Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just reflecting on what I said last year, I was very concerned that they weren’t putting money into our economy. That’s something I am very concerned with. Although we are doing well here in the southern part of our territory, up in the northern part, the Mackenzie Delta, we are struggling. There isn’t very much for economic projects up there right now. I am very glad we are putting some funds forward to meet our priorities; for example, the fibre optic link. As I mentioned last time, we did put money towards the Inuvik-Tuk highway and I’m glad to see that in the budget...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So is that a yes? Thank you.

Thank you. The Minister said they were in discussions with the department. So at what stage are the discussions that he’s having with the department with regard to a nurse in Tsiigehtchic?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize the president of the Gwich’ya Gwich’in Council, Caroline Blake Lennie who is also my sister; also the president of the Nihtat Gwich’in Council, Mr. Jozef Carnogurski and his wife, Lisa; also Topsy Cockney; also former Member for the Mackenzie Delta Mr. David Krutko; also Mr. Mervin Gruben.

Just for the Minister’s information, the community does have one unit designated for a nurse in Tsiigehtchic. I’m sure they’d free up another unit if that was made available.

I’d also like to ask the Minister, will he enter into an agreement with the community of Tsiigehtchic for a pilot project for a licenced practical nurse as an interim measure. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned earlier today in my Member’s statement, the community of Tsiigehtchic has been without a nurse for the last 15 years. We did have a nurse in Tsiigehtchic for many years before this position was removed. I would like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services what is the department’s plan for a nurse for the community of Tsiigehtchic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For many years the community of Tsiigehtchic has been asking to have a nurse on a full-time basis. I was very surprised that this wasn’t a part of this budget, even though there are a lot of good initiatives in the budget.

How much longer does the community have to wait for this very important service which is needed in Tsiigehtchic?

I will have questions for the Minister later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize former veteran MLA for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. David Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome everyone back to the House. I would also like to wish everyone in the Mackenzie Delta a happy New Year and all the best for 2013.

I would also like to congratulate six youth from Tsiigehtchic who won the Youth Hand Games Tournament in Tulita over the weekend. Starting with the captain, Jared Blake, Dale Blake Jr., Aiden Andre, Darius Andre, Thomas Norbert, and Davey Lennie Jr. Congratulations again on a job well done. These youth are learning a tradition that has lasted for many years.

Also, a thank you to Joey McCarthy who was the chaperone. Keep...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories include in its policy framework on hydraulic fracturing a strategy to gather environmental and geological baseline information, with federal support.