Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if I understand it correctly, the Arctic Council is holding its first Arctic Youth Conference in Tromso, Norway, January 2025. If I understand further, not only it's the first but -- in the sense of this type of initiative, but they've also sought funding from the federal government, although not guaranteed and certainly -- and as such, that brings me to the question to the Minister which is if their application with the federal government fails to send an NWT delegation to the Arctic Council's Youth Conference portion in Tromso, Norway, would the Minister...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your long pause on Yellowknife made me worry for a moment. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, during this morning, many of my colleagues had a really I'd certainly say an enormously incredible presentation provided to the committee from the NWT climate youth advisory group. And I want to use just a moment of my time saying they were a fantastic bunch of young people. They were extremely well represented by the Hay River reps, and they spoke well and clear and they had wonderful focus. I think they are truly the promise of tomorrow.

But, Mr. Speaker, when I asked them do they have...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's very specific to health care administration. So it's a very technical skill about overseeing hospitals. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate the -- what I would surely describe as a sincere answer on that question. It's a tough one to say hey, what do you think of dividing your portfolio to two. I think it was a fair answer.

Mr. Speaker, most hospitals or hospital types or authorities are run by people with PhDs, you know, and they come with the credentials of things known as public health administrators. Mr. Speaker, do we have that type of talent in the department of health overseeing the NTHSSA or even the Stanton hospital? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services, and it's with respect to sort of a broader view of how to tackle some of the health and social services challenges. And, of course, first I'm concerned about, you know, is health too big? And that's not picking on anyone personally. It's a giant monolith. So.

Mr. Speaker, I know the Minister -- sorry, the Premier hands out portfolios per se, but would it help focus some of the challenges in by separating the portfolios so we could really deal with some of the robust challenges we've been raising and...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thought I had about two minutes on the clock. I plan not to abuse the time; don't worry, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, where I was going with this is -- and, again, I recognize and I appreciate your Whitford guidance on that particular initiative, and I do recognize in my Member's -- I'm going to pause and say I thank the Premier for pointing that out. I do think good order does come with drama, but I do respect why he did that.

Mr. Speaker, to get back right on point, I think we should go so far as rather than finding new people in the system to solve the same problems...

Mr. Speaker, I'm actually -- I can't actually -- seriously, I'm not wasting time. I can't actually hear what I'm asking to withdraw to be clear. And to be absolutely clear, Mr. Speaker, I was referring to an entity, not an individual.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll read this one through. The interpreters have already heard it, so.

WHEREAS the sergeant-at-arms of the Northwest Territories, Mr. Floyd Andrew Powder, has indicated his intention to retire from the position;

AND WHEREAS it is desirable to name an individual to fill the position of sergeant-at-arms;

AND WHEREAS Section 54(3) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the sergeant-at-arms shall be appointed by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories on the recommendation of the board of management, approved by motion of the Legislative...

It seems that we're always both to blame.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, I will move the following motion:

Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Mr. Chris Comeau of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, be recommended for appointment as sergeant-at-arms of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories as recommended by the board of management of the Legislative Assembly;.

And further -- sorry, I was trying to speak slow enough for the interpreters.

And further, that the Speaker be authorized to communicate...