Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, honourable Members raised the issue of 911 previously in this session and were told that the department is not in a fiscal position to provide this, more research would be done, and the Minister has committed to working with standing committee on developing some options. However, the honourable Member for Frame Lake just asked the Premier some questions and we heard that they are now working on legislation for 911. Can the Premier please clarify whether or not 911 is coming to the Northwest Territories? Thank you.
Honourable Premier.
We always work with the Members on the other side; we are looking at 911.
I'm always willing to work with honourable Members on any side of the House. Are we currently developing legislation? Not just working on it, not just exploring options, but developing legislation.
As we indicated, that is our intention and that is part of the business planning process of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, perhaps my memory is a bit foggy, but if it was included in the business plan it certainly was an oversight when we developed the mandate but it is an issue that is important to Northerners so I'm pleased to see that we have some willingness here; however, previously in this Assembly we were told that it was not in the cards. So can the Premier explain that? Is this a knee-jerk reaction to some questions that were raised in this House or is this a long-standing initiative that we've just simply never been told about?
We have said in the last Assembly, I believe, and also that we would work with Members to find the commitment. I'll go back through Hansard for the Member and see where the discussions on 911 took place.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I can tell the honourable Premier now that won't be required. Can the Premier tell this House when Northerners will be able to dial 911 on their phones? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I don't like to speculate so I'll respond to his question when I have the exact date.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.
