Jackson Lafferty

Mahsi, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the committee wishes to consider Bill 18, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 2007-2008, and Bill 15, Liquor Act. Mahsi, Madam Chair.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am just curious to know when this intermediate construction will take place in Behchoko. The elders are waiting anxiously. There are places of residence that have mould and whatnot. So when is that going to occur? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell us whether the plan is still to replace the facility in five years? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to speak on something very important. It is a seniors’ home. I want to say a few words regarding that. I had mentioned this issue many times in the past. We are talking about the old folks' home in Behchoko. It’s been in existence for over 20 years and we want that facility to be replaced. So I will question the Minister regarding this later. I have mentioned this concern many times. Many past leaders have mentioned this before. So today I want to ask that same question again. (Translation ends)

…on the most important...

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. I move we report progress. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chairman, this is information that was requested a while back, two days ago. Now we are scrambling around, like everybody else is saying. I think it’s critical that we get advanced information. We wouldn’t be going through what we are going through now, waiting. We are asking questions here and nothing has been provided at this time. Some Ministers are getting information as we speak. This was a major decision you are making here. Whether it be $100,000 or $200,000, that is a lot of money that could also go to communities. Without backup documentation, it’s hard for...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Many of the presenters were either concerned about or have themselves been subjected to elder abuse.  In small communities, they could not see how the SCAN legislation would help an elder being taken advantage of by a relative or being kept awake and harassed by neighbours partying and drinking all night, without there being repercussions for the elder who reported the activity.

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I move to report progress. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight reviewed Bill 9, Write-off of Debts Act, 2007-2008, at a meeting on June 8, 2007. Following the clause-by-clause review, a motion was carried to report Bill 9 to the Assembly as ready for Committee of the whole.

This concludes the committee’s general comments on Bill 9. Individual Members may have comments or questions as we proceed. Mahsi, Mr. Chair.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my final question would relate to the winter road management committee. Since the Department of Transportation is responsible for transporting goods to the mining companies, I’d like to ask the Minister, Mr. Speaker, if he’s willing to sit down with the winter road management committee if they can consult with the Tlicho Government, because rightfully it’s in our jurisdiction, Wekeezhii and also Monfwi Gogha De Niitlee area, if he’s willing to do that? Mahsi.