Herbert Nakimayak

I appreciate the response from the Premier. Mr. Speaker, does the Premier know when a draft policy will be released?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke about the Arctic Policy Framework and the NWT chapter. I have questions for the Premier.

Mr. Speaker, my first question is: how has the GNWT engaged with the federal government in the development of the Arctic Policy Framework to date? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the federal government has been working on a new Arctic Policy Framework since December 2016. The NWT will have a chapter in the policy, and, to ensure this chapter reflects the views of our residents, the GNWT has engaged with stakeholders across the territory and released "what we heard" reports for sessions with Indigenous governments, industry and business, GNOs, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, in one of my Member's statements earlier this year, I have outlined some of the recommendations from the Inuit Circumpolar Council, focusing on Inuit self-determination...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Getting back to operations, my question to the Minister is, you know, they are looking at possibly doing that down the road. That's not going to be within the next year or two years. The next year, we are going into election mode. Would they look at having some sups for possibly doing that once the study comes out in March of 2019? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

That is actually too bad. I know it's a new department, and I don't know when the last time a barge was missed. I know it was quite a few years ago. Also, in Mr. Blake's region, I'm just wondering what other plans, you know? Like having Hay River as a marine trading centre and area, it's good for the southern NWT, but that doesn't necessarily work for the northern part of the territory. I am just wondering if the department realizes that they are two different places geographically and different types of needs for the communities and regions of the territory because the way it looks right now...

I am just wondering: what stage are they at right now with the airlift to the community of Paulatuk as far as petroleum products and dry goods? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the response and, as well, the timelines. Mr. Speaker, next year is an election year, and I hope, during the development and the final stages of this policy framework, that the Government of the Northwest Territories makes a big push to ensure that our sovereignty and our needs for infrastructure in the Northwest Territories are looked after.

Mr. Speaker, I am just wondering if the Premier would give us an update on any movements any time soon, in the near future, and down within the next 365 days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the response from the Premier. Mr. Speaker, have the GNWT's concerns been addressed in the NWT chapter of the Arctic Policy Framework? If not, what are some of the outstanding issues?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize a couple of pages from Angik School and their chaperone, Stephanie Illasiak. The pages are Kassius Green and Hope Gordon-Thrasher. Also, I have another cousin who is a page here, as well, Tori Haogak. It is good to see the youth up-and-coming and working at the Legislative Assembly and seeing the proceedings. I just want to wish everybody here in the gallery a good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. On the website, there were three delivery dates. You know, the first one was August 12th, I believe. That would have been an acceptable time.

The Minister mentioned to me during committee meeting that the fuel failed inspection at Norman Wells. How could the fuel get all the way from Hay River terminal to Norman Wells and only getting inspected at that point? I think that's where you need to look. Obviously, like I said, somebody was asleep at the wheel somewhere. I think we need to look at this as a learning lesson for everybody. For myself, I believe in the Minister...