Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Before we move forward and get a response to that question, I just want to confirm with committee that we’re okay to move back to page 12, Education, Culture and Employment. Does the committee agree?

My question is for the lead Minister responsible for the strategic initiative committee on reducing the cost of living. As I indicated in my Members’ statement, there has been a continued reference to $140 million in subsidies to reduce the cost of living in the NWT.

I believe that these subsidies don’t actually reduce the cost of living; rather, they just make it possible for residents who are struggling to meet their basic needs. So for the Minister responsible: can the lead Minister please identify some of the initiatives the cost of living committee has considered that will actually...

We’re on page 10, Petroleum Products, Not Previously Authorized: $3.85 million.

Department of Public Works and Services, Capital Investment Expenditures, Petroleum Products, Not Previously Authorized: $3.85 million, approved.

The question has been called.

Committee Motion carried.

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Minister Miltenberger.

Total Department, Not Previously Authorized: $3.649 million.

Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Operations Expenditures, Total Department, Not Previously Authorized: $3.649 million, approved.

We’re on page 13. Mr. Beaulieu.

So will the Minister commit to working with the diamond mines to ensure that they do meet the terms and conditions of their socio-economic agreements, thus encouraging more employees to live in the Northwest Territories, which will help us with our financial situation?

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Minister Miltenberger.