Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am, indeed, very pleased to hear that news. It will impact a lot of our students going to school, particularly down south who don’t need that extra burden of being taxed, Mr. Speaker. At this point, the Minister doesn’t have too many details to offer. Has he been in contact with his federal counterparts in the federal office with regard to this issue?

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I guess our discussion here related a lot to hiring outside workers, but in terms of the Management Assignment Program, what are the targets? What is the government doing to increase the visibility of northerners in the management sector of our government? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I didn’t realize that some of the cost estimates were already out there. I did note that when I was talking with the new fire marshal that was hired in Fort Simpson, he had his difference of opinion as to how much work has to be done and retrofitted. He had his view, so there is a little bit of discrepancy there. That is why I am asking can we take another assessment, look at this thing, Mr. Chairman.

That is what I would like to get from the Minister. They did a technical status viability in 2000-01. I think it will serve the community well if they do it again....

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the percentage, it is 32 percent, however, he doesn’t note that it has dropped over two percent the last few years. Can the Minister tell us, Mr. Speaker, what kind of targets our government is looking at? What is the target set by this government? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. If the Minister of DPW is ready with his opening remarks, I would be prepared to receive them.

Mr. Speaker, you can understand me when I say that I expect the Minister of MACA to have a lot of sympathy for me when I say Fort Simpson needs a new pool too. All kidding aside, Mr. Speaker, the pool in Fort Simpson is in about the same shape as the pool in Fort Providence was. It’s only three feet deep, has paint chips falling in it and all the wood is rotting. In my own words, Mr. Speaker, I realize that tax-based communities are supposed to pay for their own infrastructure, but let’s be honest here. How is a town of just over 1,000 supposed to pay for a new pool out of their property...

That’s good.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to discuss the aboveground pool program in the Northwest Territories and make some comments about the swimming pool in Fort Simpson and the poor condition it is in. Mr. Speaker, a new recreational facility such as an aboveground swimming pool could contribute to the overall health of the community. Entire families could enjoy what a swimming pool has to offer, be it from swimming lessons, competitive sports or leisurely activities. Mr. Speaker, I couldn’t have said it any better myself. If these words sound familiar, it is because they should...

With respect to the courthouse again, what is actually going to happen this fiscal year with that $1 million?

Mr. Speaker, mahsi cho. I, too, would like to say briefly that my condolences go out to all the loved ones involved in the loss of the RCMP officers in the line of duty. At this time I would like to say a special thank you to all the RCMP officers that serve us in the North. Mahsi cho.

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I would beg the Speaker's indulgence and I would also like to present my Member's statement. I am very concerned with the transfer of the responsibility of social housing from the NWT Housing Corporation to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. I am yet to be convinced that this is...