Calvin Pokiak

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my nephew Hank Pokiak who just walked in. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to send our condolences to the RCMP families and their loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Northern Strategy as, unfortunately, I was unable to participate in the debate during Committee of the Whole.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to inform this government of my support for the Northern Strategy and its goals and objectives. This has been a long journey for the people of the Northwest Territories in our struggle to take our rightful place in Canada and be recognized for our contribution. Without an...

Thank you. There’s a motion on the floor. It’s not debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

The motion is carried. I will rise and report progress. I would like to thank Minister Dent, Mr. Cooper and Kim Schofield.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Next I have Mr. Yakeleya.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Standing Committee, upon re-examination of the information presented during the business planning process, and in examining information provided to committee as a result of the public uproar over the planned closures, recommended that both registries remain open.

The major reason that committee decided to recommend the Inuvik and Hay River registries remain open has to do with administration of justice in the regions.

In the case of Hay River, it makes no sense to have a resident Territorial Court judge without the necessary support staff to make sure she can...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to return to item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Mr. Villeneuve.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Next I have Mr. Hawkins.