Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as easy as this next question sounds, it’s not meant to be simple and I believe it’s really complex. The real issue right now is what is it going to take for this Assembly to get on the radar of the federal government. What is it going to take that this is an important issue to the people of the Northwest Territories as well as the growth of the Northwest Territories? Is there a singular message that we can send for them to realize that we are important and that we mean to do business? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories conduct a review of its website policies and report back on whether they are in compliance with the official languages policies, guidelines and legislation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I need not give the Premier any lesson about how important industry is to this economy, but, Mr. Speaker, a number of people are very concerned as to what’s taking this Minister -- the federal Minister that is -- so long to address this issue. It’s a significant issue for the whole Territory and no one needs to be reminded about the recession and our much relied upon corporate taxes when economy is working.

So, Mr. Speaker, to the Premier once again, what is taking this issue so long that’s stalling it, from their point of view? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You may recall that the Standing Committee on Government Operations tabled Committee Report 4-16(4), Report on the Review of the 2007-2008 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner, on October 29th, 2009. The report was received by the Assembly and moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration. The report contained several recommendations.

I would like to recognize a constituent, Bob Reid. As well, at the same time, I would like to recognize Sevn Bohnet, a friend from here, in Yellowknife, for a long time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommends that the Department of Finance prove quality assurance processes by developing innovative cost-effective means to review procurement and contract administration practices against established risk tolerances; and further, that the department consider including tolerance standards and performance in the business plan; and furthermore, that the department persist in recruitment to fully staff the audit division.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You may recall that the Standing Committee on Government Operations tabled Committee Report 2-16(4), Report on the Review of the Auditor General on Contracting for Goods and Services in the Northwest Territories, on October 22nd, 2009. The report was received by the Assembly and moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration. The report contained several recommendations.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, I move that this committee recommends that the government provide a comprehensive response to this report within 120 days.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommends that the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act be amended to extend the period of time in which applicants may ask that a decision on a request for information be reviewed by the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mira Hall, a constituent of Yellowknife Centre and the most recent addition as a YK1 School Board trustee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.