Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. That’s exactly what I’m urging this government to do, is as we’re meeting for the next couple of weeks in their Cabinet strategy sessions, to put that on their agenda just to see how it will all unfold. I too am looking forward to whoever the Ministers are, because then we’ll exactly know who’s got experience in the North and who can hear our specific needs here in the Northwest Territories, especially with rural and remote communities and our aging highway infrastructure systems. So that’s why I would like our government to make it a priority as they develop...

The Deputy Premier did well in answering those questions, and that’s exactly what I was looking for. I was looking for how is our government, how is our Minister going to engage with the new federal government to let them know our needs, especially our infrastructure needs. So just with that, Mr. Speaker, how is this government going to engage with the federal government to get resources for our NWT highway systems, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today I was speaking about highway infrastructure in the Northwest Territories. In the last Conservative budget they did speak about $150 million investment in the Northwest Territories. However, I’m of the opinion that it should be for the whole of the Northwest Territories. I’d like to ask the Deputy Premier how does this Government of the Northwest Territories plan to respond to the results of the recent federal election and their budgeting process.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to continue my debate with the honourable Minister of Transportation on Highway No. 7. That highway is a gateway to our North, Mr. Speaker, but I would like to speak about the barriers and bumps that it has. I spoke time and time again about getting it into the capital planning process. In fact, just recently, Mr. Speaker, residents of Fort Liard did hand in the petition that I will action later on in this session. It is a very important document. They are going to get lots of support from all the communities in my riding. What stage are we at in the...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I too will be supporting the motion, but I do have more to add. It’s a very good motion. I know that the honourable Member for Nunakput wanted some options for housing but I really feel that we should also be, it should be the whole program. That’s the way we looked at it.

At one time we did have our housing program before it was converted to ECE and back again, and even further back it was listed at 75 percent of household income. It was a real break. Then the rent was at $600 a month. I don’t know, along the way somebody signed off to produce it up to 90...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Also, I would like to get something in writing from the Minister about the work planned on Highway No. 7 and when it will begin this spring. Thank you very much.

Mr. Speaker, in the past the work has begun late in the season and with the early fall they were unable to complete it. I would like to get the commitment from the Minister that the work on Highway No. 7 will begin as soon as possible when they can begin construction and use that operating and maintenance money and use some of the new capital dollars to fix our Highway No. 7. Thank you very much.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. This week in Fort Simpson people have been participating in our ever popular Beaver Tail Jamboree. Celebrations began last Sunday. I wish to say special congratulations to the Beaver Tail Jamboree organizing committee and the sponsors and host organizations who have been making this event come alive every year for the past 34 years.

The committee members who worked so hard to make this year’s Jamboree successful are: Ms. Cindy Browning, Ms. Cheryl Sibbeston, Mr. Nathan McPherson, Mr. Gerry Antoine, Mr. Troy Bradbury, Mr. Aaron McNabb, Mr. Jonas Antoine, Mr. Mike Squirrel...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Wildlife Act has been long awaited by all residents of the Northwest Territories. The current bill is a large piece of work and I’d like to see it done justice, as well. I’d like to see it properly reviewed, and I will get actively involved in that as it tours my region. I really think that we have to review it and all the different aspects and that I don’t believe that it should be rushed at all.

Just a couple comments there. I’d really like to have it passed or, well, I’d like to have it out in the community so that people can review it and have the...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to say I’m rising to support the motion put forward by Ms. Bisaro. Thank you very much.