Statements in Debates

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 36)

Again, thank you, Mr. Spooker. So Mr. Spooker, yesterday in my Member's statement I talked about autism. And we know that there are professionals, family members are leaving the North because of the lack of ability to either get diagnosed or services for autism, Mr. Speaker. So my questions will be targeted to the Minister of Health and Social Services.

Now, the Canadian average says 2 percent of the population has autism, or I should say has been diagnosed. And if you use a standard deviation, that's 900 people in the Northwest Territories. My question is, does the health department know how...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to put on the record that the meeting -- in the letter, it says the Premier was very cordial, it was a cordial meeting, again so I just want to emphasize his tone is appropriate in my opinion for this important discussion. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice has had years to study this particular problem. I'm assuming they didn't make this decision overnight, and I'm certainly recognizing that.

Mr. Speaker, the Thebacha Leadership Council feels they've been given days or weeks to come up with a solution to counter or provide other options without resources. Is...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are going to be about exploring the options of what can be done. And the reason I put that in context, first, Mr. Speaker, because I don't want it to be thought it perceived in any other way. So that said, Mr. Speaker, I'm in possession of a letter from the Thebacha Leadership Council addressed to the Premier and/or Minister of Justice, and the question really comes down to is their concerns about their due diligence on the transition from an operational jail that has no inmates to the 32 jobs that may be forcing -- being forced through in the...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Whatever the last two speakers said, I say the opposite. Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I want to recognize the tone the Premier brought to that. I think it was certainly appropriate. I'm not trying to do jabby or clever questions. This is very important, and it's a very important subject for our -- Mr. Speaker, I just want to make absolutely clear. 32 jobs in a region matter to a Yellowknife MLA because it affects us all in one way or another. That said, Mr. Speaker, the letter, including the phone calls I received, talked about finding a solution or a course of path for these jobs and this potential facility. Again, written from the direction and...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to say supporting youth with autism in the Northwest Territories is critical. We need to look at it through a multifaceted approach by addressing their needs, whether it's regional or in large centre, Mr. Speaker, like Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, imagine if you're in a small community and you have children or a child or there's other types of people with learning disabilities in your community, where do they go? Well, they come to Yellowknife often because the services and supports aren't there. Mr. Speaker, but what I also find here in Yellowknife is...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 34)

Thank you. And I thank both the Minister and the deputy minister for that. Is it -- or assistant deputy minister, although the last time I kept calling someone a higher title, they got the job so maybe it's good luck.

So more specifically, Mr. Chairman, can the assistant deputy minister or the Minister enlighten me as to two parts: The first part being the specific date on when the wellness recovery centre will open but, furthermore, what purpose are they working towards initiating a revised service at the TTC. In other words, is it compatible, does it work together, does it work in tandem...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 34)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS Section 23(1) of the Human Rights Act provides that the Commissioner, on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly, shall appoint an executive director of the Human Rights Commission to carry out the responsibilities set out in the Human Rights Act;

AND WHEREAS the board of management is tasked with recommending an individual to the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Assembly is prepared to make a recommendation to the Commissioner;

AND WHEREAS the term of the current executive director of the Human Rights Commission is set to expire.

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 34)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Thursday, October 31st, 2024, I will move the following motion:

Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that the Legislative Assembly recommends the reappointment of Ms. Nicole MacNeil of Yellowknife as executive director of the Human Rights Commission during good behaviour for a term of four years as recommended by the board of management;

And furthermore, that the Speaker be authorized to communicate the effective date of the appointment to the Commissioner.

And Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be seeking...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 34)

Mr. Speaker, so in other words, is the government planning to lay these employees off noting that the official paperwork of layoff notices isn't given but this 21-week articulation of be aware of, well just be aware, and we don't know yet. So I need to understand, was it just a shout out over their bow to say we're not laying you off today but we don't have a plan, which means there may not be a job for you? Thank you.