Louis Sebert

Yes, Mr. Speaker, the Members of this House will know that in the last couple of years there have been significant contributions, $20 million one year and $27.5 million the last year to offset costs related to low water. I have spoken to senior management at the Power Corporation and they are optimistic that no further funds will be required going forward. Their research indicates that the very low water levels of the last two years were a real anomaly. Going back to 1950, it was the lowest they had seen, and they're optimistic that water levels will be higher this year and going forward, so...

Yes, we will of course be monitoring with the RCMP if there are any changes and if there are problems, and I assume that if there are issues of retention, they will speak with us and there may be further changes in policy. They are not expecting this change of policy to have any effect on the recruitment, as they already currently receive far more applications than there are positions, so they're not expecting a change in that. If there is a change in that area, I would expect they would consult with us.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The RCMP has been examining its policies in relation to providing housing, not only in the Northwest Territories, but across the whole of the country. Currently, housing is provided by Public Works, Government Services Canada, to RCMP members and, as I say, they are reviewing that policy. Public Works has made it clear that they will no longer be providing housing in Inuvik, Fort Smith, Fort Simpson, Norman Wells, Hay River and Yellowknife. “G” Division is working with the NWT Housing Corporation for the provision of housing in most of those locations, but not in...

I understand in speaking with senior management that they have not in fact used up all the money from past years so there is some left over. Long-term, to deal with this issue, there will probably need to be a connection with the continental grid, which would be, of course, very expensive. But again, their research indicates that the water levels of the last two years are the lowest since 1950, and they are very optimistic that water levels will be higher this year and there will not be a problem in the next few years.

I'd like to recognize my wife who has come here from Fort Smith today, and also my good friend Jim Umpherson from Yellowknife.