Bob Bromley

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to table page 8 of today’s News/North, entitled “Devolution Dishonoured, Premier Sold out Aboriginal Partners to Get Devolution Deal.” Mahsi.

Thanks again to the Minister. Last year we also had some discussion about possibly doing displays on a rotational basis, and I’m wondering if that discussion has been had yet or whether that’s also being left to those other two departments. Anything the Minister could report?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister for Public Works. Around this time last year, I had a great debate with the Minister of Public Works. We debated whether displaying more NWT art in public buildings was a good idea or a great idea, and I believe a great idea won the day.

Could the new Minister of Public Works update us on the current status of the northern art in government buildings policy?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to start very bluntly by saying I am very concerned about the narrow thinking that persists from the Minister, despite years of very consistent input from Regular Members. I think that is really the main point, that we have the opportunity to do a better job. But, I suppose, the Minister has said very flatly that these are cooperatively developed budgets and we’ve had a big role to play and so on, and I’m not saying that we don’t have a role at all. But I think what the Minister is hearing is that there are clear examples out there that we have consistently...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks again to the Minister. I note that the GNWT office building downtown here is very close to completion. I’m wondering: how are things proceeding in terms of a plan for displaying northern art in that building and, if I can squeeze it in, if the Minister has any comments on how we’re going to be sure and communicate this new policy, whenever it’s developed, to all our artists.

Thanks to the Minister. We put a lot of effort into this. Did we actually come up with a policy? When developing policies, obviously it’s a good idea to consult with the public, so as well as consulting internally, can the Minister report back on the latest meetings with NWT artists and what they thought of his latest proposals?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is Gilday Day, as declared by the mayor of Yellowknife, and I am pleased to see Members wearing red to honour Michael.

Today at 4:00 a.m., I joined a gathering of Northerners who overnighted at the Yellowknife Fieldhouse to cheer on Michael Gilday in his Olympic debut. Every athlete at these Olympic Games is a champion and Michael is no exception. His years of dedication, hard work and perseverance is reflected in his ability to compete with the best in the world.

Michael’s individual achievements are impressive and we are proud of them. While speed skating may...

Thank you. Clearly, the Minister is breaching through smoke and mirrors now. The NWT Environmental Rights Act is clear. The Minister is obliged to investigate the environmental rights of our citizens in our own legislation for the Northwest Territories people. We all know that in spite of talk of best practices, things don’t always go according to plan. When something does happen, how will he explain to NWT taxpayers that they are on the hook for a polluted lake and that he refused to even investigate when he had a legal obligation to do so? Hopefully it’s as small a concern as that. Mahsi.

Thank you. Great to hear the Minister was listening. Section 2.(3) of the NWT Environmental Rights Act states: “Where there is a conflict between the terms of this act and the terms of any other enactment, this act shall prevail to the extent of the conflict.” The approvals given under the MVRMA do not demonstrate that the release of the unknown chemicals into the environment is safe.

Is it not clear to the Minister that there is a conflict here and the environmental rights of NWT citizens should prevail? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize constituent Ms. Sarah Erasmus, co-owner of Erasmus Apparel, in recognition of her receipt of the Economic Developer of the Year Award during the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg last week.

Ms. Erasmus was nominated for the award and selected by the board as one of two candidates from nominees across the country. While actually attending the AGM to speak at the youth panel there, she learned of the board’s selection. Sarah’s presentation at the AGM sealed the deal and she won the award...