Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the past number of years the Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition has been working on Betty House, which is an initiative to build and operate a transitional house for women and children that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Betty House will help these women and children to stabilize, to move forward and to make positive life choices.
Today I am pleased to inform Members of the Assembly that the NWT Housing Corporation, on behalf of the GNWT, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the City of Yellowknife and the YWCA as representatives of the Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition, to provide a contribution of approximately $2.3 million towards the construction of Betty House.
The Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition includes representatives from a variety of non-government organizations, all levels of government, and other community organizations. This group has done considerable planning and fundraising for this project and I want to acknowledge and thank members of the coalition for their continued hard work on this and on other work they do related to homelessness.
I understand that Mayor Gordon Van Tighem from the City of Yellowknife, Ms. Lyda Fuller from the YWCA who are expected to operate this facility on behalf of the Homelessness Coalition, and Ms. Dayle Hernblad, the Homelessness coordinator for the City of Yellowknife, have joined us today in the Assembly and I want to recognize their contribution to this project.
During the engagement of the Shelter Policy review, we heard on many occasions the importance of advancing initiatives related to homelessness and transition housing. I am told that the GNWT contribution of about $2.3 million will have a significant impact on ensuring the completion of Betty House and we believe this initiative is a vital part of our overall priority of strengthening our approach to homelessness.
Homelessness is a problem in many NWT communities and through working with our partners in other levels of government and community organizations, we can continue to address this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod.
Mr. Speaker, on April 22, 1992, the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Canada signed the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement. This coming April will mark the 20th anniversary of that historic day.
On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I would like to congratulate the Gwich’in people on reaching this significant milestone. Since 1992, the Gwich’in have worked hard to play an important role in the economy and benefit fully from the opportunities available to them.
The Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement was one more step to self-sufficiency and gave the Gwich’in greater ability to control their future. It gave the Gwich’in, within the Gwich’in settlement area, defined rights to land, water and wildlife and the ability to take part in decisions about how these resources are managed. It also supported the Gwich’in way of life, one based on traditional relationships with the land.
Mr. Speaker, this government’s goal of a strong and independent North built on partnerships is dependent on the successful conclusion of land, resources and self-government agreements.
I look forward to working closely with the Gwich’in Tribal Council to strengthen our relationships as governments. I’m confident that as we continue down this path, we will realize our vision as strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement represents a commitment by all parties to a brighter future, one based on the recognition of Aboriginal rights and the social and cultural identity of the Gwich’in people, within the Canadian constitutional framework. I look forward to our ongoing work with the Gwich’in people to fulfill the vision that entered a new phase 20 years ago. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Ramsay.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mining forms a major piece of the economic foundation of the Northwest Territories. Before mining can take place, we rely on the work of prospectors and exploration companies to identify potential mineral development opportunities. Today I am pleased to announce dedicated annual funding of $50,000 for the Prospectors Grubstake Program. This funding will be made available under Industry, Tourism and Investments Support to Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy.
The Prospectors Grubstake Program previously existed but has not been actively funded since 2008. We are pleased to announce its return after a five-year absence and look forward to the potential benefits it will bring to this territory.
This money will provide financial assistance to qualified Northwest Territories prospectors to search for new mineral deposits or to reassess previously known deposits. This grassroots exploration is part of our economic foundation and is a key element in the discovery of new potential mineral deposits.
Exploration creates jobs, generates income for Northwest Territories businesses and encourages infrastructure development.
The historical gold finds that led to the Giant and Con mines were the result of the work of prospectors. We cannot forget two geologists named Mr. Chuck Fipke and Mr. Stewart Blusson, the now famous prospectors who found diamonds at Lac de Gras, leading to the largest staking rush in Canadian history.
Their discovery has had a tremendous impact on our territory. It has led to three operating diamond mines: Rio Tinto’s Diavik Mine, BHP Billiton’s Ekati Mine and De Beers’ Snap Lake Mine. Together, these three mines have employed hundreds of our residents and spent billions of dollars at northern businesses.
