Bob Bromley

Time is coming close here.

Going down the list here, I next have Mr. Jacobson next.

No supplementary, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much to the Minister for that response.

I think the Minister misinterpreted my question. The situation was not that my constituent wanted to purchase an offset — in fact she did that, having been forced to travel by air. In this case the constituent wanted to travel by a means that would produce a lot fewer carbon emissions, because there is always the little bit of uncertainty with purchasing offsets. She wanted to travel by land at no additional cost to this government. She was not allowed to do it. She had to travel by air. We were forcing this person to be irresponsible in an environmental sense.

Let me expand on the question...

In my third day in this House I raised the issue of full-cost accounting: accounting that looks at all impacts and considers environmental consequences. The Premier, at that time, agreed to look closely at full-cost accounting — a quite reasonable response — but apparently has not yet implemented that. This allows costs to continue to accrue.

I have a constituent — a filmmaker, an artist — who through her work brings in considerable dollars and work opportunities to the Northwest Territories, as well as contributing to the unique Northern identity of the North, our jurisdiction and our people...

A point of clarification. At this time, in his position as Premier and Minister of Finance, is the Premier aware of any mechanisms we could use to put the Deh Cho Bridge before this House for a go–no go vote?

My questions are for the Minister of Public Works and Services.

What contracted services does G.N.W.T. have with southern vendors?

What are the costs of these G.N.W.T. contracted services with southern vendors?

How many jobs are associated with the G.N.W.T. contracted services from southern vendors?

Mr. Speaker, as incredible as it may seem in this day and age, this government still does not have a specific legislative or regulative mechanism for requiring financial security for mining lessors of Commissioner’s Land. Has this cost the taxpayer and the environment? You betcha — in spades — and I suspect with more costs to come.

Mr. Speaker, in his Budget Address in February 2006, the Minister of Finance noted that the operating surplus had actually changed to a deficit, due in part to the accrual of a $23 million liability for the Giant Mine Remediation. As party to an agreement with Canada...

I understand that literacy programs can be most effective when they are targeted for particular groups of people. There are something like five or six different groups of people that have quite different needs. I want some assurance that the program will recognize those needs. It is sort of a new insight in the last few years, so I am looking for some assurance from the Minister that that sort of detail will be addressed in that strategy. Thank you very much.

I am aware of the adult literacy and basic education programs in the communities. I understand that most of those positions are currently filled, which is great. That’s progress.

I’m also interested in what role this department will take in leading a coordinated response, which seems to be a core kernel of this opportunity. Coordination of both federal and industry roles has the benefits of sharing costs and program delivery, but again, I would like to see this government take a leadership role. We know our people. We know their needs.

What role is this department taking to ensure that that...