Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, too, wanted to just note some concerns that I have, namely: it was stated by the Minister that NTCL, in terms of the acquisition of the assets, and it is not reflected in the main estimates; I am hoping to at least maybe get an indication from the Minister in terms of how that will be reflected in this budget and maybe look forward to the process that might follow.

Amalgamations, I understand. The exercise was to look at, in the face of government, ensuring that there are efficiencies. In communities, it is always their perception that this is a big government and we...

The Minister is in very good spirits today in terms of working together. We ask, on this side of the House, if the Minister could help us to work with the Department of ECE in terms of job creation. How is MACA working with other departments on initiatives to improve the opportunities for people living in our small communities such as education, job creation, and programs for youth? Would the Minister work with her colleague from ECE and ensure there is a clear focus in terms of a job creation initiative to save our small communities?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the story of the outmigration of people from the small communities into large centres, it kind of reminded me of an old western movie that I used to watch, where there are abandoned buildings and there are tumbleweeds and there are dust bowls. My questions today is for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. With that image in mind, what is the GNWT doing to help small communities survive as small towns and grow? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, minor hockey brings people together in communities across the Northwest Territories and Canada.

Fort Providence has not seen organized hockey for children since the late 1980s, but it has recently made a comeback thanks to the efforts of the Parents' Minor Hockey Committee and its newly elected president, Mr. Tim Cragg.

Mr. Speaker, many Members of this House and people listening to our proceedings today have good memories of growing up with minor hockey. Some of us still play hockey, thanks to participation in minor hockey leagues.

Mr. Speaker, minor hockey led...

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. [English translation not provided]. I, too, had some comments in terms of some common themes that reflect the riding that I represent.

Just to start off, this department saw a decrease from last year of 1.5 per cent. It is one of two biggest departments besides Health and Social Services that take a big chunk of this $1.8 billion operation that we call GNWT.

Just some things that I wanted to highlight. I know this department is moving forward on the Education Act. In my recent discussion with one of the communities that I represent, they wanted to ensure that, if there is a...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. No further questions.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The other part of this question is on page 207. It makes reference to the Mackenzie Valley development contribution, which is essentially non-existent anymore, but it also makes reference to the Aboriginal Pipeline Group. Does this department or this government have an obligation in terms of ensuring that the APG in terms of their relationship with the GNWT is maintained, if there is a relationship? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sorrow that I acknowledge a tragedy that happened on the K'atlodeeche Reserve. A house fire claimed the life of a family member, and another is in critical condition and was medevaced to Edmonton.

Last night I was made aware of the tragic house fire on the Hay River Reserve. I immediately felt sad and sorry for the loss of life and the family that was affected by this tragedy. On behalf of my colleagues of this House, I express my condolences for the family, relatives, and communities of the K...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. No further questions.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to maybe get the Minister to maybe just repeat that. He indicated that there's $5 million designated towards parks, and am I correct, $8 million towards tourism initiatives? Thank you.