Bob Bromley

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the Minister’s information. Basically I have two concerns here that I would like to address. The first is the use of iPads for early childhood development and putting them into the homes of our smallest and youngest and most vulnerable minds and the almost certain use of those iPads by these wee children, and the second is the effective branding on these children who will certainly be accessing these pieces of equipment in contrast to what we know is a very effective way to communicate with families on a personalized basis.

First, just to the impacts of screen...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize Weledeh constituent Ernie Bernhardt. I’m assuming he’s still up there. Great to see him in the House today. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thanks for that response. I’m wondering: in the sponsorships, is there a requirement for branding of the iPads?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Based on this government’s adventures in hydro power plant and transmission line building over the last 15 years, an unfortunate pattern is emerging. It starts with a modest community proposal to generate local hydro power. It could be Deline with their run-of-river proposal on the Bear River, Lutselk’e with their proposal for the Snowdrift, Whati on the La Martre River, or even Fort Smith’s desire to make use of wasted power on the Taltson system.

These proposals were all able to show long-term savings for both the community and this government that spends many millions...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, I was asking why the 300 iPads that were purchased were not distributed, if they weren’t. That was my question. I have other questions.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to follow up on the earlier question about the transitional allowances for eligible devolved employees. I’m interested in that information for all departments. It looks like it has been three departments probably, three or four departments. Will this cost be derived from I believe it was the $23 million, the one-time costs to implement devolution? Thank you.

I have the Minister’s briefing note in front of me, if he would like me to read it out.

Thanks for that. I would also appreciate information on how many, if any, employees did leave within a short time of receiving that allowance. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have questions on the $114,000 planned for electronic tablets under the Early Childhood Development Framework.

My first question is: Why weren’t these dollars spent? These dollars were provided in the previous fiscal year.

Thank you. Is this something that is payable to the employee immediately for the year sort of thing or is it paid out over the course of the year? Thanks.