George Nerysoo

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. Thank you to the Minister. I am aware of the agreement. Can the Minister provide programs that these elders are eligible for and provide those directly to the homeowners by mail? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The local housing authority conducts annual inspections on public housing units to cut down on major costs. Can the Minister and/or the department direct local housing authorities to have their maintenance staff conduct annual inspections on these few elders' homes within their respective communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During my constituency meeting in Tsiigehtchic, Peter Ross, an elder from the community, stated that he seems to be forgotten by the government after elections are completed. He stated that once he votes for his MLA, he does not see them for another four years. I do not want to be that elected official. I want to be visible and work for the constituency of my riding. But I require the assistance of this government because you too have been elected as Ministers to sit on Cabinet by your peers.

Mr. Speaker, Peter Ross is a well-known elder throughout the region and the NWT...

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.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The elderly homeowners do not have an advocate that they are aware of. Due to this problem, their homes are neglected until it becomes a major problem and too costly to repair. My question to the Minister responsible for Housing NWT is can the Minister provide an annual housing inspection for the elders so that they can take action before it becomes a financial burden on the elders? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Chair. With the climate change and winter roads going in later and closing earlier, is there any significant savings in this department?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seconded this motion mainly because it's having an effect on small communities, especially in my community. Fort McPherson is the first community you'll hit when you come over the border from the Yukon. There's a lot of trafficking of hard, illicit drugs coming from the Yukon and also from southern Canada. We've seen a lot of violence within our small communities. We've witnessed people, strangers in our communities, because within our small communities everybody knows each other, then when you see somebody wandering around the community in the evening or late at...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to the list that's going to be provided. Can the Premier explain the status of the GNWT Food Security Strategy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.