Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since being elected, I have been pointing out some of the ways people in small communities are at a disadvantage when it comes to receiving services provided by our government. Medical care is one of the biggest and most important. As we all know, there are many medical services that are not available in the small communities, so people have to travel. In my region, that often means going to Yellowknife.

There are no commercial flights and people can only travel by road, either by taxi or by private vehicle, and it is a pretty rough trip for someone who is in pain. Many...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At one point or another, everyone here, I think it’s probably safe to say, grew up with radio in the background, in the bush or else in their homes. Radio continues to be an effective medium of communication for Aboriginal languages. It’s a vital net that bonds everyone together in the smaller communities.

My question is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. The $6,000 a year grant has not increased since 2001. That’s very concerning. Why hasn’t ECE supported community broadcasting and not increased it for so long, especially trying to even consider it...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s encouraging, once again, to hear the Minister commit to a working relationship with NCS. I know this, perhaps, could take a medium- to long-term solution, looking at trying to draw the federal government in as well.

In the interim and in the immediate need, would the Minister work with NCS to set up a maintenance and technology fund to address the immediate needs of long-term health of community equipment, especially with communities that right now are not able to access the House and be aware of what’s happening in the NWT? There are some communities that don’t...

It’s encouraging that the Minister is committing to review such a priority for small communities. Has ECE taken the steps to review or evaluate the community broadcasting program, and if so, when was it done and what was the conclusion? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can’t say enough about the importance of community radio stations to the fabric of small town lives. I wish I could show Dennis Allen’s great film about CBQM radio in this House. I would recommend it to all the Members and everyone listening. In fact, I would recommend it to everyone in Canada. It’s that good and it shows the real life, humour and spirit of our communities. Someone else wants to talk.

Of course, anyone living within earshot of Fort Providence should tune in to CHFP radio, operated by Zhatie K’oe Friendship Centre. Someone else wants to talk.

Community...

Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of trying to lay the foundation, and this government has indicated, quite publicly, it’s partnership principle of working with communities and agencies such as NCS, would the Minister commit to ensure that that partnership is developed and supported, and at the same time, would the Minister increase the maximum grant per community and the overall budget of the Community Broadcasting Program? Mahsi.

While we’re on the topic, is there a commitment of perhaps a date that we could see it eventually open? I think the residents and potential staff look forward to a new building that perhaps could be enjoyed by the residents of the reserve instead of currently travelling the road and going into town on the other side of the river. So is there a specific date that we should expect it to be open?

Madam Chair, my next question is in regard to the health station replacement on the Hay River Reserve. I understand that there is a building that is sitting there empty, unoccupied. I just want to clarify if the building is complete. What is the $180,000 for?

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have questions and concerns, but the first is in regard to the proposed Fort Providence health centre. I could probably safely say that the community looks forward to the construction of the new health centre to replace the old building. We are looking forward to seeing it realized. I just wanted to see if there is a commitment from the Department of Public Works or the Department of Health and Social Services to meet with the community at some point, more likely the contractor has to be involved with that, but to ensure that the community residents do have input into...

Mr. Speaker, as you know, we come from a culture of habit and respect for elders and especially senior citizens that travel long ways, especially as we turn to increase our potential in tourism. Why is there not discounted rates for senior citizens that use the campgrounds, especially as they travel a long way to be up here in the North? Mahsi.