Kevin A. Menicoche

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of RWED, with regard to the Nahendeh Air proposal. It was submitted to his office about a year ago, Mr. Speaker, and we’re failing to understand why it’s taking so long to get government support for this program. To date, we’ve got the businesses on side, we’ve got the communities on side, we’ve got the regional people on side, we have federal support and yet nothing is forthcoming from the GNWT RWED department. I fail to understand what exactly we’re waiting for, Mr. Speaker. I would like the Minister of RWED to tell me and...

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I wasn’t quite clear if the Minister was willing to allow it as part of the terms of reference when they’re reviewing the Territorial Power Support Program. Thank you.

I was contemplating a different subject altogether there. I am glad that the Minister is willing to look at this whole area, because I believe it is something new that the government has to address, especially with the onslaught of developing at an increased pace. It is not only diamonds. Now we have oil and gas that has been looming. Actually, the oil and gas has been there. It is just that development of a pipeline, as our communities grow and the demographics change as it seems like people are moving to larger centres and stresses are increasing. We have to be there for our people....

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I think "being limited" you are being too generous; non-existent, Mr. Minister, especially in terms of the goals and objectives of the liquor board and the commission. I would say that these boards and commissions should take a more active role in consolidating our alcohol and drug addictions needs as we go forward here in the future. I would like to get a commitment from the Minister that he will continue to look at this and see how we can better organize our government to address the needs that are coming up in the long term, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have a committee motion. I move that this committee recommends that the Department of Finance focus on the communication elements of the 2006 census so that NWT residents are made aware that the 2006 census is vitally important to the NWT and its residents. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I thank the Minister for those answers. I just wanted to indicate to the Minister, it says there is a process there and it concerns me that it doesn’t appear to be working, I guess not at this stage. Maybe I have to be here a little bit longer to see something moving, I guess, Mr. Chair. In terms of that, I just want to make the government aware that that is something that is concerning me. I don’t know if it needs reviewing or anything like that, but I know that the government does have a heart. They do see that need that I have been addressing for quite...

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight had reviewed the Department of Finance and is pleased to provide the following comments.

The GNWT and NWT residents alike have experienced steep increases in insurance premium costs over the past few years driven primarily in the downturn in the worldwide insurance industry. According to information provided by the Department of Finance, GNWT insurance premiums increased by 57 percent from fiscal year 2001-02 to 2002-03. In early 2003, the department undertook a review of alternative ways to address...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I believe that some of the tenants are aware that if they do have rent problems, that there is a tenancy officer who they can deal with and bring their concerns to. But I was thinking of the Housing Corporation programs in general, Mr. Speaker. Is there an appeal process? I know our current housing act is very old, it’s from about 1978. I believe it’s time to review it. There’s just no room for an appeals system in that current structure. I would just like to get the Minister’s assurance that they will take the time to look at that act and review it and...

Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. Perhaps the Minister can answer for me, when does the corporation expect to review some of the guidelines that currently exist to make it more reflective of the needs of today, of our constituents, and, indeed, of our clients who are using the Housing Corporation programs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It is time both the government and the Housing Corporation reviewed their financial policies and guidelines. Happy Valentine's Day and thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause