Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions will be directed to the Minister of WSCC. It’s been brought to my attention that the Appeals Tribunal rulings or decisions have not been placed in a public manner like normal court decisions. My question to the Minister of WSCC is: Why aren’t decisions of the Appeals Tribunal publicized?

I’ve never said, to the contrary, what the Minister just stated. So I want to make sure that that’s ultimately crystal clear, that I too do believe that EPOs will save lives and are an important mechanism in our justice system. But the way the report was written, it went further on to discredit the RCMP’s position by almost suggesting – I’m being clear here – that they may be biased on their pursuit. On one hand we talk about issuance of why; because we need safety and protection. On the other hand, we have a credible force or agency in our system that says there are problems and we need to...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement today I raised, once again, the emergency protection order issue. This does cause grave concern, as far as I’m concerned, when it comes to the falsely accused, and the justice by itself, by nature, seems to be ignoring them as now becoming a victim. My question for the Minister of Justice is: Does the Minister of Justice believe at this particular time the policies and procedures put in place to issue an emergency protection order are fair and balanced? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve spoken in the past about protection against family violence and the emergency protection order. These orders are essential in protecting domestic violence victims and in many cases they are a very valuable tool in our society. I should make sure it’s clear on the record that I have no issue, whether personally or in my pursuit on this topic, that we should take away EPOs. My concerns are based on the fact that they have to be built around and based solely on the truth. Which now brings me to the issue.

We have seen that emergency protection orders can be issued...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In December I asked questions about the return of the Prospectors Grubstake Program. On Friday, February 10th, the Minister made the announcement that that program will be reinstated. I can tell you that there’s some very positive news from constituents of mine. At the same time in December, I asked questions about the training component and I have to say the Minister’s announcement fell quite silent on that particular subject. I’m wondering what the Minister has to say today regarding the possibility of reinstating a training component to the Prospectors Grubstake...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I wish to talk about bullying as well. I want to highlight and celebrate the great work being done at Mildred Hall School. Mildred Hall has been working hard to develop anti-bullying policies and procedures because they believe strongly in early intervention. At Mildred Hall they recognize that bullying doesn’t just happen at school, it also happens outside on the school grounds and on Facebook, cyber world, on the streets and in our community. They also see that the fact is they have a role to play and to provide positive support.

They are taking many important...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First off I’d like to thank Mr. Dolynny for bringing this motion forward. I appreciate the initiative and certainly the enthusiasm from our new Member for Range Lake. He’s already starting to have a defining impact on the 17th Assembly. This is a clear example of his efforts. At the same time I’d like to recognize Mr. Yakeleya for supporting this, because it takes grassroots territorial support to bring an initiative like this forward.

Undoubtedly, anti-bullying, or I should say bullying efforts and countering them go from one tip of the territory to the next. It’s not...

Will is quite a big word. What does “will” in this particular case mean? Is it his direction from a Minister’s point of view of instructing the department to reinstate that type of programming or is it just a matter of a case of “if they feel like it?”

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s quite a pleasure to recognize the Grade 5 N.J. class who walked all the way here from their school. Very impressive to them getting some active living. Although recognized already, I would like to recognize Aurora Nind. She is also a resident of Yellowknife Centre. If she could stand. And Kelsey Robson. Thank you both. Thank you to your class on your great effort. You guys look fabulous today as well.

Is this an initiative that could be implemented in the upcoming business plans this fiscal year of the 2012-2013 that we’ll be reviewing in May?