Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to report to the Assembly that the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure has reviewed Bill 54, An Act to Amend the Forest Management Act. The standing committee wishes to report that Bill 54 is not ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole and that the bill not be further proceeded with. Thank you.

Since the construction of that road a few years ago, when we received all that money to redo it, I am just wondering if there was any part of that actual road that was under warranty, and if so, what sections. Thank you.

Well, again, not knowing what “incident” means here, we’re just taking a stab, and I would caution the Minister on thinking I don’t think personal safety or employees don’t matter. I think that that’s an atrocious description of what I was trying to say. I’m trying to understand, did someone get upset and swear? Did someone take a swing? Did someone throw something at it? Did they do the George Bush throw a shoe at them? What are we talking about on that and how far are we going to go without knowing this?

I mean, all I’m hearing is “incident.” Well, incident means what? We have to bring how...

I can never say enough, but jobs are important, and I know how important they are to not only Yellowknife but to the small communities. They have a major impact on our economy. In the publication we call 20/20: A Brilliant North, NWT Public Service Strategic Plan, we talk about growing the public service. We often hear the Finance Minister directly talking about trying to attract 2,000 new people to the Northwest Territories. Lastly, I’ll say even from the Minister’s fiscal update, he talks about the importance of our flat population growth as the main source of revenue as it begins to decline...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will return to the test sections, because I would like to know more about that, but I want to understand in this particular section on Highway No. 3 how many kilometres are targeted for reconstruction and how many are targeted, I assume, just to fill in the dips. Thank you.

I’m trying to understand now the department’s definition of “incident.” Just because somebody is upset, that doesn’t mean… I don’t know. I mean, I’m just trying to understand. We’re talking about the nature of the work that people are… In other words, when people file complaints they’re upset. I’d like to know what the definition is they’re using as the low water mark of incident. I want to understand this.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The other day, on Tuesday to be precise, the Finance Minister indicated that considering reductions to the workforce to ensure expenditures do not exceed revenues is part of the obligation they have to provide the 18th Assembly with the best information possible.

Further to that, the Minister of Public Works said today in the House, with a flat revenue outlook and the need to take a hard look at how we spend our money in coming years, operating effectively and efficiently is more important than ever.

In light of what both Ministers have commented on and stated in this...

So, I’ll get a copy of that before session ends? Thank you.

Has there been an incident that any of us have been unaware of? If so, when? Let’s go back to how often there has been an incident, if there are any, in the last year.

On Tuesday I voiced my concerns about the impact of the Finance Minister’s fiscal restraint measures on the morale of the public service. Mr. Speaker, quite frankly, I don’t understand the mixed messages being sent by this government to the people of the NWT that we serve, especially to people who serve us each and every day by doing the job diligently and conscientiously and keeping the government programs running and ticking along each and every day.

The Premier and Ministers of this Cabinet finally say to this House, our employees are our most valuable assets. I happen to agree with that...