Kieron Testart

So when the Health Information Act first came into place, the department identified 15 separate information systems. I will not go into them exhaustively, but they all seem to do different things: MediGent, MediPharm, ORMED, Risk Monitor Pro, Vital Statistics System, Health Suite. So, with these 15 separate information systems, are any of these going to be retained, or is this all rolling into one?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister is dedicated to a charm offensive at these trade shows and industry events and mining conferences, but I would like to know what we have to show for it. How much mining investment has been attracted to the Northwest Territories since this government took office? Thank you.

The issue in this most recent Fraser Institute report that is primarily the holdup for investment from the survey respondents, and this is a direct quote, is that "ongoing disputes over land claims and protected areas create uncertainty for investors." I would like to ask the Minister what his plan is to address those specific concerns. Let's start with land claims.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Mining Investment what he is doing to address the ongoing concerns about the perception of investors that the Northwest Territories is not as ideal a climate for mining investment as other jurisdictions in Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table one document, "Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2017." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The issue with land claims is, of course, much more complicated than we can get to today, so I am going to move on to protected areas and conservation.

An often concern is, that because of the size of conservation areas in the Northwest Territories, they cut off potential exploration and mineral development. Is the Minister cognizant of that, and is he bringing forward some clarity on that issue to investors that we are a friendly jurisdiction for mining?

My apologies, Mr. Speaker; the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to speak of the largest contributor to our economy, the source of continued growth and the real economic engine of the Northwest Territories. I am, of course, speaking about our mining industry, and I do appreciate the advocacy that our Ministers and government do to support the continued growth and development of the industry, which is why I was shocked to read the most recent Fraser Institute annual survey of mining companies from the year of 2017.

It's a survey that was electronically circulated to approximately 2,700 individuals between August 22nd and...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The 2018 South Slave Arctic Winter Games fast approaches. It will be the 25th Arctic Winter Games for the Circumpolar World.

These games will inspire all participants to find their power through a unique and exceptional sporting and cultural experience that Northerners of all stripes will benefit from.

Not only does this provide the opportunity for our young athletes to shine, but it will show off the beauty and unique culture of the South Slave region of the Northwest Territories, the region of our territory that does not get put into the spotlight nearly enough. Every...

Thank you. I will just conclude that. Previous to what is going on now, has the frequency changed? What I am getting at is: are we doing anything differently from before these changes went in place? Is there any way that they can provide some details on how they have made a meaningful change in how communication is going from headquarters to the facility? It is fine to hear we are doing a better job, but in the absence of policy or numbers in this budget, I would like some assurances. Thank you, Mr. Chair.