Shane Thompson

Mr. Speaker, when I talk about differences in funding formula and that, we are seeing a decline in our student population in the riding here. We lost 60 students this next coming year, so we are seeing a huge cut-back on positions and that. Can the Minister please provide what process is used to change the school funding framework?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, in my Member's statement, I talked about the funding for the Divisional Education Authority for Deh Cho, which has eight communities. My first question for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment is: can the Minister please provide information on how the school funding framework works? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you Mr. Chair, and I'll try to get these 30 seconds in and give him a chance to answer the question. Emergency protection orders. Have there been any changes or expected changes to this program? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So we're in our last year, but have we approached the federal government and asked if we're going to be expanding this? Because we haven't seen a lot of results right now, and people are looking forward to or hoping that we can continue this, so have you reached out to the federal Minister and asked if they will be expanding this for future years? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Since it is a multi-departmental approach, how is the work being done incorporating community partners and the other stakeholders? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Is this program a federally-funded program, or is this actually being funded by the territorial government? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Again, I know it is a pilot project, and I have heard from the deputy minister and the Minister about potential expansion plans. Can the Minister share whether we are starting to do the planning now, or are we waiting until when this pilot project is completed? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Speaker, we heard from my constituents that sometimes these companies down south are having concerns about what happens should a vehicle fall through. Can the Minister advise us: does the GNWT have insurance should a vehicle, whether it is going across or is on a flatbed, fall through ice? Do we have insurance to cover that?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have some of the most unique ways to travel across the Northwest Territories. Depending on where you live, you can travel by air, water, trails, roads, or combined of winter roads and ice bridges. People from across the world are amazed at how we transport ourselves across this great country.

Mr. Speaker, I have been asked questions from our constituents about our transportation infrastructure and the challenges they have been facing with the roadside assistance program. My questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure: can the Minister confirm if the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister for his answers. I have one more question. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that four or five years ago, and I'm not exactly sure of the time frame, the Minister of Transportation and the Premier had to write a letter to these companies explaining the Mackenzie Valley Highway was a winter road and maintained by the GNWT. Will the Minister be willing to send a similar letter to these manufacturers who provide roadside assistance to clarify the use of ice bridges?