Robert Hawkins

Madam Chair, I have a different view on BIP on how it’s used in that regard. But that said, how do you ensure that the compliance of those types of commitments are when they’re not BIP? What you’re saying is that BIP is the almighty tool, but it isn’t because if a southern contractor said that they would use some northern labour force, how are we ensuring that they’re tackling and using that type of force and how do we make sure that they comply as well? It’s easy to say, well, I think you mentioned 55 percent local, I think, labour. I couldn’t write as fast as you were talking. The point of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The recent tragedy along our highways has once again reaffirmed and reminded us about how important our first responders are. They are critical to the fabric of the Northwest Territories and certainly to the health of the people. It’s only in times when urgency is required we often think about what pillar of society that they play and that important role that they represent.

Not everyone has the experience and training a first responder typically would go through, and depending on where you are in the sense of where you’re located in the Northwest Territories as a first...

Thank you, Madam Chair. There’s just a question about the Inuvik school and the removal of the old Inuvik schools. I’m just wondering on some detail on that. One of the complaints I’ve received recently was the fact that a southern contractor was used. Could I ask, maybe more so on process, as to what the department does to write our contracts to ensure that southern contractors don’t seem to have the edge or seem to just, by default, get these things. I’m noticing a bit of a trend here.

I have to admit I didn’t quite understand the Minister’s response. We, in 2011-2012, funded them $430,000, in 2012-2013 we gave them $345,000, there’s a request for $345,000 continuing and he’s saying they’re not spending their money. What I was asking was, is there a report or deliverable done on this research. It looks like it says it’s funding provided by Health Canada to research, design and develop the intervention treatment services module that would have both residential and community components, and enhanced capacity, yada-yada-yada. I mean, I’m sure they have it in front of you. I’m...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted some detail on the NWT National Diabetes and Chronic Disease Surveillance System. We have $177,000 committed to it, and I’m just wondering if I can get some details as to what it is and how it works.

Oh, sorry. Page 8-36, you said?

Is it normal for the government to be named in disputes when subcontractors have problems with the general? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Certainly it’s a pleasure to move this motion. This is about two particular issues at large, if I may speak to it in that manner. Our committee believes in supporting the shelter that has been established here in Yellowknife, but at the same time we said in a plural form, which is we believe that the communities deserve these much needed opportunities of day shelters as well. This motion’s intent is to extend ongoing services to the Yellowknife day shelter, but at the same time, we think it’s critical that the communities and the regions cannot be forgotten because this...

Thank you. One of the questions I wanted to continue following up on in a similar vein was general contractors not paying their subs. Although I know that the department will have a, I’ll say a canned answer where they’ll say, well, it’s hands off and it’s not their problem, but that sort of speaks to the diligence I talked about earlier. I realize we’re a public government so we cannot necessarily blacklist per se, but how do we deal with that when we have general contractors not fulfilling, well I’ll call it their moral obligation but by all means their financial obligations by paying their...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Thursday, February 28, 2013, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that the Government of the Northwest Territories investigate and evaluate the possibility of regulating gasoline prices;

And further, that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a comprehensive response to this motion within 120 days.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.