Vince McKay

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm always in support of volunteerism in the Northwest Territories. Having been a volunteer for 30 years on the fire department, I'm always committed to doing more for our volunteers within the communities. And I think one of them that I'm trying to fire back up for an example is our recognition for the firefighter program. It's been a little bit of a stalemate for a little bit but hopefully we'll get that thing going again, but  so, yes, I'm always looking for something to do to recognize our volunteers in the territories. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document: The Northwest Territories and Nunavut Lotteries Operations Annual Report 20222023. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Wow, how do you follow that?

I just want to acknowledge a couple exciting events happening in Hay River, my region, this coming weekend, week. First of all, neighbours across the river, K'atlodeeche is having an annual carnival this weekend. This week, we're also welcoming Members from throughout the Northwest Territories in Hay River for the annual NWT Association of Communities training and annual general meeting. Also this weekend in Hay River is the annual pond hockey tournament which is put on by a bunch of amazing volunteers in Hay River. And I'm looking forward to being back home and...

I'd like to recognize Georgina Rolt, a longtime friend of mine who used to reside in Hay River and still holds a membership with the Hay River Legion in Hay River.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I encourage the Member to reach out to their local government to also reach out to MACA. Maybe there's something that could be done there. However, most recently we did learn of CIRNAC releasing some funds. So there is an opportunity for the local government to also reach out to them to assist. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The GNWT is working with the Council of Leaders to find ways of communicating with the communities in regards to emergency management. Also, we're well aware of the communication issues that happened. To be honest, I was one of the ones running around stealing StarLink so that we could have communication. So I hear what the Member is saying. The departments are working on these concerns. However, local community governments are responsible for local emergency measurement, EMO organizations. Part of that EMO organization is being prepared themselves. And they're the ones...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will reach to my department and see what we can do. I know, like I said earlier, the local government is lead on the project, so we'll see what we can do for the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When it comes down to the local governments, they are the lead on such projects with the support of MACA to get through the projects and assistance and guidance. Ultimately, the local community government is responsible for the projects and completing them. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I think that's something that we have to bring forward and look with our legislation and something that we'd have to consult with all the local Aboriginal groups along with the government agencies to see what we can do. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am aware of the Lotteries Act and how outdated it is along with many of our legislation, and I'm willing to have a look at the legislation. Thank you.