Michael Miltenberger

This is a complex issue and the Member has touched on a lot of issues. I agree that the program is flawed. It has shortcomings. We’re not in a position, since this is a federal program, to make changes to it. We can provide our concerns to the Minister. As Health Minister and having been Health Minister now for over five years, one of the messages that I’ve constantly made is that Northerners have to look after their diet, exercise, don’t smoke, and don’t drink. Those four things alone from the personal choices would have a great benefit to their health. The issue that the Member is talking...

The Member and I have served now in four Assemblies together. This issue has been a dominate theme in every one of those and I would suggest will continue to be a dominant theme in the 17th Assembly going forward. So we take the Member’s point and assure her that this issue will be there.

There are positive things we can do, many that don’t cost enormous amounts and aren’t requiring new technology, just simple decisions by people to make those choices and put in those gardens and such. Thank you.

In my statement I indicated that we have needs of over about $2.7 billion over the next few years, or about $530 million a year of identified needs. We have, starting next year, $75 million a year in the capital plan. So we have some very hard choices to make. There’s going to be a need to make those choices and it’s going to take more time at $75 million a year. In fact, as I indicated, we will probably never catch up at that rate, which is why one of the challenges for the 17th Assembly is going to be how we can possibly supplement that capital plan money.

I’m sure that will be part of the transition document and planning. I can indicate that the opportunity will be there. I can’t at this point commit the next Minister, whoever that may be, to that, but the Member knows that if a request for briefing is made, the government will comply.

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

I indicated to the Member that as far as I was aware, our department is part of the operation that oversees the Giant Mine. We have $27 million booked as our share and we have people at the right tables. We are, once again as far as I’m aware, from what I’m seeing, we’re engaged in those processes. If the Member is wanting to advocate for an alternative structure, I’d be happy to look at that.

Mr. Speaker, further to Written Return 7-16(6) I wish to table the following document entitled “All Program Operations and Maintenance Budgets for Tourism and Parks 2011-2012.”

Mr. Speaker, as this is the last session of the 16th Legislative Assembly, I would like to take this opportunity to update Members and NWT residents on our fiscal and economic outlook, and to describe the difficult decisions that will be facing the 17th Legislative Assembly.

Let me first say, our Assembly has a lot to be proud of. We made some tough choices to reduce in some areas to provide funds for the key priorities of this Assembly. By the end of its term, the 16th Legislative Assembly will have invested almost $297 million of new initiatives funding in priority programs to support the...

Earlier in the winter there was over 360 surgeries of backlog, and since July we’ve whittled that number down to 102. I agree with the Member, we want to do this as quickly and expeditiously as possible, to let people get their lives back as quickly as possible. So now that we are back up to doing full surgeries, elective surgeries, I’m confident that list will be whittled down with even more alacrity and expediency. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My information is that we targeted the 12th. As of August 15th, elective surgeries are being performed at Stanton. Thank you.