Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I understand a little bit about the reasoning behind that and perhaps the Minister can tell me what is the estimated cost of this new courthouse. Is this like a Class 'D' estimate and how old is this estimate for the new courthouse, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, I move that we report progress.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the road to getting a gym built in Nahanni Butte is hard to navigate, rocky and uncertain, literally. But today, I would like to speak to you about getting to Nahanni Butte and the completion of the access road.

Mr. Speaker, the Nahanni Butte access road has been discussed in this House for 10 years, ever since 1996. In 2003-04, the Department of Transportation report on public access roads said that these roads formed an important part of our highway system. Improvement to these roads would increase safety and decrease highway maintenance costs by reducing...

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Just with respect to affirmative action goals, written goals in the Legislative Assembly, because that’s something the Speaker was looking at. What are the target goals for the office as of today? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I’ll just end on this note that I don’t think the commission has anything to do with the Page program. I think it has to do with the office and that they should pay for meals and accommodations. I don’t know why it’s coming out of my budget. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just with respect to the magnetic pass cards; is there an estimated cost, that makes it so prohibitive? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That is fine now, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. If we completed capital expenditures of that much within the next couple of years, does that really mean that we will be freeing up some capital dollars for the regions? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I did have a chance to comment on Friday. I do have some further comments for the Minister with respect to a few different items, Mr. Chairman. Maybe I will start with the courthouse.

The perception in the communities I represent is they are very concerned that such a huge capital investment is happening in Yellowknife. It looks like we are spending all this money in the capital centre and we are taking away…just because of programming and things that happen in the communities. You take away the regional justice coordinator which has a big impact in the smaller...

Madam Chair, the committee wishes to consider Bill 19, Appropriation Act, 2005-2006, specifically the Department of Justice. Thank you.