Kieron Testart

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate all the work that the School of Community Government does, however, the capacity issues since the New Deal have been noted by various reports and constructive criticism over the years, and we have another body in LGANT which is also working on the same thing, developing capacity. I note that in other jurisdictions they have developed similar organizations to LGANT, but have taken over this activity's functions and have been able to deliver that programming for a reduced cost comparatively and to greater success.

Is the department willing to consider finding...

I know the Minister likes to be fiscally prudent along with his Cabinet colleagues. The Minister said that he believes that is sufficient to maintain public confidence. How is he coming to that conclusion? Has he consulted with the people of the Northwest Territories on the subject of a lobbyist registry? How do we know this for sure? Has any consultation been performed on behalf of his portfolio to gauge what the public is looking for, for increased public accountability from this government?

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to the Minister. Again, I will make the same comment, that, if the Minister feels that this is adequate, then the burden of meeting this objective falls squarely on her shoulders. I look forward to an expedient delivery of these priorities rolling out over the next two years. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my honourable friend, the Member for Frame Lake, had some questions about a lobbyist registry and lobbyists in the Northwest Territories. I am wondering if the Minister responsible for Public Engagement and Transparency can indicate if this government continues to hold the position that a lobbyist registry is not required in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I move that this committee defer further consideration of the activity; sport, recreation and youth under the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, main estimates 2017-2018, on page 339 at this time. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I mentioned in the opening comments, and the Minister is well aware that honourable Members have a concern with the pace of legislation that MACA is responsible for, or that she is responsible for as Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Is the policy and planning unit encapsulated by this activity adequately staffed to accommodate that lengthy legislative agenda? Thank you.

I am sure people are. There are a number of houses that open up onto that lake, so I am wondering if the Minister is in a position to study arsenic levels in Kam Lake and report back to the House and to the public on the findings.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wonder if I should be worried about what the Premier would do with this funding, but I digress. How many sport, recreation, or youth-focused NGOs are currently receiving funding from the non-government organization stabilization fund? Thank you.

Nothing further. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, small business is the life blood of our community. My riding of Kam Lake is home to many entrepreneurs and is as diverse as it can be when it comes to Northern-owned and operated businesses. Even while much of our economy struggles, Yellowknifers are seizing their own opportunities to open new businesses with nothing but a dream and I imagine a good credit score.

Even though Kam Lakers and Northerners will grind and grit through difficult times with perseverance and resolve, it cannot be stated enough that that this government must give greater priority to...