Jackson Lafferty

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my final question to the Minister, with respect, we have to respect our elders’ wish to have an addition to our school with a gymnasium for our children to have a healthy lifestyle and wellness in the community. So my final question to the Minister: Will the Minister do the right thing and add and support a third option to his briefing note where the GNWT will find the money to go forward with this project on this year’s winter road, 2007-08, and build the school addition and gymnasium as planned with the original plan? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to focus on the need of the community; the community of Gameti. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister tell these Members here around the table why he and his department believe that the people of Gameti do not want the same educational and recreation programs for their children that he and other Yellowknife Members take for granted for their children here in Yellowknife and other major centres? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize the Tlicho chief executive council: Grand Chief George Mackenzie, Chief Leon Lafferty, Chief Charlie Jim Nitsiza, Chief Henry Gon. I’d also like to recognize Behchoko member Jonas Lafferty. Thanks for being here. Mahsi.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight met on June 6, 2007, to review Bill 11, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act. This act makes minor amendments to a number of statutes. Following a clause-by-clause review, a motion was carried to report Bill 11 to the Assembly as ready for Committee of the Whole.

This concludes the committee’s general comments on Bill 11. Individual committee members may have questions or comments as we proceed. Mahsi, Mr. Chair.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to table a document from Chief Henry Gon, of the community of Gameti, expressing concern on Gameti school expansion on August 1, 2007. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in this House today to raise a point of personal privilege. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I just highlighted the whole purpose of this motion that was brought forward was due to the fact that we consulted with the communities. The community elders, mostly elders, have told us that with the apprehension process, most of the kids are transferred to Yellowknife. That is the whole idea behind this motion where we always stress the importance of having the child with an extended family member. I do agree with Mrs. Groenewegen from Hay River South, that there has to be a fit home as well in the community with the extended family. Is it a safe home? It...

Mahsi, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the committee wishes to consider Committee Report 3-15(6), Child and Family Services Act. Mahsi, Madam Chair.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a signed letter from Chief Gon from Gameti on a concern on the school extension for Gameti School. Mahsi.