Bob Bromley

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again amazing context here between what’s real now on the ground and able to give us dividends versus the theoretical fossil fuel pursuit that gives us nothing. Given the need to diversify our economies and lessen reliance on boom and bust industries like that, our need for local sustainable jobs and food security, when will such a policy be in place? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move we report progress.

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I’m not sure I fully understand that. I understand the work to get us to the point of being ready to do the work in the field, but I would assume that that needs to take place during the construction season after the 1st of April, and I don’t see that work referred to in the capital plan here. That’s why I’m wondering whether it would come forward in a supplementary appropriation.

That’s good news. In the absence of a logical strategy, people have been pursing agriculture on their own, wrestling with volatile and inconsistent support and often barriers from this government. They have a lot of experience to share and they are hoping the government will actually hear them.

What consultative process is the Minister engaged in or was the Minister engaged in to hear from the people regarding a comprehensive NWT agricultural policy? Mahsi.

Thanks to the Minister. That sounds good. I wonder, though, if the Minister could work with his colleague and provide us with an outline of exactly how our economic development officers are aware of this challenge for communities and helping out in helping them select the best possible options and cost benefits for their access to this. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am surprised and disappointed to see that there’s not significant work planned for Prelude Lake area. I am wondering if I could get a status on what work has been done there and what is still to be done. I know there’s a lot of concern about the parking areas down by the dock and the need to do some work on that dock. Obviously, low water time is a good time to be in there doing that sort of work. Maybe I could start by asking for an update on the status of that redevelopment at Prelude Lake Park. Thank you.

As I was saying, in Yellowknife, with half of our territorial population served by a facility with a meagre 29 beds needing mid-life retrofit, our seniors’ plight is well known and has been obvious for some time. How can we still be waiting for action?

We have the responsibility and the power. So I say, colleagues, Minister, executive, our Cabinet, out of respect for our elders like Annette, let’s get it done. Mahsi.

I appreciate that. I am just wondering: how are we helping the communities take advantage of that point of presence, I guess is what I am saying. I am asking because, obviously, they don’t always have the capacity. I certainly would be at a loss on how to take advantage of the point of presence. It is beyond my ken. I am wondering: are we helping communities to assess options towards optimizing the benefits they will get that a point of presence provides in each home. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I see an upgrade to the washhouse at the Tundra Ecosystem Research Station, which I’m pleased to see. There is a lot of leading edge research based at that research station.

What is the long-term thinking of this research station? I know there was some discussion of that with change in personnel over the past few years. Could I get the latest thinking on that facility? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. A couple of questions. I am just wondering: I think we are midway or more through this project, how are our residents, businesses and communities benefitting from this large expenditure for the construction of this infrastructure in the NWT? Thank you.