Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the federal government's decision to legalize recreational marijuana use in 2018 comes with a lot of questions. I'm happy to see the residents of the NWT voicing their concerns through the GNWT's Cannabis Engagement Survey, which has received high volumes of participation. This form of individual consultation is very productive in finding what people want. With this survey delivered to residents directly, it provides a great platform for residents to openly and honestly voice their opinions and concerns surrounding the legalization of cannabis.

I would like...

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and that's a little bit reassuring now, because I was sitting there going it means that MTS is going to be here for 10 years. Have we looked at MTS with all this equipment, have we looked at other options or are we just still going to be proceeding with this as they're going to be around for a while? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I think I've got a clearer understand of it. What you're saying is for 10 years the supplementals are paying for these barges and that, you know, the money is coming back. We're paying them upfront and then money is coming from the revolving fund and it's going to come back into the supplemental pot of money, correct? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd just like to clarify. With these double hull barges they're sitting in this fund and they're supposed to be moved to a revolving fund over 10 years, is this correct? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you to the Minister. An article from CBC Saskatoon about a study by Public Safety Canada tested two testing devices at seven detachments, including Yellowknife. Has the Minister or the department received this report, and has he been able to tell us what the results were with those two devices?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I was talking to the Minister of Justice about the legalization of cannabis here. Can the Minister advise this House: has the federal government set the legal consumption limit for driving while under the influence of cannabis? If they haven't, when will this be coming forth? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the Minister for his answer. I guess he is missing the point. Some of these communities don't have access to the internet system and that. That is a concern for me. I am hoping that he will get his department to at least write to these communities and ask them for some input. On to my next question: has the department consulted NWT businesses already selling medical marijuana or cannabis to NWT? If not, why?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I was talking about legalization of marijuana and some of the issues and the consultation process. I have to congratulate the department on the work they have been doing. However, I know we have gone into nine communities, but has the department looked into going into some of the smaller communities? I mean, I know Fort Liard was on the list, but smaller communities like Wrigley, Sambaa K'e, and that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you colleagues. A separate news story from Global News reported an increase in the economy for the Town of Smith Falls, Ontario. This increase is thanks to Tweed Incorporated, a medical cannabis producer that started production in an out-of-commission Hershey chocolate factory. So far this company has employed 300 individuals and had posted for 70 more jobs.

Mr. Speaker, these new stories highlight how the legislation of recreational cannabis will create new industry, meaning new jobs and economy growth. It is also highlights that we do not need to import this...

Thank you and I thank the Minister. I'm getting a clearer picture now and I appreciate that. So what we're saying, though, so if we just clarify: MTS is going to be with the government for the next 10 years to pay off this cost. Is this correct in my understanding of this? Thank you, Mr. Chair.