Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me what efforts his department takes to warn students that the amount of their loans may be reduced later on in the year, and what do they do to notify students on a timely basis that their loan amounts may be addressed? What notice do they provide if any? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take the opportunity to recognize a friend of mine, Richard Archer, upstairs. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following the line of other Members with regard to conduct to one of the Members here in the assembly, my question will be directed towards the Premier and it’s in reference to Mr. Zoe. I will not be questioning his quality of work and dedication because we know it’s there to a high standard. Yet, we have concern with regard to the moral perception to some of the issues that have transpired. Mr. Speaker, as you very well know, like everyone here, that as leaders of this House, sometimes we are seen as role models, sometimes we are seen as heroes, sometimes...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Due to the complexity of the last answer, it forces me to ask again for reassurance on the Minister’s commitment. Due to the fact that we have a historical commitment on an open contract, as I read it, which I will further table today, I would like absolute commitment, so I can feel confident today that this Minister will deal with this historical problem and ensure that we have safety at this territorial park beach. I used to lifeguard at this beach and I am sorry I have to say here today that I can even recall the honourable Minister frolicking on that beach under...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as per my Member’s statement earlier today, I said I believed that the Department of RWED has misinterpreted their contractual obligation with the City of Yellowknife. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of RWED, when did his department cancel this contract with the City of Yellowknife and did they provide notice by the January 1st deadline as required in the contract? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk to you about an issue of lifeguard services at the Fred Henne Territorial Park this upcoming summer. I should truly say the lack thereof of services. The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development has said that they will no longer contract with the City of Yellowknife to provide lifeguarding services so there will be no lifeguards this summer at the Long Lake beach.

Mr. Speaker, as I see it, Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development has misinterpreted their contract with the City of Yellowknife, which I will...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Minister, for your answer. Mr. Speaker, my last question I believe at this time is will the Minister take any additional steps or actions to ensure the protection of the NWT citizens from convicted sex offenders during the delay of the implementation of this act? Is he willing to take any additional steps? Thank you.

Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the federal Sex Offender Information Registry Act passed third reading in the Senate, and received Royal Assent on April 1st of this year. Mr. Speaker, when it comes into force, the act will require sex offenders in the NWT to register with police in designated centres. Their personal information will be recorded, and their whereabouts will be monitored for the well-being and safety of the NWT residents. According to Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, the Sex Offender Information Registry Act will come into force in the fall of 2004...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am only concerned about the obligation of safety, whereas the territorial government may see no smoking as a personal obligation, yet the territorial government engages in non-smoking policies and safety policies. Last year was an anomaly and we pointed out the uniqueness of it, whereas qualified lifeguards were not available. This year they are available, so I would like to think that the territorial government is trying to ensure the lifeguards are there. I am asking for the Minister to ensure that he will be there contractually to help support through financial...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will first say I noted the willingness to talk to the City of Yellowknife in the Minister’s voice there, so I may forego my other excitable questions by asking for a commitment today that the Minister will open up negotiations with the City of Yellowknife as soon as possible to ensure that we do have life-guarding services in this territorial park. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.