Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to table a letter dated May 21, 2019, from the Mayor of Fort Simpson addressed to me, regarding Nutrition North and bridges. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Can the Minister advise us: has the department developed policies and procedures for staff and contractors in dealing with climate change issues?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had a Member's statement about Tim Brown. Previously, before he passed away, I was at the airport and we talked about a situation that happened where a piece of equipment ended up falling through the permafrost in Fort Simpson, of all places. We were talking about it. It wasn't an operator. He did this job 20 years. It wasn't the equipment. What changed? The environment. I have some questions for the Minister of Infrastructure today, Mr. Speaker, and first of all, I'd like to thank Tim for bringing this forward. Can the Minister advise the House: what has the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to thank the Minister for his answers as we move forward on this issue here. Has the department developed training programs for staff to help them to identify potential issues when it comes to climate change?

I think the Minister kind of answered my next question, but I'm going to actually ask it anyway: what mitigation adaptation has the department done to address the issues about low water levels, and specifically in the riding of Nahendeh?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tim Brown came into this world, August 5, 1966, and left on May 5, 2019.

Tim possessed wisdom far beyond most people, a rare way with words, and an ability to explain things that never came across as condescending, but, rather, as enlightening. During or after a conversation with Tim, you may not always have felt smarter or necessarily agreed. You would, however, more often than not, feel better about whatever it was that you were talking about. If you were brave enough to debate with him, rest assured you would know where he stood on a subject in no uncertain terms by...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the past few years, I have spoken to the Minister of Infrastructure with concerns about our ferry service. In the past, we have seen lower water levels, which have caused disruption to the services. I have reached out to the Minister of Infrastructure numerous times to talk about different options, such as moving the ferry line and looking at various options across the river and potential bridge options. I realize some of these options are not feasible at this time. However, this year, we are seeing low water levels already, a very different break-up, and we could...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I realize we are in financial difficulties, and we are seeing some of the challenges. Will the Minister commit to having his staff reach out to the leadership and actually have a public meeting to discuss some of these options and hear the concerns from the residents so we can move forward? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I agree with the Minister. First of all, I have to thank the department and the staff for doing a great job, for getting the ferry on the 15 average. The 15-year average was the day we actually got in there, even with all of these difficulties, so I thank him. Realizing the problems about the silt and gravel, has the Minister looked at the feasibility of dredging the area causing these problems for the ferry?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Percy Samuel Hardisty left behind an incredible legacy of family, humour, love, and friendship.

Percy Hardisty was born in Wrigley, NWT on July 9, 1951, to Arthur and Christine Hardisty. He was the youngest of three boys, and a big brother to his younger sister. He is survived by his sister Doreen and his brother Charlie.

Percy attended school in Fort Simpson and Yellowknife. Upon completing school, Percy served in the Canadian Armed Forces for five years of admirable service. After serving our country, he went on to work in the oil industry in Alberta. In 1977, Percy...