Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I, too, would like to thank the Member for the Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya, in bringing this private member’s bill forward. I spoke to a lot of residents in the Sahtu from a variety of the communities there. They, too, have told me about the increase in consumption, the increase in the cases with social services and also the policing. Through our committee business, we have seen an increase of over $2 million in the Sahtu region. That’s a clear indicator that there’s a lot more happening in that region. Some say it might be just because of development, but nonetheless, there’s...

Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to waive Rule 69(2) and have Bill 26, Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, moved into Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize Brittany and Lucyanne Kendo, originally from Tsiigehtchic. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have a couple of brief comments I wanted to make on the Wildlife Act. I would like to start off by commending this government for implementing many of the land claim rights and inherent rights of Aboriginal governments in the Northwest Territories. The land claim groups have had a very difficult challenge over the last 20 years implementing their land claims and this is one area that the land claim groups have struggled with over the years. I know this government has been working with those Aboriginal governments with many of the issues that have arisen.

In the...

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Bill 26, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, be read for the second time.

Bill 26 modifies the allowance and expense entitlements of Members of the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize my constituents: Alestine Andre, from Tsiigehtchic; Bertha Francis and Robert Alexie Sr., of Fort McPherson; along with Ingrid Kritsch, who are the recipients of the Minister’s Culture and Heritage Circle Award. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Bill 26, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is with great honour and much excitement today that I congratulate the Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute on their most recent Group Category Award presented by the Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

The GSCI displays a fine role in developing and supporting cultural heritage. I am proud that such a group can celebrate, promote and preserve the arts, culture and heritage as defined in the eligibility for this award.

What great timing as the GSCI celebrates its 20th anniversary this fall, such an honourable way to recognize...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 28, 2013, I will move that Bill 26, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to my Member’s statement today, I’d like to ask the Minister of MACA a couple of questions. I would like to ask the Minister of MACA if he is willing to assist the community to develop and design a plan for the new arena in Fort McPherson.