We cannot underestimate the potential for prospecting. Ultimately the efforts of one prospector could bring benefits that would be felt throughout the territory. While the existing mines bring immense benefit to Northwest Territories residents and communities, it is only with continued exploration that we will see this activity sustained and these benefits continue.
Mr. Speaker, building a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices is one of the goals of this Assembly. The Government of the Northwest Territories is dedicated to strengthening the Northwest Territories economy by providing support for entrepreneurs. With the allocation of this funding, we have reinforced the foundation for a sustainable mining industry. Through the Prospectors Grubstake Program we hope to see additional prospectors take part in the mineral exploration activities occurring around the territory.
By encouraging and facilitating investment in our territory, this government will build a robust and sustainable mining industry, diversify our economy, and maximize benefits for Northwest Territories residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Statement delivered in French and then in English.]
I would like to dedicate my Member’s statement today showcasing a not-for-profit group that has celebrated some very significant milestones. From its humble beginnings in the fall of 1991 as a steering committee, now 20 years later Yellowknife Community Foundation has become the pinnacle of excellence and a true gem for the community of Yellowknife and territory.
The Yellowknife Community Foundation, also referred to as the YCF, provides individual organizations with the means to support projects in our community and ensure that the generosity of others will last forever. Their mission is simple: to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Yellowknife and surrounding area by identifying and addressing community needs. Armed with an inventory of over 20 scholarships and funds that cover the arts, health, trades, training, sport, environment, emergency services, aviation, post-secondary studies, heritage and community development, the YCF is truly a 360-degree foundation.
In celebrating their 20th anniversary, the YCF recently announced that their permanent funds exceeded the $3 million mark and with an equally impressive record of over $500,000 of grants and scholarships given to many Yellowknife students and organizations over the years, this is truly a remarkable milestone.
Because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, the Yellowknife Community Foundation is celebrating this weekend their Third Annual Valentine’s Black Tie Gala at the Explorer Hotel. This sell-out event boasts an evening of elegance, love, laughter and hope. The YCF uses this event not only as a fundraiser to support the foundation’s many civic causes but also uses it as a friend-raiser to magnify its great contribution to our society and community.
[English translation not provided.]
My fellow colleagues, please join me congratulating the incredible contributor to our northern society, the Yellowknife Community Foundation.
Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to speak about Jean Marie River and MACA’s New Deal. Community capacity has been a major challenge since the Government of the Northwest Territories implemented the New Deal. For almost five years now, while some regional centres thrive, small communities struggle to take on the added responsibilities of managing infrastructure and self-governance. Jean Marie River’s population of 64 is one of these communities. The GNWT wants to transfer responsibility for local infrastructure beginning April 1st; however, the hamlet wants to defer that.
To date, no one has been trained to maintain heating, plumbing, or electrical work in the hamlet’s few public buildings. They simply cannot afford to fly someone in from Hay River every time something needs to be fixed or checked. Currently the government does have the ability with in-house staff to do that; however, when they transfer it over, the full burden of the responsibility is on the communities.
MACA is committed to helping communities implement the New Deal. The department has responded to many growing pains in certain communities over the past five years but it seems Jean Marie River has not benefited from these resources. MACA must continue to provide training to residents who are willing to learn the skills required for basic maintenance of public infrastructure. There is an opportunity to engage young people or seasonal workers. MACA can even train a small group of people to work together.
People leave our small communities because they feel like there are more opportunities and quality of life elsewhere. That’s true when things constantly break down and no one is available to repair them. Local infrastructure is closed and often vandalized, making problems worse than before. That was never the goal of the New Deal.
Independence and responsibility for municipal planning can enrich life in the communities. MACA should and must work closely with Jean Marie River to help meet its unique needs and come up with maintenance solutions that work.
