Julie Green

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm asking my questions of the Minister of Finance because the policy of favouring road infrastructure over social infrastructure is a matter of financial and political philosophy. Permit applications have been filed for a possible construction of an all-season road to Whati. Given the size of this project, I can only hope the detailed cost-benefit analysis has been created to quantify benefits and returns. Has a cost-benefit analysis been completed and if so, will the Minister table this document for all Members and the public to evaluate? Thank you, Mr...

That's my mother. I have no further comments, thanks.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Minister just said they could support it in other ways. I'm wondering what those look like.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I noticed recently that ministerial staff have started to describe themselves as special advisors. I am wondering if that is just a title change or whether there are other implications to that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I wonder if I could have some detail about the grant to the NWT Literacy Council which happened two fiscal years ago and was then discontinued. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I'm wondering, I see here that there is a plan to improve communications. I'm wondering if all four of those positions that are being created in the Executive are to support this open government plan or whether they have other duties as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Finance would like us to buy into the need for a $150-million operating surplus to spend on infrastructure. Housing is not listed in that list in yesterday's budget but roads are. What I'm looking for is some justification, some quantification of the benefits of this road, and I'm wondering at what point in this process that that will be produced. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to just begin by saying that I misspoke during my statement by saying that there were 20,000 non-resident workers. In fact, the right number is 2,000. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. The Labour Market Forecast and Needs Assessment provides some valuable insights into the nature of the job market to come, but it is weak on the topic of how new workers will be attracted to the territory. The resident work force is forecasted to both age and shrink, so much so, the report says, that the conditions may “limit...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Minister for his answer. The fact remains that this forecast has gaps when it comes to renewable industry research or employment opportunities. I am wondering if there is a plan to do the same kind of research on them as has been done with the non-renewable resource sector. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you to the Minister for that answer. The labour market forecast says that from 2015 to 2030 the NWT will need to recruit 777 elementary and kindergarten school teachers, as well as 577 secondary school teachers, 448 early childhood educators and assistants, and 382 college and vocational instructors. It is just staggering numbers. How is that going to happen?