George Nerysoo

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Back in about 20, 30 years ago, when a student needed help, there was a special needs class that they were placed in so that they can receive this help. I would like to know if the Minister would look at developing a program for the select few students. We have very limited students who are capable of going to post-secondary school but they're kept in classes where they're distracted and kept back. And I'm wondering if the department will look at developing a program for the select few students who are capable of going to post-secondary institutions and providing them...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pertaining to my Member's statement, 20 or 30 years ago the education system looked at teaching our children with great pride. Today we don't see that pride within our schools. The school -- the education system is failing our students every day. When can we start taking pride in the education system again and start seeing positive results within our smaller communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My final: Public engagement is key to finding solutions. Will this government look at reaching and conducting public consultation to find solutions to this crisis that we are facing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Justice Minister. In recent years since marijuana has become legal, the inclusion of hard drugs into our smaller communities has increased dramatically. Every time a known drug dealer is apprehended, they are set free with a promise to appear never to be seen again, and another person is sent to finish the transaction. When is this government going to start protecting the residents of the Northwest Territories by imposing stricter sentences on drug-related crimes? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Local authorities have always requested the assistance of community members, and the residents are much too eager to lend their assistance and regain their community and feel safe within their own homes. When and how will this government start to join in the fight against alcohol and drugs to ensure the safety of our future? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The residents of the Northwest Territories are wondering when this government is going to start looking after their interest in safety. The residents feel that this government is failing them in all aspects of services - in housing, in health care, in education, and the list goes on. During this past week, the Justice department has taken a different perspective in terms of protecting our residents of our communities. In my community of Tetlit Zheh, like all other communities within the NWT, they are dealing with a drug crisis. I've always stated that if alcohol and/or...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to inform the Assembly and the residents of the Northwest Territories of a program that is bringing hope to the people who are struggling with alcohol and drug abuse. It has been many years since we have had a program of this nature and that is giving hope to our residents of the North here in the North.

Mr. Speaker, the Gwich'in wellness Department of the Gwich'in Tribal Council has taken the lead in developing this program in the North for Northerners. In the past, I have spoken to a number of people who have expressed interest in attending a...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too are in support of my colleague from the Sahtu region as he speaks. As we are here, the Sahtu is dealing with the crisis, like my colleague just stated that the town of Norman Wells is out of fuel, so the residents need this government to step up and deal with this crisis.

This summer when Fort Good Hope was experiencing wildfire, Fort McPherson residents stepped up and they provided food and other essentials, and they boated it down to Fort Good Hope to assist them. That's the kind of help that we provide for each other no matter what region we are from. So we have...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to recognize Mary Teya, sister Margaret Begg, daughter Ann Kay and grandson Robert. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to our Minister for that reply. With her legal background, I'm quite somewhat comfortable on the word "commitment".

My second question to the Minister of Finance also is will the Minister support a codeveloped draft agreement to pay vendors in sponsorship with the town of Norman Wells? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.