I will be asking the Minister of MACA questions at the appropriate time.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The other night I was watching the news and I was watching Mr. Harper’s visit to China. When he was talking to the head of state in China, I noticed that behind him and the Chinese head of state they had translators and they were conversing, but the translators were helping them understand the two different worlds and what they were talking about. I thought that the Northwest Territories needs to have a good look at how we support our Aboriginal languages in our communities. The government needs to look at sort of an Aboriginal translation agency or secretariat.
When we have Ministers come into our communities where the Aboriginal language is the first language, that’s where you get the best of the best to speak about their issue and their world view. Sometimes we have difficulty, and when I say we, in my region we have to run and look for the appropriate translator because health is a different issue, justice is a different terminology, and the same with ENR. We have different terminology that we use, and the community people do their best when they provide these services and sometimes they’re unable to because for some reason, they are not available, or on medical leave, or in the bush or, really, they’re trying to do their best to translate that terminology for the proper meaning. The government asks us, as MLAs, who need to have translators at their public meetings, to get their message across and sometimes we do our best to provide that. However, sometimes our people say well, they’re not saying it right, get this translator.
I think it’s the government’s onus and responsibility if they could look at setting up an Aboriginal languages secretariat so then they could put their money where their words are and say yes, we will provide the translators for you. It is our responsibility that every agency and department has that service so people can speak and understand what’s been told to them and they can communicate that to that person in that department.
I ask the government if they would look at this agency and I will ask the Minister responsible at the appropriate time.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. All week we’ve been hearing news reports on CBC in the mornings, of the Ski Week and all the work that’s been going into promoting people getting active and enjoying the outdoors and living a healthy lifestyle.
As you know, skiing has a strong history in the Northwest Territories, specifically with the Territorial Experimental Ski Training program. At this time I’d just like to acknowledge two of those participants that took part in the program: Ms. Sharon Firth and Ms. Shirley Firth-Larsson, who also just received the Diamond Jubilee Medal this week, earlier this week. They are both great ambassadors of not only the NWT but both live healthy, active lifestyles and are a role model to our Aboriginal youth and people in the Northwest Territories to get out, be active, follow your dreams and to participate in such programs as Ski NWT.
I’d also like to take this time to recognize that Ski NWT and skiing has a strong presence in the community of Fort McPherson, where they have a lot of strong snow-shoers and skiers that participate and will be going to the Arctic Winter Games. I would just like to recognize the group that are working there, the volunteers, the coaches and the families that support small communities.
Just with the Arctic Winter Games team coming up this year, we noticed that all of the Ski NWT team outside of Yellowknife are a strong contingent and only from one community, and that is Fort McPherson. We have to recognize the strong work that is going on there as well.
At this time I’d also like to recognize the NWT Rec and Parks Association on their efforts to initiate the Mackenzie River Walking Challenge, which is also getting people out and being active. As well, as Members of this Assembly and staff to get out, put a few minutes in, a few kilometres, you know, on their shoes to live a healthy, active lifestyle so that we can make the best decisions in this House for the people of the Northwest Territories.
With that said, Sunday is NWT Ski Day across the Northwest Territories and I invite all Members to come out to the YK Ski Club and participate in being active, living healthy and supporting all of these great programs that Sport North and NWTRPA have initiated in the NWT. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Moses. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the last 20 years or more, Yellowknife residents have been unable to lease land for a cabin or a campsite of their own. Some people have taken matters into their own hands and are now firmly established in the area as squatters. Our Department of Municipal and Community Affairs started to take action to deal with squatters a few years ago. In 2009 MACA placed a moratorium on recreational land leases and began work to develop a recreational Land Lease Policy framework. A consultant was contacted to study the areas around Yellowknife and Inuvik in particular and to recommend changes in the Land Lease Policy.
