, there are many traditions that make the North unique. Cultural traditions go far deeper in value to the people than just dollars. We must do something to sustain this industry before these traditions are lost and no longer practiced, or by the next time I see beaded gloves they're only at the museum.

Before I close my statement, I want to mention a quote brought to me by my constituent. She says this industry is not supported. But it seems that this government, when we have dignitaries travelling to the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member's statement will be addressing a concern brought to me by one of my constituents earlier this year. This concern has brought me great concern. This issue is about the hunting and trapping industry. It has been designated as a sustainable industry, and it gives a stable livelihood to people in the North. This reflects northern traditions, which is a very important issue in the Northwest Territories.

One of the many keys to the success of this industry is security due to the government funding and the ongoing support when the fur markets go up and down...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Minister for answering that question. Then in this case, Mr. Speaker, I would like to further draw attention that on September 6, 2001, the Ontario Conservative Government offered their $2 million software at no cost to any other government in Canada that wished to use it. Noting that this software is free from Ontario, would the Minister be willing to investigate the potential of accessing this free software database program for the Northwest Territories?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two people I would like to recognize in the gallery. Mr. Ed Jeske is a very respected yet feisty senior here in Yellowknife.

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The second, I am not sure if she is still up there but Ms. Julie Sorel. She is my constituency assistant, which I want to point out if I look good, the credit is solely due to her, and if I don’t look good, obviously I didn’t pay attention to her. Thank you.

---Laughter

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, March 18, 2004, I will move the following motion. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting days and hours as the Speaker, after consultation, deems fit to assist with the business before the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you again, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Minister, for offering that. Mr. Minister, would you also be further willing to supply information to all Members of the Legislative Assembly, noting reoffender rates of sex crimes for the last 10 years in the NWT, and if this could be linked to offence locations in correlation to their home location, and further out-of-province offenders who commit crimes in the Northwest Territories, and would you bring that forward to all Members of the Legislative Assembly?