Michael Miltenberger

As the Premier indicated in his sessional statement, there are a lot of things happening around us in the world that are affecting life in the North and business in the North. With every decision we make, be it taxes or other options for generating revenues, there are going to be upsides, but there are also going to be downsides. I’ve heard the Members opposite talk in great detail about the mass exodus and what they’re hearing from their constituents. For the first day of session the political hyperbole was fairly interesting, if not somewhat misleading. It was very interesting and makes the...

Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated already, we are very clearly aware that there are upsides and downsides. While we may generate some revenue, there are going to be implications and consequences. We are looking very carefully at all the decisions we are going to be making and the suggestions and recommendations we are going to be bringing forward.

We are very sensitive to the issue of the cost of living in small communities. We have set up a committee to in fact address that issue. We do not want to engage in counterproductive exercises here in government. So, yes, we are going to be very...

Mr. Speaker, the payroll tax is one small attempt to capture some of that wealth that is now flying over as they go back to where they may be living in the south.

Mr. Speaker, the plan as laid out was to find $10 million in new revenue for the ’09–10 budget that was laid out initially last year. We are going to be aiming for that target, with a subsequent $30 million for 2010–11 and going forward. All the work that is being done is getting pulled together, so it will feed into the business planning process. Departments will come forward with the work that has been done. I will come forward as the Minister of Finance with the work, the feedback, the revenue options, including suggested areas where there could be tax increases, but also lay out, we think...

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following documents, entitled Building for the Future: Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Annual Report 2005–2006; and NWT Housing Corporation Framework for Action 2008–2011.

Document 73-16(2), Building for the Future: NWT Housing Corporation 2005–2006 Annual Report, tabled.

Document 74-16(2), NWT Housing Corporation Framework for Action 2008–2011, tabled.

Mr. Speaker, as Northerners we value and rely on clean waters and healthy aquatic ecosystems for our spiritual, cultural and physical well-being. It is one of our most valuable resources and will only increase in value and importance as sources diminish.

As we all know, wetlands, deltas and water flows throughout northern Alberta and the southern Northwest Territories are changing. We know these changes may be affecting the fish, moose and other life in the aquatic ecosystems. One of the major issues relates to the pace and scale of development within the Mackenzie River Basin and the potential...

I wish to table the following document, entitled Northern Voices, Northern Waters: Towards a Water Resources Management Strategy for the NWT.

Document 66-16(2), Northern Voices, Northern Waters: Towards a Water Resources Management Strategy for the NWT, tabled.

We have a fairly extensive list of programs, especially on the alternative energy side, working with the Arctic Energy Alliance and through ENR, where there are funds available for different type of things: energy-efficient applicants, vehicles, woodstoves — those types of things. We have some funding programs available to assist with home repairs for those people whose income meets the test. We have home repairs for seniors as well. I would be interested to see the information that the Member has picked up from the Yukon.

Mr. Speaker, I’d be happy to make the commitment that we’ll look at the information from the Yukon. When we come forward with the business plans, as we talk about a strategy for biomass, especially for the diesel communities, we want to look at every option in terms of how we can best cut costs and reduce dependency on oil.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Monfwi, that Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act, be read for the second time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill amends the Workers’ Compensation Act to permit the Minister to appoint the chairperson of the governance council to a term not exceeding three years, and to reappoint that person so long as the reappointment does not result in a period of consecutive service exceeding six years. The length of service that the appointee previously had as a director of the governance council does not limit the term of his or her...