Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to hear that answer. Housing is very near and dear to all of the constituents in my riding and particularly in Fort Liard. With respect to the mould problem, is there any indication by the Housing ministry of developing a program specific to the mould? I know that other communities in my riding are coming forward and saying, look, I have that same kind of problem. Does the housing program have any type of programs to assist me with cleaning it out or retrofitting my house and getting rid of the constant mould problem, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'm glad to hear that we're moving with this particular initiative, however, spring and summer is coming and the big concern for the constituents is that the free-roaming herds are digging up their gardens and ruining trees in the communities on their properties. Has the department looked at exactly what will they be doing in the meantime, particularly this coming spring? Thanks.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of ENR just following up on the concerns of Fort Liard constituents with regard to their buffalo problems they've been having, as well as in Nahanni Butte. The last time we exchanged topic ground on this, Mr. Speaker, the Minister indicated it was a free-roaming herd and they were going to initiate some type of management plan, and that's what the community has been looking for, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to ask the Minister if and when consideration of this plan will be done for these communities. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will change gears a bit and take this opportunity to speak of what is new in Nahendeh this year and the support that we need. I am happy to announce that I am a new grandfather.

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I would like to announce that my son Keone and his spouse, Theresa Black, had a baby boy January 6th named Kayleb. I would also express my excitement for the many other babies in Nahendeh that were born recently. In Fort Simpson, Sharon Mandeville and Jeff Hardisty had a boy named Seth. Lisa Lafferty and Michael Tetso had a girl named Jacie. Trudy and Dennis Nelner had a girl...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I like that response from the Minister, because the buffalo concern and the damage is very serious in these communities and I'm sure they'll be looking forward to the establishment of a buffalo bill for the management of these buffalos there, Mr. Speaker. No questions there, Mr. Speaker. Thanks.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. That's what the community is looking for; is what actually is the ministry going to be doing about this herd. There are about 350 animals. Has the department done any consultation in the communities of Nahanni Butte and Fort Liard with respect to their management plan? Thanks.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased today to recognize a constituent from Fort Simpson, Candy Brown, our regional vice-president for the Deh Cho region. Mahsi cho.

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Mahsi cho. Thank you, honourable colleagues. For now, Mr. Speaker, I want to assure people that although they may not see any dramatic changes in this year’s budget, we have set things in motion to put us on a better course for the future. We have not forgotten what the people have told us and they can expect to hear Members in this session, and in future sessions, continue to raise the issues that they brought to our attention. This is not the end of it, Mr. Speaker. It is just the beginning. Mahsi cho.

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Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again, I wasn’t too clear if it was going to happen this coming fiscal year. If the Minister could answer that for me. Thank you.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, I have been finding that often the women of Nahendeh who will be giving birth have to stay at length in Yellowknife. Typically, at the most, up to a month, maybe even six weeks away from their loved ones and their family, Mr. Speaker. I also note and commend the constituents of the honourable Minister’s riding who have lobbied and created a midwifery act and program. This enables women to have their babies in their communities. Can the Minister tell me what steps are being taken to move this...