Frieda Martselos

I guess I just want to point out, Madam Chair, that there seems to be a disparity in allocations again. We always say that we want equal programs, equal rights, equal everything, for each and every member of the Northwest Territories. When I look at some of these services that are provided, it really makes me wonder if that is really the case. I would like the Minister to tell me how she is going to ensure that, in future estimates, because this is our first one, really, some of these concerns are brought forward in the future.

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Justice tell us what Indigenous programming is currently being offered in the NWT corrections facilities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to clarification on the seniors fund of $205,000. That goes to support the NWT Seniors' Society. There are different societies in a lot of the regional centres in other places. Do they get funding from this fund? How does that work? I just want clarification.

On page 176, we're talking about long-term care and supported living. That $36,363,000, what does that include, for clarification? They're just figures to me. I just want clarification on the figure, please, Madam Chair.

I don't have any further questions, Madam Chair.

Why does the Department of Infrastructure continue to proceed with the airport infrastructure changes despite the community's leadership opposing them?

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I delivered my response to the Commissioner's opening address, where I outlined my priorities for the 19th Assembly. In today's Member's statement, I am going to expand on one of these priorities, the Fort Smith Regional Airport.

In my speech yesterday, I was very clear in what I and the constituents of Thebacha want to see done with the Fort Smith Regional Airport. I will reiterate that what needs to be done is the following:

a new and improved terminal to be built;

the runway to be restored to its original width;

all LED lights to be properly reinstalled and in working...

Will the Minister admit that the community stakeholders and leadership of Fort Smith were not properly consulted, if at all, about these changes to the Fort Smith airport?

Mr. Speaker, in a letter signed by all the leadership in Fort Smith, dated June 17, 2019, the leaders were clear in their disapproval of the proposed changes of the Fort Smith airport. However, Transport Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Infrastructure went ahead with them anyways. My question is: upon receiving this letter from the Fort Smith leadership, were there any attempts made by the infrastructure department to modify or delay the project to fit the community's liking? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, will the Minister admit that errors were made during the infrastructure changes to the Fort Smith airport? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.