Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will be voting in favour of this. Even though there are a small number of residents in the Mackenzie Delta who actually have electric hot water tanks, the majority of residents in my riding are already on oil-fired hot water tanks.

If this motion does go forward, I’d like the department to actually work with the communities, because each community I represent has an oil burner mechanic, and I’d recommend that you work with the communities to have them installed. I’d also like to see a breakdown of each region with the highest cost when it’s done. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just have a few brief comments to make. First I will start with biomass. I would like to thank the department, on behalf of Fort McPherson, for working with the community for the last year to start a new initiative in the community.

Also, hopefully we can build on that partnership over the next few years. As you know, the Gwich’in Settlement Area is the only area in the Northwest Territories that actually has a forest management plan. I’m really looking forward over the next few years to create that partnership and move forward.

The Arctic Energy Alliance, a lot of...

Mr. Speaker, in order for us to be prepared, will the Minister ensure that Class 1 driving courses be delivered regularly in every Beaufort-Delta community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Construction of the road between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk is an important first step in completing the Mackenzie Valley Highway. If we do it right, this project will provide many jobs and business opportunities.

Living in the Delta, I see all kinds of business going to the Yukon because the Dempster Highway is our supplier. I see millions of dollars going down the road every year, Mr. Speaker. We need that business and economic opportunity in our territory. The Beaufort-Delta region badly needs a boost to its economy and people need jobs so they can support their families...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize the former Member for Mackenzie Delta Mr. Krutko, also Danny Gaudet and the two chiefs from the Sahtu. Welcome.

Will the Minister meet with the community leaders in Tsiigehtchic to discuss putting in a police detachment there?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned in my Member’s statement earlier today, I will have questions for the Minister of Justice. I would like to ask the Minister how long is the RCMP’s response time to complaints in Tsiigehtchic compared to Fort McPherson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister meet with the community of Tsiigehtchic to create a long-term plan and implement the plan?

It’s very interesting they charter a plane to Tsiigehtchic when we have no airstrip. Can the Minister describe the benefits of having a permanent police detachment in those communities lucky enough to have them?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have been reviewing the budget presented last week by the Finance Minister, and I am very happy about what is in the budget, but I do have some problems about what is not in the budget.

One of the main goals we set at the start of this Assembly was sustainable, vibrant and safe communities. Yet, once again, this budget leaves some small communities with poor basic services.

The situation is even more critical during freeze-up and breakup periods when the road traffic is interrupted. Over the years the community has suffered and it seems we are telling the people just go...