Bob Bromley

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...

Thank you very much, Mr. Premier.

At this time we don’t have any other speakers on the list. What is the wish of committee?

Next on my list is Mrs. Groenewegen.

Continuing with the response to the Premier’s sessional statement, I’d like to call on Mr. Beaulieu.

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...

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?

I’m looking forward to that strategy. I realize it has been a five-year program review. This apparently is a huge opportunity for economic development and should catch the ear of this government.

What role will the Members on this side of the House have for input into that strategy?

My question is for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Given the clear opportunity for improving lives, increasing revenues and reducing costs that improved literacy skills provide, and given cabinet’s recent meeting with literacy specialist Mr. Scott Murray, brought in by the N.W.T. Literacy Council, what changes are you proposing to support and enhance literacy education in the Northwest Territories so we can enjoy these returns?