Kieron Testart

I just want to clarify so the Premier understands me clearly, but currently there has not been a process launched for the North Slave Metis Alliance. They have been asked. The only avenue for them forward is to join the Metis nation AIP. So what I am asking the Premier is if he will start the process of fully recognizing their rights with a strength-of-claim assessment so that they can move on with any claim they might make to their own agreement, their own self-government, agreement, their own deal?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member's statement, I raised some concerns I have heard from the North Slave Metis Alliance. Just to summarize, Mr. Speaker, the courts have found in favour of the NSMA many times, and it is clear that the issue of their constitutional rights needs to be settled clearly once and for all with a strength-of-claim assessment from this government and from the federal government. So I would like to ask the Premier in his capacity as Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs if a strength-of-claim assessment could be brought forward for the North Slave Metis Alliance...

The North Slave Metis Alliance represents Indigenous rights-bearing Metis people of the Northwest Territories who primarily exercise their Indigenous rights north and east of Great Slave Lake. The NSMA's mandate includes the assertion, protection, and implementation of the Aboriginal rights of the North Slave Metis people, and the exercise of Metis responsibility to protect the environment and promote and enhance economic, social, and cultural development. Mr. Speaker, the NSMA is located in my riding of Kam Lake, and today I rise to address the ongoing concerns they have been brought to my...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That is the last component of this work. It is good that staff are being trained. I think the training becomes complicated when the legislation is complicated. If the Minister is getting the training done, I expect we will see a decrease in complaints under the act and breaches under the act. What resources are being dedicated towards public education on patient rights under the legislation? I know the Minister just spoke to that work ongoing, but what dedicated resources are in this budget to support that work because it is an important component that is missing from the...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't enjoy the privilege of serving on that committee, but I am happy to attend if any briefing is arranged. I think the point when the public hears there are problems with the Health Information Act and the Information and Privacy Commissioner publishes reports on it, there is a concern that this needs to get done. If any information could be offered today rather than waiting until a briefing can be offered to the standing committee, it would be very much appreciated.

I will change my question and just ask: one of the things that was recommended was that privacy...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I grant that we may have the right people in place and we may have the right legislation in place. We don't have the right technology in place. The current technology the health authorities use is not equipped to handle the legislative requirements of the Health Information Act. Is there being addressed by the department in a substantial way? Are we replacing this technology? Thank you.

Thank you. Just to be clear, this department's budget is handling the service costs for the hospital? It is not coming from other departments? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the Minister has completed the work on the fence, it will be good of him to be able to tell me that today on the floor of the House. I understand he can't, and that's a concern for me. He knows I'm concerned about this issue. The security work that's been going on, the building that he mentioned, that money has been appropriated for that. It still hasn't been spent. We still can't find a contractor. Why? What is the hold-up? Why can't we spend this money? Why can't we get this work done? Thank you.

I'm going to quote from Hansard here from September 27. I quote the Minister saying, "I understand this project is now under construction and that it will be completed by mid-October. It is on course to be completed, as I say, by October, so the project, which I know has been long awaited by residents in the area, should be completed within the next couple of weeks."

Residents are still waiting, Mr. Speaker. What kind of timelines can the Minister give us? These are unacceptable delays.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize John Sabourin, Eli Nasogaluak, and Derrald Taylor. They are three world-class artists from my riding of Kam Lake who work at Frozen Rock Studio. Thank you very much for being here today.