George Nerysoo

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are other benefits getting at and using this specific gravel source for training opportunities, for the Dempster Highway, and also the local economy. Will the Minister look at other stakeholders and try to make this venture a reality for the benefit of the community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A gravel source is very important for many reasons. We need gravel for the upkeep of the highway, for the ferry landings, and for community use. With the high cost of fuel and transportation, it is important that we find a gravel source that is close to the community and readily available at a competitive price.

While Tsiigehtchic has that gravel source right in its backyard, extracting this source will benefit the community in many ways like training, employment, and this venture will help the economy of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, today, if any community within the Beaufort...

I'm fine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

When somebody applies for funding from your department in this area, do they have to provide a financial report? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Okay. No, my question was I'm looking for funding for Midway Lake. Has the organization ever approached your department or regional department for funding in the past? I'm just wondering if that's something that this organization has ever pursued. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We've been talking about building our economy in our committees and their deliberations. It's important that we help build our economy within each community, within each region, as a territory as a whole, but when you look at these SEED programs, the advance -- I mean, the community futures, all these programs have had a decrease in these areas where it's giving -- where it states community. It's very disturbing to see these cuts in these areas where it supports community initiatives. Can you give me some clarity on that, please. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You beat me to my third question there. Will the Minister consider talking to the local government if their request came directly from the community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure. The competition for gravel and other resources is good for the consumer. Will the Department of Infrastructure look at options to get at this gravel within Tsiigehtchic for the benefit of the region and especially for the community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too will be supporting this motion. You know, it's hard to see your people suffer, your family members, your community members. It's hard to see them suffer. And trying to find a solution to this ongoing problem, it's hard. I hope this motion will start the process. We've tried every avenue. We've met with the RCMP. We've met with Indigenous leaders, governments. We're just having a tough time dealing with this ongoing battle. Like I stated, it's hard to see your family members suffering. They don't know how much they're suffering, and the drug dealers from southern...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister consider contracting an Indigenous government or company to conduct these inspections? This is just to bring comfort to the elders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.