Shane Thompson

Thank you to the Minister for that answer. Can the Minister tell us, this orientation, do they do it annually, is it biannually, or is it just when you get appointed, and do they do it as a complete group, or is it individualized?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to also recognize Louise Leblanc, Local 13 president from Fort Simpson, as part of the Union of Northern Workers, as well as Mr. Ernie Bernhardt and Beatrice Bernhardt, who are family friends. I had the opportunity to work with them in Kugluktuk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am very happy to hear that through the Minister and that we are moving forward on that. Some of the questions that constituents bring to me, I know the process, but what happens if board members hear concerns about health and social services and the system and how do they bring these concerns forward presently?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have seen these regional wellness councils become part of our health system and the Minister has talked about how well it's working, so there are some questions I need to ask because constituents and people have been asking me these questions. Can the Minister of Health and Social Services confirm: does the Department of Health and Social Services and NWT Health and Social Services provide the standard orientation for regional wellness councils on what their roles and responsibilities are? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, last month the Nahendeh hosted a number of exciting sporting events for youth and adults. I had the opportunity to volunteer, be a spectator, and even participate in a number of those.

On January 11th and 12th the Hamlet of Fort Liard hosted the 5th Annual Four on Four Soccer Tournament. They had over 60 athletes from Wrigley, Fort Simpson, Hay River, and Fort Liard participate. There were four co-ed divisions, ranging from the 12-and-under division and ending with the 19-and-under division. Spectators enjoyed the weekend with lots of amazing soccer. I would like to thank the cooks...

I appreciate the Minister for providing that answer to us here today, and a little bit more information, as well. It was very helpful. Can the Minister explain why the contract was not sent out for tender process, and if he reached out to northern businesses to see if they are able to deal with this contract?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hope I get the questions to the right Minister here. This is towards the Minister of Infrastructure. Recently, I've been advised of a sole-source contract. It seems to be a little bit out of the ordinary, and I'm looking for some clarification. Can the Minister of Infrastructure advise this House if the department has entered into a sole-source contract with Imperial Oil for providing fuel for the communities that rely on GNWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I have heard the words "may," "hope," "could be the template." So, if it isn't the template, what are these communities supposed to be doing in the short term? Because right now we are looking at HELP units being turned into market units, and we are bringing in market units into the community, and I also know some private industries are bringing market units in there. So what are the communities supposed to do if they are not fitting the model, the template, that they are working for?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when I was asking the Minister responsible for Housing, he said that the corporation demand, he was talking about the demand and need of the HELP units in the communities. Can the Minister provide what the corporation definition is of "demand" for HELP units in the communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

If there are four applicants, there are four HELP units, I would assume there was a need. Unfortunately, I guess the corporation has a different matrix of deciding what needs are. It is my understanding that the Housing Corporation is bringing in two more units during the winter months. Are these units going to be HELP units or market rent units?