George Nerysoo

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.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise with great honour to congratulate a well-respected constituent of the Mackenzie Delta and a lifelong resident of Teetl’it Zheh. Ms. Mary Teya is the recent recipient of the Order of the Northwest Territories. The Order of the Northwest Territories recognizes individuals who have served with great distinction and excelled in any field of endeavour benefitting the people of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I personally cannot think of anyone else more deserving to receive this distinguished award other than Ms. Teya. I have known Ms. Teya all my life...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too will be supporting this motion because in my community of Fort McPherson, I've seen the resource people, specifically the RCMP, have been exhausted to where they're unable to come out to investigate any crimes because they're not trained or -- to go out and deal with family violence or any other family issues. So this motion will give direction to the government to help these resource people in a better manner. So just to let you know that I will be supporting this motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to congratulate the students of the Mackenzie Delta communities of Aklavik, Fort McPherson, and Tsiigehtchic who have completed their grade 12 and will receive or have received their diplomas. These young men and women are an inspiration to themselves, to their families, and their communities. These 16 individuals and future leaders of the respective communities are to be commended on their achievements and future endeavorers in whatever they pursue in the near future.

The following students graduated grade 12.

From Aklavik:

Tisha Koe,

Kayden McLeod,

Mathe...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My other concern is the home purchase program. I know the Indigenous governments within each region were allocated some money from the federal government to build houses within their respective regions, and I believe within my community of Fort McPherson, I believe we have eight houses constructed by the Gwich'in Tribal Council, and I think the purpose of building these houses is not to turn over to housing for public housing units but to give residents of communities the option or the opportunity to own their own homes, because right now we have a number of young people...