Kieron Testart

I appreciate that we don't want to potentially impact the negotiations that would result in the backstop. I don't support the backstop model. I think we need our own made-in-the-North model. Can the Minister assure us that we will get a made-in-the-North model, and we won't be forced to accept the unfavourable backstop model that is being proposed by Ottawa, unfavourable to people in the Northwest Territories and my constituents?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm satisfied with that response. I think we have seen this for a couple of years now, that the health benefits are being exceeded based on demand, and I'm pleased to see we are fixing the problem. I have no further questions. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the federal government has put in place a carbon backstop for jurisdictions that don't embrace their own carbon pricing model. I would like to ask the Minister of Finance if he can speak to ongoing negotiations with the federal government over carbon pricing, and whether or not he has prepared our own carbon pricing model for implementation here in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just have one question about this. The shortfall for extended health benefits and Metis health benefits, this amount, this $4.3 million, appears to be 40 per cent over the current budget. Of course, it seems like we are seeing an increased need for these benefits to be extended to Northerners. The current level of funding going forward, has it been adjusted to address the shortfall in the supplementary health programs? Thank you.

Maybe something further. Are these positions solely contingent on this funding? Is this something we are looking to maintain after three years? Thank you.

Thank you. Can the Minister just quickly explain the difference between the two, the 10-year framework and the three-year funding plan? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to speak to, it's not a question, it's just a comment. I support these supplementary estimates or the requested appropriation, in particular, the $1.5 million for the purchase of four portables at St. Joseph School. That school is in my riding. It's the largest elementary school in the Northwest Territories. I have risen in this House before to speak about the space needs of the school. This is something that this school district was looking to bring forward, so I'm very pleased that the government is providing assistance to the School District of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Minister for responding on an area that there is not much meat on the bones, so to speak. There is a public concern over the use of this technology. I think we are reminded of some public engagement that went on earlier in this term. Clearly, if this is the way of the future, and the Minister is confident that the industry is moving in this area, and the economy is moving in this area, is he willing to commit to put a discussion paper together or some talking points that could be shared with the public so we can get Northerners in on the conversation and...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Committee would like to consider Tabled Document 63-18(3), Main Estimates, 2018-2019. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Visitors to the Legislative Assembly today may have noticed the Union Jack flying over our building, and that is because today is Commonwealth Day, the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, which throughout the world is being celebrated by the organization 53 member states.

More than 2.4 billion people live in those 53 nations that make up the Commonwealth, accounting for 30 per cent of the world's population and representing every continent on earth. The theme of this year's celebration is "Towards a Common Future." This day not only symbolizes the...