Bob Bromley

That, indeed, is a surprise. Members and committee have highlighted this as an issue, and we’re not aware, certainly I was not aware that this has been put on hold. So I’m wondering, the Minister, I believe, was going to take the ABC report out for consultation with, for example, the NWT Pharmacy Association, other stakeholders. Has that happened and what has been their input? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to keep the Minister of Health and Social Services hopping today. I’m sure he will get a break eventually.

Earlier in our June session, I asked the Minister questions on the status of efforts to reduce pharmaceutical costs. I did get some follow-up response from the Minister after the session, in which he indicated that work is underway to create a pharmaceutical strategy for the Northwest Territories. I would like to begin by asking the Minister what the current status of that work towards a strategy is. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to follow your lead and remember some of the people across the Northwest Territories that are no longer with us. Today I’d specifically like to recognize the passing of a remarkable northern pioneer and long-time Weledeh resident, Adolph Duesterhus.

Adolph came to Canada from Germany after enduring the terrible experiences of war on the Russian front and internment in a Soviet prisoner of war camp. He arrived in Canada April 25, 1953, with eight dollars and a train ticket to Edmonton. Arriving in Edmonton, he answered a Giant Mine job ad, and was in...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Obviously, this is very disappointing and a real lack of progress in an area that committee has identified as important. So I just want to express my great disappointment there, and ask when we will see a draft strategy and if the Minister will table the ABC report in the House. Mahsi.

I know that that report had been completed sometime before June. I am wondering what the recommendations say. Can the Minister say what the recommendations were and what progress is being made to develop the strategy with those recommendations? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to welcome, as you did earlier, Mr. Anthony Whitford. Welcome again, Tony.

I know Michael McLeod, a former colleague, is here somewhere up there.

I may have missed others that I can’t see behind me. I know Sheila Bassi-Kellett, a Weledeh resident, was here earlier, as well as Amanda Mallon and Penny Ballantyne.

If I could mention the class that was here earlier, the Grade 6 class from Weledeh School, Jenny Reid and class. Good to see them in the House.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to dedicate my last statement today to recognizing the great achievements of Weledeh constituents competing at the 22nd NWT Track and Field Championships held June 6th to 8th in Hay River.

I’ll start with Hannah Clarke, who was named first overall in the junior female category and took the gold in the 400, 800 and 1,500 metres, and a bronze in the triple jump. Hannah was also nominated as this year’s Sport North Junior Female Athlete of the Year in speed skating, so she’s an all-season all-rounder.

Congratulations to Greg Littlefair’s new record in the Master...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this committee recommends that any necessary amendments to the rules of the Legislative Assembly to permit the use of electronic petitions be drafted and presented for the approval of the Legislative Assembly during the fall 2012 session. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures submitted its report 5-17(3) on the introduction of electronic petitions in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. The report, which includes two recommendations, was read into the House earlier today, and with the kind consent of the Assembly, a motion was passed that moved the report into Committee of the Whole.

Madam Chair, this report responds to the Assembly’s request for an evaluation of the Electronic Petition Pilot Project conducted October 1, 2010, to June 30, 2010, and recommends that this...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it’s clear that everybody knows that we have a disproportionally high rate of mental illness in the NWT. The terrible history of our residential school abuses and abrupt removal from homes and cultures has contributed, obviously, and resulted in multi-generational impacts. There’s been some good work done, especially recently with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission playing an important role, but it’s also recognized that the need for diagnoses and healing remains high.

The unaddressed mental health issues are resulting in some tragic consequences, as...