Daniel McNeely

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again, as we look outside, the snow is here and the winter road is coming for the Sahtu region. Mr. Speaker, my Member's statement today is on the upcoming annual winter road construction and maintenance season, which totals a coverage area of 670 kilometres.

The residents of the Sahtu region look forward to this project for a variety of reasons. I guess the highest on the list would be taken out of isolation and access to the outside world, and also the construction and maintenance opportunities and employment that it brings. Also just the opportunity and freedom...

I'm asking the question if the Minister would entertain the idea of cost savings on a negotiable arrangement to hire local and supply local for the vehicle and eliminate the provision cost and the hotel cost for outside supervisors. Would the Minister accept that?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Each year the winter road project is supervised by outside supervisors brought in at a cost. The cost includes such things as the vehicle, gas, room and board, and a significant amount of overtime.

My question to the Minister of DOT is, utilizing the GNWT and SSI MOU, will the Minister consider hiring local residents for this year's season? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's a comment, not a question. I'm just happy to hear that the department takes the seasonal access communities in their review and assessment and allocation. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. One more comment: I would urge the department as part of the capital planning process to have joint landtenure workshops with the Departments of Lands and Housing. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In the whole area of procurement and capitalization for these capital projects and moving forward here, does the department, as part of the capital process, look at joint land tenure with Department of Lands so it will be more identified prior to the new building coming in sort of thing? I guess my question is, is it a current process to have a land tenure workshop between Housing Corporation and the Department of Lands in all regions? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last question is I look forward to the dates placed forward for this potential meeting here and we can relay that message on to the regional interested parties there; I have several in my riding that would be glad to accept the invitation to participate and talk to the federal counterparts on how to redesign in person the program for better delivery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today on the Nutrition North program is addressed to the Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs. The question is we have an NWT agricultural strategy, and with the Nutrition North program, I am wondering if there is a willingness to move ahead in merging both counterparts on the program delivery and if the Minister is willing to engage in federal discussions with their federal counterpart that deliver that program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. When I look at the list there on 70, 71 and the page prior 69, in alphabetical order on capital projects for the communities I don't see the little community of Colville Lake on there. My question is: during your survey needs assessment, reviews, allocation do you take into account seasonal access?

Because a little community like Colville or Deline is not on the list because of the fact they're inland away from the river. In case there's a barge that could mobilize materials and buildings in during the summer season as well as take advantage over the winter season the only...

Yes, my last question related to landtenure workshops: are these held on a scheduled basis in each region? Thank you, Mr. Chair.