Shane Thompson

The Minister talked about a lot of work being done, so does the Minister and the department have a timeline of when things are going to be completed?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A number of people have reached out to me recently and asked what was happening in regards to the Department of Health and Social Services' commitment to traditional names being allowed on NWT birth certificates and other forms of GNWT identification. Can the Minister advise us where the status of this commitment is? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I hope they do, too. I think it is a very important organization, the friendship centre. I know that the Premier thinks the same thing. After two years, are we looking to review it and see if there is an opportunity to continue this arrangement, or is it done after these two years? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that answer and the clarity on that. If Sambaa K'e takes it, will Wrigley be the next one being looked at? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to recognize Norma Jumbo, who is a chaperone for two Pages, Aiden and Adam, and I would like to thank her for all of her commitment and work to bring these young men here to learn our operation here. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Again, when we talk about gas tax, there are challenges, and, you know, we have had conversations about this, where communities' the funding has been withheld there. Can the Minister update us with the designated authorities, what is the status, whether it is today or a follow-up? I know we have had a conversation, but can we get that follow-up to tell us where we are? It is just not designated authorities, but any communities out there that are being impacted by this. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have been approached by many parents and leadership that we need our own speech and language pathologists and occupational therapists in the Deh Cho. It is my understanding that there are over 70 speech and language pathologist cases and over 50 occupational therapy cases that need to be seen from the Nahendeh alone. The frustrating thing is that this has to be done in 13 service days. If there is one day of bad weather, the assessments get cancelled for months. This tells me that the services are lacking for the Nahendeh and Deh Cho and our youth. It explains why...

Almost, almost, almost there, Mr. Chair. I will just stand up and make sure I get recognized. Thank you. Mr. Chair, talking about the NGO Stabilization Fund, I would like, first of all, to thank the Minister and Cabinet for the significant increase in the funding, of which has been seen, you know, it was doubled, so I think that is an amazing feat. I thank them for that. I understand that the department is going to undertake an evaluation of the NGO Stabilization Fund to ensure that the funding is being distributed accordingly to the policy, including seeking input from past funding recipients...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Being an MLA for designated authorities, four of them anyway, what is the status with respect to designated authorities with this program or with this strategy? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

That is the answer. In regards to the South Slave region and that, I did have a meeting with the Minister and a commitment to get information on certain positions. When will that information be brought forward to myself? Thank you, Mr. Chair.