Kevin A. Menicoche

My questions are for the Minister of Human Resources.

How many GNWT employment opportunities were advertised in 2011 and 2012?

How many of these positions were filled by Priority 1 candidates as identified under the Affirmative Action Policy?

How many of these positions were filled by Priority 2 candidates?

What was the total number of applicants in 2011 and 2012 and how many of the applicants were Priority 1 or Priority 2 candidates?

Thank you.

Certainly, the other regions are getting their special projects, and it’s time now to use the momentum of the Sahtu play to develop the highways in the Nahendeh system and the Sahtu. Just with that focus, it’s not about taking away from other regions but about our government identifying that it is important, and to work with the federal government to identify a strategy for impact funding. Can the Minister work with his Cabinet colleagues to continue that momentum?

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to follow up on my Member’s statement as well. Basically, it’s a new and emerging issue the impact that is happening in the Sahtu and my riding of Nahendeh and the need for expenditures on the road north of Wrigley. I just wanted to take a different angle though.

We mentioned here several times about the Voisey’s Bay template, about spending money in the special development zones and the federal government did it for Voisey’s Bay. We actually did it for Highway No. 4 and the Ingraham Trail. I would like to ask the Minister of ITI if he could look at...

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, we have returned after our holiday break, and since that last break I have travelled in my constituency and will be following up on many important issues that affect my riding. I am the MLA with the most communities and there are many specific and general issues that I will raise. While territorial issues such as devolution, wildlife, and even the new Boundaries Commission are important, I always like to put my communities first.

It is hoped that, in our upcoming budget, resources will be available to address the concerns such as community wellness plans...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Once again, I would like to see any planning studies or anything the Minister can share with me before the March 31st completion date, I would really appreciate it, as well as hopefully have an opportunity to come visit Nahendeh during that time as well. Mahsi.

Maybe I’ll ask the Health Minister to provide me the detail. I know that we have scheduled some planning study. I think it was for ‘13-14. If the Minister can confirm that, because I know that the facility did get an assessment by Public Works and Services saying that the planning study must be started soon.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would like to verify that Shane Thompson lives in Fort Simpson.

---Laughter

I would like to welcome Shane Thompson, as well as Colinda Blondin, to the House. She is the newest constituent of Fort Simpson as well. Welcome. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Friday, February 8, 2013, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that the Speaker be authorized to set such sitting days and hours as the Speaker, after consultation, deems fit to assist with the business before the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

If I can ask the Minister to provide me as much detail as he can with regard to the planning study, because I don’t want to be in a situation where we got… I heard through the grapevine that some beds might be reduced or we may not get a replacement facility but a much smaller facility. If the Minister can provide me as much detail, I’d like to see that.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to ask the Minister of Health some questions on the replacement of the Fort Simpson Health Centre. I’d just like to ask exactly what is the process right now for the Fort Simpson Health Centre. Thank you.