Bob Bromley

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize Darrell Beaulieu, a resident of the Weledeh riding, and any other residents of Weledeh that might be in the gallery that I haven’t seen yet.

I appreciate that commitment again from our Minister. Of course, that was just an example, the east side of Prosperous. It’s within the entire watershed. MACA is moving the Recreational Leasing Policy Framework forward proficiently and says public consultations will begin shortly. Can the Minister inform us of the schedule for consultations and give his assurance that the opportunity for input will be widely publicized so that non-resident users of the area will know they can’t contribute? Obviously, we have cottage owners that live throughout the city.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning I received an excellent briefing from officials of Municipal and Community Affairs updating the work being done on the Recreational Leasing Policy Framework in the Yellowknife block land transfer area. Control of squatting and protection of the watershed of the Yellowknife drinking water supply are major issues for my constituents. Here again the biggest obstacle, though, is how to get comprehensive action in the negligent federal government on this issue.

The GNWT can hardly control squatting or protect our waters when the federal government does nothing on...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Reluctantly, I’d like to go for supper, but my question is for the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. I’d like to note that Yellowknife Members recently met with representatives of the Smart Communities Society of the Northwest Territories and learned about the issues that they are facing and some of the risks involved with those issues. Could the Minister inform the House on what action this government has taken to strengthen the relationship between the GNWT and the Smart Communities Society of the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps that’s something we can discuss over supper sometime.

My last question is: will the Minister commit to an early identification of summer student positions within ENR and make sure that’s publicly posted so that students can address specifically with those positions in mind and underscore the credentials that they have for them? Thank you. I like dessert, too.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recently I attended the two-day conference on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation sponsored by the NWT Association of Communities, Pembina Institute, and Ecology North. I salute that expression of the sense of urgency civil society places upon climate change action and the support NWTAC received from government departments.

I also attended a local consultation on a new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy. Attended by a small but dedicated crowd, the meeting spent considerable precious time dwelling on highly outdated goals and objectives of the old plan. Subsequent...

Just looking outside, we’re right along on our spring. I’d say it’s almost summer. Last year I believe ENR hired about 40 students. I know students have been out of school for some time. They’re waiting desperately to hear. Will the Minister commit to hiring at least 40 students, as he did last year, again this year and get word to them quickly?

Thanks for the comments from the Minister. It sounds like that’s going to at least take care of the alligators that are latched onto their ankles right now and I appreciate that action. It seems from this that the government is, indeed, going to take full advantage of the programs and services available through the Smart Communities Society. But for the full benefit of all the people in all the communities in the Northwest Territories, considerable work remains to be done, and I’m assuming from this action that the government agrees with this, so I’m wondering what action is proposed, what...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize a couple of residents of Weledeh: Barb Hood and Bob Stevens.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps that’s something we can discuss over supper sometime.

My last question is: will the Minister commit to an early identification of summer student positions within ENR and make sure that’s publicly posted so that students can address specifically with those positions in mind and underscore the credentials that they have for them? Thank you. I like dessert, too.