Kieron Testart

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I note under this activity we've got the science agenda indicated. I'm wondering what the department's efforts are in regards to attracting more scientific research investment in the Northwest Territories. We have untapped potential to attract more research opportunities here and if the department's role in leading the science agenda is looking at ways to open the Northwest Territories up to more research opportunities and investment. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the department for their response, Mr. Chair. I'm pleased that we are working on this with our federal partners, as well, and I know that the federal government has made this a very large commitment. Is there a current set of proposals put together by the department to leverage our own resources with incoming federal funding? Do we have an ask to give the federal government to see some of this money flow north? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I note that the adaptation plan under “Contributions” has seen a small increase. What exactly do we use that funding for? I note that it's for support planning actions by NWT communities, regional governments, and organizations. It just seems like that's a very small pot of money considering the significant need for climate change adaptation. My mind turns to our coastal communities, particularly Tuktoyaktuk which has seen a great deal of coastal erosion. I know the community there is struggling with properly understanding the problem and what's needed to solve the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I for one appreciate that the department is being proactive and the government's being proactive in the support; it's music to my ears. We know that the department will be supporting the Housing First project. How will the department be addressing homelessness moving forward in other communities outside of Yellowknife, across the territories, and providing the same kind of support to clients who are without homes? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you to the Minister for the answer. How will the department be reviewing the provision of these services to ensure that they're provided in a timely manner and are effectively supporting the program?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleagues as well. This is a clear example of a northern government recognizing the problem and addressing it in a way that partners with private sector and Indigenous governments, but it also does so in a transparent method that this Assembly expects to see of this government. I ask, Mr. Speaker, if the Yukon is doing something to tackle the issue of affordable rental units, what is our government doing to solve our problem here in the Northwest Territories? For if it can be accomplished in our neighbouring territory, it most certainly can be...

Thank you Mr. Chair. I am making good use of my time if you don't mind. That is good. I appreciate that. I think that we had a lot of conversations about a university of the North. My position has always been that a polytechnic is more appropriate. I think this change is the correct one, to actually take a rural college and make it more of a vocational institution for job training, give Northerners the skills they need for the jobs that we need in the future and today. How much involvement did the department have with that strategic plan? Quite frankly, I think Aurora College needs to have...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, that is satisfactory. To have the detail, I think we could be doing more to support these institutions. There's a very good business case that's been made by Dechinta in particular for increased funding. Based on their success rates, I think they're still sitting at 100 per cent success rate, granted they only take a few students, but this is a remarkably successful post-secondary education program that's tailored to the deficiencies we have in post-secondary education in the North. I know the Minister's very aware of this based on his work as chair of the standing...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The other post-secondary institutions that have been mentioned here, College nordique and Dechinta Bush University. Do we provide funding in this section of the budget here or where can I find their funding numbers because I believe earlier yesterday that question was asked and it was deferred to later in the main, so is this where we would find those numbers and where are they located? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the Minister for that clarification. The inclusion of the ARI, or aurora research institution, this funding line is somewhat confusing to me. What's the exact number out of this funding that goes to ARI? Thank you, Mr. Chair.