Kieron Testart

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have questions for our big money Minister, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Our gaming regime is actually quite liberal, and I wonder if the reforms we need are actually to put some a finer point to it so we can capture some revenues. So, first of all, I'll ask is the Minister willing to amend the Lotteries Act to include the VLTs or virtual lottery terminals? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, I will present to the House Bill 3, Carbon Tax Repeal Act, to be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I think it might be too specific, Mr. Speaker, but I appreciate what the Minister is saying. So will the Minister bring forward these items that I brought up today and a revenue sharing model with Indigenous governments at the next Council of Leaders meeting? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister bring forward gaming corporation legislation to allow for casinos, landbased casinos to operate in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, if there's one thing Northerners love, it's a good bingo. Gaming has been part of northern culture since the earliest times and continues to be enjoyed in communities large and small. Whether it's bingo, hand games Chase the Ace, or a simple 50/50, we all love playing games and the chance at winning prices. Gaming brings our communities together. Unfortunately, though, we are preventing this industry from seeing its full potential. When Northerners want an occasional stop at a casino, they have to wait until they take a trip down south.

Mr. Speaker, licensed gaming is a big...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to move to item 16 on the orders of the day. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Minister. For clarification, does the department have enough financial resources in its current budget to accommodate the early start to the fire season? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Minister. That's good news. Is the department going to as private sector contractors are important in our firefighting efforts, will those contracts be moved up as well to give our aviation companies, in particular, time to prepare and bid on those so they're not conflicted with other contracts they've committed to? Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, over the course of today, we've had a public debate on the nature of the emergency that brings this motion before the House today, the nature of what that motion is calling for, and we've also made that motion more collaborative, more inclusive of treaty partners, more mindful of costs, and to ensure the protection and anonymity of those participating. And all of this, this motion, all the research we've done that my honourable friends have spoken about over the last week and before that, I want to reassure my friends opposite that we do, in fact, work...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to speak to how we got here today as we prepare to consider this motion.

We are here today for talking about a public inquiry because we need to restore the public's trust. We know all too well that political engagement in the Northwest Territories can be fleeting, but the idea of a public inquiry has inspired many who hope to participate and share their experiences. We need to meet this moment. We need to send a message to the public that we take them seriously and we're ready to engage with them.

I have heard the argument that this...