Statements in Debates

Debates of , (day 16)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Maybe I will respect the fact that the Minister didn’t mention the name, so maybe I will be cautious at this stage of this next question. If he wishes to mention it, I will leave it up to him. Mr. Speaker, this type of new pilot project initiative about getting potentially a lawyer out there into the community, into an area where people need legal services most, people need advice on what to do. We are talking about people who are at the most risk situation and helping them get out of those terrible situations. So, Mr. Speaker, when does the Minister of Justice see...

Debates of , (day 16)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to talk about the effects of the recent cuts by the federal government and what those effects will have on volunteer NWT as well as the rest of the volunteer sector, Mr. Speaker. This Assembly has recognized the contributions of volunteers and how it plays a significant role in improving our social, economic, cultural, and environmental conditions throughout our North. We are aware of how much they enhance our quality of life in the NWT and they contribute to our economy approximately $50 million, Mr. Speaker.

In March 2005 the Premier signed the GNWT...

Debates of , (day 16)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I could just get the Minister to reaffirm, I know it's been said a couple times already today, but there was a commitment, I think I understood, that the Minister would bring regulations back to committee for their overall review. I appreciate that commitment; I just want to make sure that it still exists, it's still on the record. If the Minister would mention in his area about possibly tackling the people who refuse to pay their licence. Would it fall under this particular area…Sorry; remit the licence fees, my apologies. Would it fall in this area as he...

Debates of , (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, I would like to recognize Mrs. Linda Golding and Mr. Lloyd Henderson. They are both here from NAPEGG and they are here watching from the gallery today because we are reviewing Bill 6, Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act. Thank you for coming.

---Applause

Debates of , (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can I expect that the Education, Culture and Employment Minister would maybe take steps so far as to work with other Ministers across the country? These cuts affect everywhere in Canada. Maybe he could speak to the other Ministers in the other provinces and territories about passing motions in every Legislature across Canada to get the attention of this government. Would this Minister agree to do something like that, again to get the attention of the federal government that every Legislature, every group of people, are concerned about these cuts? Thank...

Debates of , (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While I am not glad to hear that the meeting was cancelled, I am glad to hear that the Minister was doing something in the sense of making sure it could go forward. Mr. Speaker, I asked the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment if, assuming that nothing has changed as far as the cuts are concerned, what is the Minister now doing in regards to the literacy cuts so we can get a handle of this situation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that was all well and good and I take it for what it was because it was good. But, Mr. Speaker, I did not hear about building the coalitions and the partnerships, Mr. Speaker. The real ones out there, like building it with the AFN. I heard a great statement by Premier Danny Williams about supporting the Northwest Territories’ right to exert our own control. Mr. Speaker, what is the Premier doing with the provinces in getting them to put forward motions in their Legislatures about it’s time that we get control over our own lands? So, Mr. Speaker, would the...

Debates of , (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This summer I was here when the Prime Minister had mentioned no pipeline, no deal; and he was referring to resource and self-government, devolution deals. Mr. Speaker, I want to hear the Premier of our Northwest Territories say no deal, no pipeline, because the pipeline has got the attention of the country, the federal government wants it. I’m not opposed to the pipeline by any means, but people want this, the federal government wants this, I want to hear how the Premier is taking offence to this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Members.

---Laughter

Mr. Speaker, what I’m saying is we need significant movement on this issue. Our citizens have been waiting for it in a timely way. I think the adolescence of the Northwest Territories has grown and we’ve matured and it’s gone. It’s time for Canada to recognize that we have come of age and we deserve the respect, Mr. Speaker. Respect is a two-way street. We offer Ottawa respect every single day. Regardless whether it’s a Conservative government or Liberal government, we give it to them, and it’s time that they recognize we deserve it.

So, Mr...

Debates of , (day 15)

But let's keep in mind, nice is a balance. I don't want him to be nice in Ottawa, because that means he has to be less nice in the Northwest Territories, because I want him to be nice to our people and be tough on that Prime Minister, Mr. Speaker. Be tough on him. He's not going to cry, okay? I feel that the Prime Minister can shoulder a little criticism and I'd like to hear it from our Premier of saying put…Mr. Speaker, I want the Premier to put his foot down and say well, I can't say the right language in the House, but I can say that the Premier can say it in a nice or less nice way of...