Daryl Dolynny

I’d like to call Committee of the Whole to order. Committee, we’ve got a number of things to consider today: Bill 5, Bill 10, Bill 11, Committee Report 2-17(5), Tabled Document 4-17(5), Tabled Document 22-17(5). What is the wish of committee? Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Mr. Moses. To the motion, Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Minister Lafferty. Next on my list I have Mr. Blake.

Seeing none, 10-32, information item, Student Loan Fund. Any questions?

Thank you, Minister Beaulieu. Mr. Auger, Mr. Neudorf, welcome back to the Chamber. Committee, we’re going to open this up with general comments. To start, I have Mr. Blake.

Thank you, Minister Lafferty. Mr. Bromley, you have a few seconds left on the clock. Mr. Bromley.

Thank you, committee. 10-26, activity summary, labour development and standards, grants and contributions, $409,000. Agreed? Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. We’ll go to Minister Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Obesity is a serious and growing epidemic. In 2001, census data indicates that fully one-third of the NWT population is overweight and more than one-quarter of our population is obese. This makes the NWT one of the heaviest regions in Canada.

Obesity is costly. It is linked to increased health care costs and diminished worker productivity. The economic costs associated with obesity in Canada rose from $3.9 billion in 2000 to $7 billion in 2011, a staggering 80 percent increase in just over a decade.

Rising obesity rates are significantly correlated with increased rates...

Thank you, Mr. Moses. Go ahead, read your motion.