Bob McLeod

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to acknowledge a man who embodies leadership, innovation, and dedication. Loyal and committed to the public service for 35 years, Peter Vician will retire as deputy minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Since its inception in 2005, Mr. Vician has guided the department through its evolution and has been a leader in the development and diversification of our economy. Mr. Vician was a key player in the Government of Northwest Territories achieving devolution, helped build our diamond industry, led the development of the Economic Opportunities Strategy...

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories mining industry has a rich, storied history. It has provided thousands of jobs to citizens across our 33 communities, billions in revenue for investment in the wellbeing of our peoples, and innovations that put the territory on the cutting edge of responsible resource development. Success in the mining sector has always been driven by the determination of proud individuals pursuing excellence in their field. I stand today to celebrate some individuals whose contributions and accomplishments have recently been acknowledged with national awards from the...

That Committee Motion 518(2) be amended by deleting the words “erecting emergency shelters along remote highways”. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Our government is committed to supporting the manufacturing sector in the Northwest Territories through the Northwest Territories Manufactured Products Policy, and has developed and is implementing a marketing plan to assist in promotion of this sector. A key strategy in the marketing plan is to familiarize customers of the capabilities and products produced by northern manufacturers. The NWT Manufactured Products Association had their first meeting last week in Hay River. They indicated that they wanted to work with the government on practical steps such as implementing...

Yes, I do, Mr. Chair.

In his letter, he indicated for the first two years, they would double the infrastructure funding budget that was billed in Canada. That is a question of interest to all the provinces and territories. We have met with Minister Morneau, the federal Finance Minister, where we raised and discussed infrastructure funding. I did talk to the Prime Minister about social infrastructure, green infrastructure, and also the Building Canada Fund. He has indicated that he recognizes the importance of those infrastructure funds. I indicated to him that as a small territory, obviously, our preference is base...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did meet with Prime Minister Trudeau about a week ago, and I raised the matter of the cost of living and he reconfirmed that he had committed to doing something about it, specifically, the northern residents tax deduction. He did not specify a timeframe or timeline, but we all know that Minister the federal Minister of Finance has committed to filing his first budget in March, and we will wait and see if it makes that first budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm very pleased to recognize in the gallery Mr. Darrell Beaulieu, the recipient of the Skookum Jim Award this year, and also a constituent of Yellowknife South, Mr. Peter Vician. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

About some of the rationale for moving this amendment, and we have had experiences with our toilet facilities and also in the past, as I mentioned, with emergency shelters, so we have those kinds of concerns, Mr. Chair. I would also call for a recorded vote on the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Our territory is endowed with scenic territorial parks in all its five regions. The government has committed to providing quality public tourism facilities at territorial parks throughout the Northwest Territories. These parks are great assets for tourism and many tourists make use of the services and facilities provided at these parks. Currently, we maintain 35 territorial parks including 14 wayside or day-use areas which are established to provide for the enjoyment or convenience of the travelling public. Many of our wayside parks are situated around areas of scenic...