Michael Nadli

I think it’s an acknowledged fact and reality that the biggest factor, in terms of determining the vibrancy of the economy, is just the cost of infrastructure, and one of them is in terms of the fuel prices. At some point government has to step in on behalf of, of course, its citizens, and so I wanted to ask the question: What steps is the government taking to standardize fuel pricing? The Minister has outlined some complementing initiatives such as biomass as one example.

At some point will the government look at standardizing fuel prices for the NWT?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the Department of Health and Social Services provide quarterly updates to the Standing Committee on Social Programs on improvements to child and family services; and further, that these updates replicate indicators associated with Exhibits 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Auditor General’s report pertaining to the following areas respectively:

conducting investigations;

addressing confirmed child protection needs;

attending to children in care of the director; and

screening and reviewing foster care homes.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The past previous winter, I think, was on record as the coldest winter we’ve experienced, and likely as the trends towards global warming continue, likely we’re going to see more cold winters up here in the NWT. Of course, colder winters have an effect on people’s homes in terms of their heating costs. My question is to the Minister of Public Works and Services.

How does this government help NWT consumers control the fuel pricing?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the Department of Health and Social Services build stronger linkages with Aboriginal governments pertaining to child and family services. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that health and social services authorities, in consultation with the Department of Health and Social Services, assist child protection workers in identifying and accessing prevention programs available to children and families; and further, that the Department of Health and Social Services should also ensure that prevention programs, such as the Healthy Family Program, are offered to families in need. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the Department of Health and Social Services investigate the feasibility of territory-wide expansion of family preservation workers to provide in-home, individualized intervention services in order to promote the well-being of children and families. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the Department of Health and Social Services focus on prevention, early intervention and family preservation strategies with the goal of reducing the need for child apprehensions; and further, that measurable targets be specified for the upcoming five- and 10-year periods. Mahsi, Mr. Chair.

I move that the Department of Health and Social Services produce a comprehensive action plan by June 30, 2014, and table it in the Legislative Assembly at the earliest opportunity.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Standing Committee on Government Operations has presented its report on the review of the 2014 Report or the Auditor General of Canada to the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. The committee’s report, which was read into the record, includes 30 recommendations. For the benefit of the public, members would like to explain how and why the committee conducted the review as well as what’s in the report.

The Auditor General of Canada is an important source of independent, professional advice for this Legislative Assembly. The Auditor General usually conducts one...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My final question is in terms of fuel and its pricing in terms of the oil and gas industry. Surely the Minister of Public Works and Services, in terms of the department monitoring the fuel prices and its fluctuations, what future trends can northern consumers expect in terms of fuel pricing as we go into the summer, the fall and the winter?