A month ago the result of that work was made public and comments were invited. The discussion paper suggests adding 35 new cabin lots and 17 casual or day-use lots in the Yellowknife city area. I truly appreciate the work done for this report and MACA has actively consulted with the public on this document since its release, but as I mentioned the other day, the consultation has come at the end of the process instead of at the beginning.
The Yellowknife public meetings pointed out a number of flaws in MACA’s work to date on this policy. I would like to mention what I heard from constituents. One, the study area was only a portion of the Commissioner’s land around this city. The First Nations whose traditional lands encompass this area have not been consulted. The consultant’s recommendations are based on a desk study. There was no on-the-ground evaluation of the study area. The current leaseholders and lake users were not consulted for their advice on the expansion. The new lots are poorly placed, some on swampy land, some on a shoreline where water depth is two feet or less, many in close proximity to each other and/or existing lots.
The recommended lot placement completely ignores valid legal mineral claims in the area. Lastly, there was no research done to evaluate current actual use. We have no idea how many people use the Vee Lake landing boat launch on a beautiful summer day. We have no idea how many snowmobilers use the area on a lovely winter day like today, yet we will be packing all of these new leases and day-use lots into one small area, the only easily accessible recreation area for Yellowknifers. The current lease owners are understandably concerned, and those looking to lease are still frustrated.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
MACA’s discussion paper refers to the carrying capacity of an area. That is the amount of use a lake or a landmass can sustain. It is one of the concepts used for the study recommendations. But how can MACA accept the consultant’s recommendations without any idea of current use without any baseline data to measure the impact the addition of the new lots will have on the area?
A second most alarming issue is the inability of MACA to monitor and control land use in the study area and enforcement of the leases that they will let. The department has neither the manpower nor the equipment to do a job that they will be saddled with. Without that capability, we will quickly return to the squatter situation we now have.
The work to date has been good work. I am not advocating that it be thrown out. What I am proposing is that further work is needed, especially on-the-ground consultation with current users. Without further consultation, this government will overpopulate one small lake and strain it and its environment to the point of no return. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Bouchard.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to continue discussion on businesses and policies, BIP and the northern manufacturing policy. As I asked the Minister yesterday about whether these policies have been reviewed, and they had been completed last year to a year and a half. There must be some issues with the implementation of this policy then.
In my short term as MLA for Hay River North, I have had several constituents have concerns with these two policies and the fact that they have been implemented. They are often asking why they have to be their own watchdogs for this program and make sure the GNWT is spending money in the North by northern companies.
I believe that the Business Incentive Policy must be implemented throughout the departments and if it’s not an issue of the policy itself, it must be an issue with the training. How can we be expected to implement larger projects like the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline, Mackenzie Valley Highway and Tuk to Inuvik highway in the future when we’re having difficulties implementing the basic policies or expenditures we have now?
My questions today will be to the Minister of ITI on how we can improve the implementation of the Business Incentive Policy and the northern manufacturing policy. We need to maximize the dollars that the GNWT spends with northern businesses. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Bouchard. The Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to stand up in this House again, sadly, to say that I have to repeat my statement again about the plight of an industry in Hay River that has been open and operating there since 1969, but this government, through their action and inaction, is going to allow it to fold. That is Patterson Sawmill. We are sitting in the Northwest Territories in a virtual forest; we are in the boreal forest. I don’t know how many ENR employees we have who look after forest management and yet we cannot eke out one single sustainable industry and support that logging industry to continue here in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, let’s be clear. It’s over unpaid stumpage fees. It’s over a debt owed by Pattersons to this government of less than $120,000. Now, surely we can muster the political will to somehow recognize that this has been a company that has existed in Hay River that employs people. We as a government can expend millions of dollars on pilot projects and in testing things and let’s experiment and let’s see if this will get off the ground, and here we are, we have a company that employs six people, it’s a family business and they have been prohibited and stopped from going to work this winter to harvest logs in an assessed area because they owe this government less than $120,000. I think it’s shameful. There is no one else who has carried on a business harvesting our renewable resource of timber in this territory except for them.
