Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I want to thank my colleagues, as well. Mr. Speaker, there are many traditions that make the North unique. Cultural traditions go far deeper in value to the people than just dollars. We must do something to sustain this industry before these traditions are lost and no longer practiced, or by the next time I see beaded gloves they're only at the museum.

Before I close my statement, I want to mention a quote brought to me by my constituent. She says this industry is not supported. But it seems that this government, when we have dignitaries travelling to the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member's statement will be addressing a concern brought to me by one of my constituents earlier this year. This concern has brought me great concern. This issue is about the hunting and trapping industry. It has been designated as a sustainable industry, and it gives a stable livelihood to people in the North. This reflects northern traditions, which is a very important issue in the Northwest Territories.

One of the many keys to the success of this industry is security due to the government funding and the ongoing support when the fur markets go up and down...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My written question is with regard to the application of the territorial BIP policy and the exceptions that are made through their discretion.

Mr. Speaker, would the Premier, the Honourable Mr. Joe Handley, table in the House the Cabinet policy that clearly demonstrates to all Members and the public how Cabinet consistently decides if a project warrants the waiving of the BIP? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it was only a few years ago the Department of Transportation was advocating that this airport was too small, the building was too small. Now we’re looking at expanding it in such a way that we’re running into a corner. What consideration, taking that into account with this new security upgrade, was the Department of Transportation doing in that regard? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is to the Minister of Transportation. Mr. Speaker, the federal government has a strategy whereas their policy is forcing all major airports across Canada to upgrade their security to address the drastic circumstances that have happened a few years ago. One of those airports identified would be the airport in Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, my direct question to the Minister is, who will be paying for this forced and new initiative to upgrade our airport in Yellowknife? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wanted to thank the Minister for recognizing that there are gaps in the system, because that leads me very nicely into my next question. What is the Minister’s plan to ensure that the gaps are filled for supplying raw materials to the public out there who wish to continue the traditional lifestyle of the arts and craft industry? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, March 18, 2004, I will move the following motion. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting days and hours as the Speaker, after consultation, deems fit to assist with the business before the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you again, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Minister, for offering that. Mr. Minister, would you also be further willing to supply information to all Members of the Legislative Assembly, noting reoffender rates of sex crimes for the last 10 years in the NWT, and if this could be linked to offence locations in correlation to their home location, and further out-of-province offenders who commit crimes in the Northwest Territories, and would you bring that forward to all Members of the Legislative Assembly?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Ontario was the first province in Canada to create and implement legislation that established and maintained a sex offender registry. The act, named Christopher's Law, was proclaimed on April 23, 2001; named after an 11-year-old boy, Christopher Stevens, who was killed by a previously-convicted pedophile. Since there was no sign of a federal strategy to implement such a program, Ontario proactively and independently, to protect their citizens, developed their own registry.

Headlining in the territorial News/North paper, there was a story of a girl who was...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to acknowledge the Arctic Winter Games participants from my riding of Yellowknife Centre. Marie Christien Auger, a speed skater, gave an outstanding performance, bringing home two gold and three silver medals. Michelle Bourgois, a speed skater, also the proud winner of one gold, two silver and one bronze. Stephanie Bourgois, also in speed skating, took home three gold and one silver.

Brendan Callas participated in basketball with his brother, Michael Callas. Margo Cooper participated in snowboarding. Derek Graff brought home a bronze in badminton...