Statements in Debates
(audio)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing me. I have two documents I would like to table. The first document is a press release from Avens community for seniors, and it's the press release regarding the concerns about the -- articulated through their after-action reports. And of course, the second set -- back of the page is contact names, where you can contact them directly for the actual report. So I'd like to table their press release.
The second item I wish to table before the House today, Mr. Speaker, is a draft motion. It's called Remuneration of Essential Staff During an Evacuation. It's a...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've got a couple written questions. And I should say thank you to the clerk's office for their assistance.
Mr. Speaker, the first written question is: Staff Turnover and Vacancy Rates. My questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services:
What have been the annual turnover rates and vacancy rates for physician specialists, including orthopedic surgeons, in the Northwest Territories since January 2023?
Please break down the total vacancies by:
Resignations;
Retirements; and
Unknown reason departures.
Indicate the average time to recruit replacements; and.
Indicate...
Mr. Speaker, when I was speaking to this generous gift to the community, the purveyor of it, that is, Mr. Speaker, they told me that they were cornered at the Yellowknife trade show the week before when they were giving out popcorn to people in the community and they -- the health inspector cited where's your hand wash station, you know, and they went on this long list. Mr. Speaker, simply put, would the Minister find a better way to -- for us to work through these community generous gifts without turning them into permitting exercises. And by the way, the permit's free, which it's just an...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to freshen up the memory of this particular House, it was housing was supported through a move forward on $41.6 million, Mr. Speaker. Ooh, that's a lot of money. Mr. Speaker, I'm asking is there any way to tap into that financial opportunity temporarily to support this multimillion dollar initiative they got all on their own and they're going to pay for it all on their own. And, Mr. Speaker, lastly, they've done this for 50 years without interruption, and they've served this community well. Can the Minister find a way to make this happen? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in an unusual circumstance here, I gave the Minister a head's up on this particular one, so the Minister of housing won't be surprised on my question because it's so important we can't miss this opportunity.
Mr. Speaker, the question is about helping Northern United Place on their renewal project. They have obtained loans and processes all on their own, and all they require is housing to support them as a backstop to help underwrite the loans, the million dollars of loans they are potentially receiving. So, Mr. Speaker, would the Minister direct her...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If we had more session days, I would have liked to have used my time or opportunity to talk about NWT Housing and how they could get behind the NUP Renewal Project where they supply 125 residential affordable units to people desperate for affordable housing. They're doing it at a low carbon update, and all it would take is some backing to support their initiative. And by the way, for the record, the deadline is tomorrow to get behind that, for the Minister.
Mr. Speaker, if we had more time, I would like to talk about the health Minister and how she could get behind all...
Not a problem, Mr. Speaker. Not a problem.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, October 17th, 2025, I will move the motion already read earlier today; is that correct? Thank you, sir.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, October 16th, 2025, I will move the following motion:
Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member from Tu Nedhe, that the Legislative Assembly recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories reimburse Avens $400,000, which is the portion of costs incurred from their assistance to the government during the 2023 Wildfire Evacuation, and it is not covered by the federal disaster fund;
And furthermore, that the Government of the Northwest Territories, in its response to the 2023 Wildfire Emergency Response...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't think you could say it enough. Thank you to the first responders up here in our gallery today. I also see some RCMP members, so I want to make sure that they are recognized as well as the firefighters. These are callings and special people answer that call, so thank you and much appreciated. So to all of you, thank you.
Lastly, but certainly not least, I wish to acknowledge the Testart-Marshall family. Yesterday I think I acknowledged my colleague's spouse for being the brilliance. I would also, then, will have to have a conversation later about some of his less...