Statements in Debates

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 14)

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm well aware of the Canada-NWT Housing Benefit and, as a matter of fact, it would be cheaper if the government reinstated the hundred thousand dollars and applied for it directly. But that said, would the Minister be willing to send a team down to Avens and work with the seniors collectively and process and file applications, as individuals but in a group setting, so we get it done efficiently and we take this fearsome burden that has caused enormous anxiety to this community. And we need it now. Will the Minister step up and send a team down there...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 14)

I'm so excited, Mr. Speaker, and I'll do my part here.

The scorching issue I raised today is the crisis of affordability for seniors who live on fixed rent is quickly evaporating, and the NWT housing has reduced their contribution. Previous years, we've been reduced by a hundred percent -- and I'm trying to compress all of this in maybe one question, Mr. Speaker.

And whereby it was a direct drop in 14 percent of the support, will the Minister, just as the Premier has stated, recognize the pressures of those who are paying rent and the increases and problems it's causing, will she reinstate the...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 14)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you, colleagues.

WHEREAS section 4(1) of the Ombud Act provides that the Commissioner, on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly, shall appoint an Ombud as an officer of the Legislative Assembly who is responsible for exercising the powers and performing the duties set out in this Act;

AND WHEREAS the Board of Management was tasked with recruiting the Ombud and has recommended an individual to the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Assembly is prepared to make a recommendation;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 14)

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, May 27th, 2024, I'll move the following motion:

Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Ms. Krista Carnogursky be appointed as Ombud for a term of five years in accordance with the Ombud Act by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories as recommended by the Legislative Assembly.

And further, that the appointment become effective July 1, 2024.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will seek unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 14)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I anticipated the Minister to hide behind CMHC funding as the excuse. Mr. Speaker, what is the Minister willing to do to help keep our seniors independently living with dignity? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 14)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a pleasure to be back here.

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, becoming a senior or elder is certainly a privilege and as I look around this Chamber, I see a lot of people heading in that direction. Some of us a little closer than others, obviously. But, you know, Mr. Speaker, respectfully, I certainly hope we all join that rank and privilege of being called a senior or elder.

That said, as an elder in training, Mr. Speaker, okay, I view my part here is to help support the seniors and the previous generations that have brought us to where we are today. I view this as a...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 13)

You're doing perfect, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm just only rising to thank the mover and the seconder for their considerations, and I wish to acknowledge that, and I wish to publicly note that I shall follow through on my pledge to vote for the broader motion once this amendment passes. Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 13)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I MOVE, seconded by the Member for Mackenzie Delta to amend Motion 2320(1), Call to Uphold Human Rights in Gaza, by inserting the words, and I quote, "in an accountable method that demonstrates transparency which ensures Canadian aid, given by the Canadian Government, goes directly to support the humanitarian need" to the third bullet point in the second clause, after the word "Gaza", as the bullet reads now: Advocates for and provide funds for unhindered access for humanitarian aid for all those in need in Gaza, in an accountable method that demonstrates transparency...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 13)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too wish to recognize both Rami and Fadil of Javaroma. They are great community partners. Their heart and soul is into the city of Yellowknife as well as its people, and I've seen them on so many occasions be so generous both with their time and money. They're wonderful people, and we're a richer community because we have the two of them. Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 13)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister be willing to investigate and report back on how many people have to come to Yellowknife from our regions and smaller communities for these types of support services specific to diabetes? Thank you.