Jane Groenewegen

Thank you. I will ask the Sergeant-at-Arms, please, if he would escort the witnesses to the witness table.

Minister Dent, for the record, could you please introduce your witnesses?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister indicates that this government doesn't have money to throw around and we don't have enough time here today for getting me started on that topic, where we actually throw money around. He brings up the teacher/pupil ratio, something dear to all of our hearts, but that's still no excuse for the limited and measly, meagerly support that's gone into support for arts and culture in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, as a former colleague of ours in this House, Mr. Picco, used to say, a strategy without any funding is just a slogan, and I don...

Clause 16.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Mr. Ramsay.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. At this time, I would ask the Minister if he would like to bring witnesses into the Chamber. Minister Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that's a very generous offer on the part of the Minister, that they will look for ways to help, but why hasn't the core funding to the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre, even in light of their community emphasis and their Outreach Program, not been changed in 24 years? Thank you.

Clause 14.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Mr. Ramsay.

Thank you. Bill 13 is now ready for third reading. Thank you, Minister Roland, Mr. Aiken, Mr. Parker, for your help today. Thank you.

Okay, Members, if you can turn to Bill 14, Employment Standards Act. I would ask Minister Charles Dent if he would please provide his opening remarks on this bill. Minister Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Adding funding to the long-established and well run Northern Arts and Cultural Centre would multiply its value because this minimal government spending would leverage many volunteer activities making these community events possible.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Marilyn Barnes, the Hay River member of the NACC board of directors, for drawing this situation to my attention and thank her for her tireless efforts in developing and supporting artistic and cultural events in Hay River. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause