David Krutko

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Aboriginal organizations have invested a lot of time and a lot of money in regard to negotiating land claim agreements where they had to pay back to the federal government in excess of almost $9 million in the case of the Gwich’in. Almost $75 million is outstanding on the Dene/Métis claim.

Mr. Speaker, there was an office built here in Yellowknife. There was total outcry about the private sector in regard to a federal building that was being constructed here in Yellowknife. They, the federal government, took the responsibility on and sought an independent review to look...

I had an opportunity to sit down with the former president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council with regard to an individual from Dowland. In those discussions they talked about formulating a joint venture to take advantage of this $100 million project, yet it seems like there’s been a crossing of the minds under new leadership. They’re saying that’s no longer on the table.

I’d like to ask the Minister: exactly how can you go forward approving an agreement knowing there were letters in which the intent was to formulate these partnerships? Then after you issue the contract, they basically neglect...

That’s it for now. Thanks.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As we can see with the challenges we’re facing, we do have to do a better job of allocating capital to ensure we do focus on those urgent parts of our highways that are collapsing, which are basically public safety risks, by reinvesting in those highways that are in substandard condition. I drove Highway No. 5 this summer, and I was totally amazed at the amount of chipseal there and the condition of the road and trying to find a speed bump, of which there aren’t any.

I think it’s important to realize that we have some really unique challenges in regard to Highway No. 6 and...

Mr. Chairman, one area that’s pretty obvious is…. People who got into a B & B business or a local hotel are struggling to keep their doors open. They’ve taken the risks and set up these businesses in our small communities, yet people continue to come in and set up their own camps. Again, they’re not using, under our policy in regard to using local businesses, local entrepreneurs to accommodate their services in these contracts.

Why is it that there’s a loophole there that has continued to be avoided with the so called policies this government has? They allow that practice to continue, which is...

Mr. Chair, I’d like to move a motion.

With that, we’ll take a short break.

The Committee of the Whole took a short recess.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a written question in regard to the cost of child and family services in Mackenzie Delta communities. My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services:

How many children from the Mackenzie Delta communities are receiving services through Child and Family Services, Department of Health and Social Services?

Please provide the monthly costs to administer voluntary support services and agreements, plan of care agreements and child apprehensions per child in the Mackenzie Delta constituency under the following situations:

care in the parental home;

care...

Can the Minister elaborate on how far into the future he is talking about replacing this vessel?