How many debts have we written off as a government to businesses that were kind of sketchy to start with? Here is the catch-22 that the Patterson Sawmill is in: If they can’t get their permit to go work, they can’t pay their debt; but if they can’t pay their debt, they can’t go to work. That’s where they are stuck right now, in limbo, and I am very unhappy, disappointed with this government that we cannot find a way to let this company get back to work. They’re not asking to forgive the money. They’re asking them to let them go to work so that they can pay back the stumpage fees. If a forest fire burns the whole place down, we go out and replant the trees, but somebody goes out and tries to create a little economy and a little industry by cutting down the trees and they can’t immediately pay the stumpage fees because of some difficult economic times and we’re going to shut ‘em down and we’re going to crucify them. Thank you.
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Nadli.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had the opportunity to travel on the Alaska Highway many years ago and I was really impressed by the opportunity to just pull alongside the highway, stretch and take in the sights. But I was just stunned by the amazing beauty of the Alaska Highway and the many services that the government provides for tourists, for people to pull over and rest, maybe park their RV and take some pictures. That road was clearly impressive in terms of developing and to ensure that there is a plan for tourists. My statement relates to that very initiative.
In the Northwest Territories my constituency prides itself in being the gateway to the Northwest Territories. The economy in the Northwest Territories and Canada is in a downturn and tourism travel to the North is also slowing down.
In Enterprise, the Hay River Reserve, Kakisa and Fort Providence, we pride ourselves that we have gifts of natural wonders. Whether it be viewing the falls in driving into Enterprise, skidooing on the great lakes or canoeing on the lake, there is great potential for a successful Tourism Development Strategy.
We have artists, performers and amazing areas in the Deh Cho and arts and crafts such as moose hair tufting. Awhile back there was an initiative to ensure that the North was represented in terms of…(inaudible)…traditional arts and crafts artisans developed moose hair tufting slippers and it was noted that people from the North had amazing gifts. For that matter, we could also listen to the famous Johnny Landry, who is also a performer, and many artists that live in our communities and struggle to make a living and also ensure that we develop a vibrant tourism development economy for the Northwest Territories.
I just wanted to ensure that this government is aware that we have our natural strengths, we have our natural abilities, we have amazing gifts that are just given to us in our back doors and we need to develop and ensure that we have good plans in place. I’ll be raising some questions on this matter later on.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to continue a discussion today on the downtown day shelter. Back in my December 13th Member’s statement and questions, I asked the government about its intention to extend the much needed services that are provided by the downtown day shelter to people who are homeless. In the Minister’s reply he talked about the department’s intention to continue that partnership with the City of Yellowknife, but he also continues to go on in the context of once the review is done, they will continue that funding.
It’s no surprise to anyone in this House, and certainly the community, that I’m a definite supporter of the downtown day shelter and I agree with the principles of why it exists. The department’s objectives of that contribution agreement were built around the fact that we should provide a warm place for clients to access washrooms, telephones, et cetera. It also provides support and referral information to other agencies and to operate between 7:00 in the morning and 7:00 at night seven days a week.
From the sounds of that, some if not most of those particular objectives are being met, but the sad case of the reality here is not all of them are being met. At the same time I’m hearing several complaints over the last couple of years regarding many serious issues, such as on-site drinking, substance abuse, abuse to staff, and quite frankly, I’ve heard other things I dare not say in this House.
With that being the case, I’d like to talk today about how we’re going to address some of these particular problems. I emphasize I am a supporter of the downtown day shelter, but it cannot exist in the same type of partnership that it’s existing in now.
It would be technically correct if the Minister of Health and Social Services says to me, oh, Mr. Hawkins, that’s a John Howard Society problem, they must deal with this; and he may be technically correct. However, as long as the GNWT’s money is going in as a partner, as a full partner, as a major partner in this objective, we do have a say as to what is happening down there. We should have a say before we renew this particular contract.
