David Krutko

Mr. Speaker, you do not have to assure me. I think you have to assure the people in those communities that don’t have policing, don’t have nursing — don’t have services — that they’re just as much residents of the Northwest Territories as the other 43,000 people here. We cannot be discriminated against by communities, simply by where you live. Those days are gone. We are not on reserves. We’re not in other foreign Third World countries. This is Canada; this is the Northwest Territories. But that’s the feeling I am getting by the way treatment is being allocated here.

I would like to ask the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Premier in regard to the issue of capacity in our small communities.

We know we have challenges, but we also have to find unique solutions to our challenges. I would like to compliment the Department of Justice in regard to policing in Sachs Harbour — looking at solutions on how to get policing into the ten communities that don’t have police officers. Yet the Department of Health has had nurses located in our communities. Knowing that those capital dollars were expended, I would like to ask the Premier…. From our small communities we have...

Mr. Speaker, I just got off the phone with the individual. The individual told me herself that she likes working in Tsiigehtchic; she likes the people there; she’s willing to stay longer if that’s the point. Why is it that arrangements can’t be accommodated with a person who’s willing and committed to that community to serve that community? Why is it there are still roadblocks in the way by way of not offering that person a full time contract to work in that community rather than simply as and when?

Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witness in. Thank you.

For the record, Ms. Bisaro, could you introduce your witness.

At this time I’d like to ask the committee responsible for the bill if they have any comments. Mr. Abernethy.

Okay; we’ll switch to Bill 14. Page 1, clause 1.

Clauses 1 through 6 inclusive approved.

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. At this time I’d like to ask Ms. Bisaro if she’ll be bringing any witnesses. Ms. Bisaro?

Next on our list we’re dealing with Bill 17, Forgiveness of Debts Act, 2008–2009. Mr. Yakeleya.

Do you want to clarify that for the record?

We’re on Bill 19, Donation of Food Act. At this time I’d like to ask the sponsor of the bill if she would like to make any opening comments. Ms. Bisaro.