I move that this committee recommends that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment establish an accountability framework for the funding provided to Aboriginal language communities under the “new approach” and provide the standing committee with progress reports and a copy of the framework when completed. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Mr. Moses. A motion is on the floor. The motion has been distributed. To the motion. Mr. Moses.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Committee does have some concerns about the funding model under this new approach with the delivery of Aboriginal languages revitalization. I think the committee pretty well agrees that it is a good idea to have our Aboriginal communities and our experts try to revitalize language with their own community plans. In terms of accountability, particularly in the event that goals established by the language communities are not met with the funding that’s provided is a concern to community members and that possibly dollars not be, I guess, distributed to the best cause to revitalize our Aboriginal languages. All committee is asking for is that we get continued updates and that the department establishes an appropriate monitoring and accountability framework and updates committee on a regular basis. Also, when those work plans and action plans in the communities are completed, that they are shared with committee, as well, just to hold both the government and communities accountable moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Mr. Moses. To the motion.
Question.
Question has been called. The motion is carried.
---Carried
Next I will go to Mr. Yakeleya.
I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a comprehensive response to this report within 120 days. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The motion is on the floor. The motion is being distributed.
To the motion. Mr. Yakeleya.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I look forward to that report.
---Laughter
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. To the motion.
Question.
Question has been called. The motion is carried.
---Carried
Does committee agree we have concluded consideration of Committee Report 14-17(5)?
Agreed.
What is the wish of committee? Ms. Bisaro.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that we report progress.
--Carried
Thank you. I will now rise and report progress.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee has been considering Committee Report 14-17(5), Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the 2014 Review of the Official Languages Act, and would like to report progress with four motions adopted and that Committee Report 14-17(5) is concluded. I move that the report of Committee of the Whole be concurred with. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Bouchard. Do I have a seconder? Mr. Bromley.
---Carried
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that Bill 50, Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2015-2016, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Question.
Question has been called. Bill 50, Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2015-2016, has had third reading.
---Carried
Mr. Miltenberger.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, that Bill 51, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 5, 2014-2015, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Question.
Question has been called. Bill 51, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 5, 2014-2015, has had third reading.
---Carried
Mr. Miltenberger.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, that Bill 52, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2014-2015, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Question.
Question has been called. Bill 52, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2014-2015, has had third reading.
---Carried
Mr. Miltenberger.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Bill 53, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2015-2016, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Question.
Question has been called. Bill 53, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2015-2016, has had third reading.
---Carried
Mr. Ramsay.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, that Bill 42, An Act to Amend the Residential Tenancies Act, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Question.
Question has been called. Bill 42, An Act to Amend the Residential Tenancies Act, has had third reading.
---Carried
Mr. Clerk, will you ascertain if the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable George L. Tuccaro, is prepared to enter the Chamber and assent to bills?
Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, good afternoon.
I would like to thank you all for your good wishes last week when it was announced in this House and by Minister Valcourt in Ottawa that my term as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories has been extended for one more year, to May of 2016.
---Applause
I am very grateful and honoured in your confidence in my work as your Commissioner. I am glad to be offered a bit more time in this job and will do my very best to continue serving all Northerners with the dignity and professionalism required of this office.
It is important to acknowledge the recent passing of several long-term, prominent Northerners and to note that when we lose these elders, we have lost an important part of our northern history and it is up to us to remember and honour their wisdom, their lives and their very contributions to our territory and to our country.
Colleagues, it has been our usual busy winter session. You have considered budget matters, reviewed legislation and debated numerous motions. I appreciate your attention and dedication to this important work.
Before we leave today, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Pages who have worked with us during this sitting. Thanks for doing an excellent job.
Colleagues, our caterer for some years, Ms. Putte Nielson, is leaving us at the end of this month. On behalf of all Members and staff, I would like to thank Putte for her services and extend our best wishes. We will miss her excellent cooking.
Finally, colleagues, there are two events that I wish to bring to your attention.
First, I want to remind all Members of the 2015 Youth Parliament, which will take place May 4th to the 7th. It is always such a pleasure to see our young people participate in this unique learning opportunity. I look forward to meeting the 2015 Youth Parliamentarians and invite all Members to join me.
Secondly, please note that May 26th is the date this Assembly has set side to recognize as a National Day of Healing and Reconciliation. This is an important day for the Northwest Territories as many of our communities come together to continue to support the collective healing and reconciliation process.
Colleagues, spring is arriving early – not early, it’s still pretty cold out there – but the days are growing longer and it is a particularly beautiful time in our communities. I hope everyone has some time to get out on the land and enjoy traditional spring activities with family and friends.
To all residents of the Northwest Territories, I urge you to take care and to travel safely at this time of year. I wish everyone a good break with a chance to get out and see your constituents.
I look forward to meeting again in this Chamber in May.
