Robert Hawkins

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, Madam Chair. That being said, recognizing that buildings certainly have a lifecycle and 37 years is a life, possibly that wall had lived its life. Would the Minister be able to assure us today that maybe this has created a paradigm shift on how we maintain our buildings? Possibly a policy change, and you know whereas we buy some ladders, shovels and snowsuits, that we make sure that these are clear from the anomalies of big, heavy snowfalls of some sort? Is there a policy change on how we maintain these buildings and what we are doing about it? Could the Minister elaborate?...

Thank you, Madam Chair. My request two days ago was to investigate the process which led to what could appear as a significant change in the figures. I want to thank the Minister for bringing forward and making that process very crystal clear that it was on the direction of FMB to work with the old numbers until actual costs were derived. This seems absolutely clear to me. I would suggest that we conclude the page then. Thank you.

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 rise in support of the principle of the bill. I’d like to see the fact that this bill helps to redefine how we deal with things. Mr. Speaker, the old bill dealt with confidentiality, as rumoured, being told, as the bank-of-well-connected. I hope this new bill brings forward better rules for better disclosure and I look forward to that.

Mr. Speaker, the business development fund was set out to help business and I’m glad that this is being updated and replaced. But when I read the report we see $100,000 in a way of being treated as a travel agency, not to business...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my last question to the Premier would be can you say for certainty, for concrete proof, that our territorial membership is onside with this deal? Can you tell us that we are ready? Can you tell me that all regions are onside? Because if we do not have our house in order, we will never be able to deal on a collective front with Ottawa. Can the Premier say for certain that our investment to date will not be wasted, because we are not planning this with a planned approach together? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.