I will say without any hesitation that the environment there needs to be safe, respectable, positive and it must provide referrals to other agencies out there. We must create an environment that is safe, respectful and positive, I say again.
I will be asking questions to the Minister of Health and Social Services, because we must meet these mutually agreeable objectives. Because we care for these people, we wouldn’t waver on any of these.
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Public consultation towards the recreational leasing policy framework has no sooner been launched than they’ve gone off the rails. Overwhelming feedback from First Nations, leaseholders and the public has demonstrated such basic flaws in MACA’s process and planning that we’re back at square one. How much more wise it would have been to start with consultations, especially given the dearth of MACA’s knowledge and capacity.
Incredibly, the rights of First Nations have not been taken into account. MACA failed to provide the consultation documents directly to the Yellowknives Dene when the process was launched and the Minister should have consulted with the YKDFN before the public discussions began. The result: The YKDFN has called for no new leases until completion of the Akaitcho process.
MACA recommendations are based on inadequate and verified research. The 35 new leases proposed includes a 300 percent increase on one lake alone and is based on an office exercise without site visits to verify suitability. Worst of all, no effort was made to tap into the intimate knowledge of local leaseholders. Recommendations failed to acknowledge that an explosion of Walsh Lake leases will swamp the already inadequate facilities at the Vee Lake landing. There is no recommendation or cash to provide landing infrastructure to accommodate a doubled or tripled parking and docking demand.
Most fundamental is the illusion of land management supposed by the recommendations. MACA has a responsibility for managing lands but no familiarity with the land. MACA has responsibility for regulating land use but admits to having essentially no capacity for enforcing the regulations.
What does this mean for the future? This consultation is intended to result in a policy for the whole NWT. The fundamental clause of this effort gives little confidence in a result that will meet our land management needs throughout the NWT. Possibly most chilling is a commentary this makes on our prospects for devolution of land management. The federal government is doing nothing to control squatting on federal Crown land, devotes no resources and tolerates a squatting free-for-all. This is the resourcing and good stewardship we propose to take down in a devolution deal?
We need to take the time to do this right and start over. I’ll be asking the Minister questions on how he proposes to turn this work around.
Mr. Speaker, I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Dolynny on February 8, 2012, regarding policy on carbon monoxide detectors.
The Member enquired as to government policy on the installation of carbon monoxide detectors and their usage in public housing in the NWT.
I can advise the Assembly that the 2008 National Building Code requires that all buildings heated by a fuel-fired appliance have a carbon monoxide detector hardwired into the electrical system. This is not a requirement for houses built prior to 2008.
All public housing units built subsequent to 1995 have carbon monoxide detectors hardwired into the electrical system. In older units we have taken steps to install detectors, including using battery operated carbon monoxide detectors when hardwiring was not possible. The carbon monoxide detectors are checked at least once a year as part of the local housing organization’s regular preventative maintenance schedule.
I appreciate the Member raising this very important issue and I strongly encourage all homeowners in the NWT to install a carbon monoxide detector in their homes in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to recognize our partners in Betty House that we have in the gallery with us today: Ms. Lyda Fuller from the YWCA, Ms. Dayle Hernblad from the Homelessness Coalition with the City of Yellowknife, and I think we also have sitting up there Ms. Kate Wilson, who has done a lot of work with YWCA.
Last but not least I’d like to recognize a gentleman that I’ve had an opportunity to work with for a number of years in my capacity as Minister of MACA: the mayor of Yellowknife, the outgoing mayor of Yellowknife, Mr. Gord Van Tighem. It’s been a pleasure working with you, sir.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize my beautiful wife and my gorgeous son up there. I want to say thank you to my wife. In my language I want to say… [English translation not provided.] In my language it means honey, I love you.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize and express appreciation for all the work of the Homelessness Coalition and especially mention Mr. Mayor Gordon Van Tighem, a resident of Weledeh.
