Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ve sometimes been known as one to bite the hand that feeds me. In this regard I think it’s important that our Premier takes a strong position, at least echoes our concerns with our federal government and says will they provide us a clear position of Canada’s position on that regard. Will he commit to bringing that position paper to the Assembly for discussion? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been well said many times that the population of the Northwest Territories does not anchor Canada; however, it is a significant population, I would like to say. I think that the fact that the missiles, if we ever reach that stage, would all be going over our heads and who knows where the fallout may happen one day, I think it’s critical that we do take a position. Why do we not have a position? Why do we not send an open letter from this government to our Prime Minister on our position? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will keep that in mind; I appreciate you pointing that out. Mr. Speaker, I won't read the questions then at this time, because, as you are right, the document has not been tabled in the House. However, I will table it later today in the House for all Members to have this in front of them. Again, I won't read the questions, but I will say that there are 10 simple questions that are straightforward and there are 10 straightforward answers. Everyone can access them on their own. Again, it can be found at polarisinstitute.org. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you...

Thank you, Madam Chair. Of course, God forbid if this ever happens again to anyone, let alone any territorial facility, but just anywhere. Were there any preliminary findings as to the cause of this, other than the simple answer of snow? Was there a structural default in the roof of this building of some sort that could lead to the cause of this? Could the Minister kind of highlight some of the root cause again, other than the snow? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the document Canada and Missile Defence: 10 Straight Questions and 10 Honest Answers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Premier, for what you were saying there. Mr. Speaker, if the Premier could further elaborate just for my clarity that he will endeavour to take forward a position to get out there and research what is happening and bring forward a comprehensive briefing note to all Members about the consultation process, about us getting involved on this and possibly, maybe even someday passing a motion in this House for either our support or non-support in this regard. Would the Premier make that commitment to this House? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise again to bring attention to comments I made during my Member's statement which was about Canada’s involvement in the missile defence program with the United States.

Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Premier of this Assembly, and as I passionately referred to him yesterday as our shepherd of this Assembly. Mr. Speaker, would the Premier be able to confirm or say otherwise if the GNWT has a policy or a position in regard to Canada’s involvement in the missile defence program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to talk about a march that I participated in on October 2nd, I believe. It was organized by Alternatives North and it was with regard to Canada's involvement in the missile defence program with the United States.

Mr. Speaker, if I may read a couple quotes from the Polaris Institute's brochure, which is also on their website -- which would be polarisinstitute.org -- I would like to start with that. An Ipsos-Reid poll says, "Did you know 69 percent of Canadians disapprove of Canada joining the U.S. missile shield?" Mr. Speaker, I wasn't polled, but I agree...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I hope and I pray our Premier is right, that some day…However, the way I read the agreement now or I see us proceeding, I should say, not reading the agreement, is, yes, our resource benefit will increase, but our grant will decrease and still it will be a level playing field, there will be no change. So I can’t see that we are proceeding in a direction right now that is what I want as concrete.

Mr. Speaker, the Pembina Institute released a report that was on the radio in August, saying that the federal government who sets the royalties is giving away the territory...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You already mentioned their names, but I would like to mention a fine constituent of mine who is Pat McMahon, a former mayor of this fine city of Yellowknife. In her fine company is Captain Tony Evans of the HMCS Yellowknife. I’d like to draw to the attention of all Members of this House that I’m wearing the Yellowknife ship’s pin right on my chest here with pride. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause