Bob Bromley

Again, I appreciate those comments and the update. Mr. Speaker, I feel strongly that this is the same issue. The other aspect of regulatory reform was the appropriate level of funding provided to our regulatory agencies. It was acknowledged that that was insufficient. What progress is being made on that front? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Environment and Natural Resources Minister about the environmental regulatory reform issues that I raised in the previous session. The point was that we could improve the regulatory processes by ensuring that board appointments are not allowed to lapse. The Minister replied to my request for information on which of our appointed seats were vacant and his information shows we have been diligent. I then asked what efforts are being made to see that our federal and First Nations partners are keeping their appointments up to date. Part of my previous...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that consideration of Tabled Document 1-16(4), NWT Capital Estimates 2010-2011, to be now concluded and that Tabled Document 1-16(4) be reported and recommended as ready for further consideration in formal session through the form of an appropriation bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

So that’s great. We will expect to see that soon. Does the Premier have a plan for a review of the report by committee? What is the process that he’s anticipating? Thank you.

Again, I agree with the approach being taken as stated by the Minister. What progress is being made here? Obviously, I am assuming from the responses, that we have not increased resources to these agencies. There has been no increase by the federal government. Is that the situation? Is there an expectation on when we might expect to see that? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation.

In regard to vacant public housing units in the NWT:

What is the vacancy rate of housing units by community?

What is the range and average period of vacancy for units?

Are vacant units heated or are they winterized and not heated until needed?

Again, I appreciate those remarks from the Deputy Premier. I know the members of Social Programs are listening closely today and I suspect there is, indeed, interest and need.

As I’ve mentioned, most governments across Canada are now taking this action, in recognition of the gains to be had. In fact, the federal government has announced a deficit of more than $50 billion owing to its effort to get Canada out of recession, but, meanwhile, one in five Canadian families, one in nine children, live in permanent economic recession. What is the Minister’s view on the need for a national anti-poverty...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is no one Minister responsible for addressing poverty, which may explain the lack of a focus and strategic effort on the issue, so I don’t know who to direct this to. Perhaps the deputy minister or the Minister of Health and Social Services; Deputy Premier, excuse me.

The extreme pattern in distribution of incomes in the Northwest Territories presents some challenges, and certainly, given our economic status in Canada and the Northwest Territories, the numbers of children and families in Canada and the NWT that are in poverty is nothing short of scandalous. What is...

Thank you, colleagues. Despite our amazing economic growth over the past decade, our poverty issues remain flat-lined or worse now. Evidence clearly shows that economic growth alone does not resolve poverty. Over the next week, I will be asking Ministers questions on this issue. Mahsi.

I appreciate those comments. So have we had any projects rejected by Canada or is it pretty much a matter of negotiating it through to the end, getting approval? Thank you.