David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to thank the Member for his comments and just a brief comment back if I could. Some of the best trappers in the Northwest Territories come from the Member’s region, and Colville Lake is a highly regarded trapping area in the Northwest Territories, so we’re happy to continue to support trapping in the Member’s riding and in the territory. When we design programs, we do go in and do an analysis of what it is and what things cost and how we can best help trappers get out on the land pursuing their trade. I don’t have that information with me right now, but I’d...

I know business people around the Northwest Territories are very smart when it comes to trying to make ends meet and survive what is a bit of a downturn. We’re not going to see the millions and millions of dollars being spent in the Sahtu as we’ve seen in previous seasons gone past. That is taking a bit of a hiatus here, so we are going to need folks to ensure that they’re looking after that bottom line, they’re ensuring that they are going to be able to survive until the activity comes back, and it’s just not going to be the extent that it was last winter. Good businesses and good business...

Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe there is a conference that is being planned or coordinated in the region, and that’s something that we look forward to certainly supporting. The department does have a number of business supports in place for businesses not only in the Sahtu but around the territory. With the decline in activity in the area this coming winter, things are going to be difficult for some businesses; we understand that. We want to try to continue to work with businesses in the Sahtu to ensure that they have the support necessary to see themselves through what could be a difficult...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my right is Sylvia Haener, deputy minister, Department of Justice; and to my left is Ms. Kim Schofield, director of finance, Department of Justice.

Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling the Northwest Territories Coroner Service 2013 Annual Report. This report sets out some information on the history of the coroner’s service, the role and structure of the office and some information on their work in 2013. This report reminds us that in the Northwest Territories, we have a number of dedicated volunteers who are deeply committed to assisting those in their communities at times of tragedy. They work with circumstances and situations that most of us are unable or unwilling to face.

Coroners play a vital role in our justice system. They...

The Government of the Northwest Territories is currently working with key stakeholders and industry to identify viable options for implementation of a territory-wide 911 system. This work will inform future decisions concerning 911 implementation in the Northwest Territories, and a draft implementation plan, I believe, is coming forward to this House before December of this year.

Of course, this topic is nothing new to Members. It was studied by the City of Yellowknife in 2008. The intent is to build upon that examination and to consider how we can implement such a system on a territory-wide...

As I mentioned in my previous response, it is very difficult to recruit staff here in Yellowknife for those OCC positions because of the type of work, the specific skills required and the level of security clearance that’s required. Again, recruiting staff in smaller communities and regional centres is going to be even more difficult.

Recruitment of community members for auxiliary dispatch program could face similar or greater obstacles due to the lack of capacity in most communities, and the lack of willingness to volunteer, and high stress, high demand and occupations for no pay.

In the past...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too wanted to recognize the Students Against Impaired and Distracted Driving that were with us earlier today as well as all the students from Aurora College. It’s great to see you here. Good luck with your studies.

I also wanted to recognize my constituency assistant, Ms. Morgan. I didn’t realize she was moonlighting for my colleague Mr. Bouchard.

---Laughter

But I’m happy to see her here and I’m happy to share her services. I want to recognize the services that Ms. Morgan provides my office with. She does a great job, so thanks to Wendy.

I also wanted to recognize Mr...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table to following document, entitled “Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation ‘13-14 Annual Report” and “Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation ‘14-15 Corporate Plan.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.