Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Mr. Speaker. Behchoko and Yellowknife, few communities in the Northwest Territories are more closely linked than Behchoko and Yellowknife. This shows the flow of vehicles between them. Daily, hundreds of cars and trucks make the hour journey in both directions. At any given time, the number of travellers can exceed the entire population of the Hamlet of Fort Liard. Yet in this interconnected age, Mr. Speaker, when those drivers leave their municipalities, the boundaries, they are on their own. There is no cellphone coverage in that area between Behchoko junction and Yellowknife. In the...

Masi, Madam Chair. [Translation] I'd like to speak on the North Arm area. When we look at it, it's just past Edzo, and that's where they have some gatherings over there. The Edzo people, the Behchoko people, and people travelling from the South also travel over there. It's not very big or huge, but we know that area gets really crowded, so this is why I want to ask the Minister [End of translation].

I'd like to inquire or ask questions about the North Arm Park just beyond Edzo. There have been some minor upgrades over the years, because my family has been going there, community members have...

So, Madam Chair, is that the overall budget for agriculture in the Northwest Territories? Masi.

Masi, Madam Chair. The community futures, $825,000. It has been existence before I started with the GNWT, because I was on a band council involved in the establishment in my community of Behchoko, so I would say 20 years. It's been very, very useful programming because what tends to happen is that individuals, entrepreneurs, apply for certain BDIC, Metis Dene Development Fund, and others. If they don't qualify, then the last resort, basically, it falls on the community anyways, but $825,000 seems like it's not enough to stretch across the Northwest Territories. I'm just wondering why that...

Masi, Madam Chair. The community transfer initiatives, $1.6 million. That doesn't really specify what it's for. It just says it's contributions to provide funding for the services of economic development officers. What does that entail? Masi.

I'd like to thank the Minister for providing that information. As you've heard, it is climbing up every year, almost $500,000 every year, that money. Obviously, it is a worthwhile initiative, but at the same time it should be happening in our region, as well. I would like to touch on the next two questions pertaining to that. The third question I have is: what plans does the Minister have to finally establish a truly successful residential treatment centre here in the territory, involving on-the-land treatment approaches and an integrated system or community-based follow-up and support program...

Masi, Mr. Speaker. As I alluded to in my Member's statement about the on-the-land treatment program, so I do have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, the first question I have is: how many treatment facilities has the GNWT operated and subsequently shut down over the past 25 years? Masi.

Masi, Madam Chair. I certainly hope this is not one of those projects that has been deferred, because, on the left side, from the northern perspective, there have been some upgrades. I'm just wondering if the Minister is referring to that side, because I'm referring to the southern side, which has beautiful lake access. There can be further expansion in that area. If not, I certainly hope that the Minister will consider it down the road. I'm not talking immediately, but my community is growing and, with the tourism population growing, as well, there needs to be further expansion to the...

Masi, Madam Chair. Just to finish off, distribution. Obviously, each Member always has a keen interest in the funding going to our region, and more specifically I'm speaking about Gameti. My four communities, what was their contribution? If the Minister doesn't have that at their fingertips, then if they could provide that, it would be greatly appreciated. Masi.

Masi, Madam Chair. Definitely, I think this is an area of interest. If there could be some sort of a nominal increase, I think it would go a long way in the communities.

Madam Chair, just moving on to the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. This is highlighted as an agreement between the federal government and the Government of the Northwest Territories. As you've heard and noticed, the Gameti has been involved with growing their own vegetables, potatoes, and even animals there. They have done a lot to start off, but, at times, there were some struggles with getting funding through the GNWT. I...