Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just in terms of corporate management on page 197, we have three communities that are borderline caught in between two districts, either Fort Simpson or Hay River. So just for the record, I just wanted to come to an understanding from the Minister of his perception in terms of which office would preside over delivering services to Fort Providence, Kakisa, and Enterprise, whether it is the Dehcho office out of Fort Simpson, the district office, or else the South Slave office based out of Hay River. Thank you.

Those are great initiatives that the department is undertaking and advancing. The whole tourism is about promotion, ensuring that people do know of the NWT and some of the unique gifts that we have to offer the world. So I wanted to follow up on the question in terms of the Community Tourism Coordinator, having an individual work with the community. Does that also mean the next step of perhaps communities developing a local tourism strategy for the communities?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I talked about the Aboriginal Tourism Business initiatives that could be advanced by this government, so my question is to the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. One of the challenges that we have as an impediment in the small communities is that sometimes we have bureaucracy and red tape that becomes an impediment and a challenge. One example is Aboriginal businesses, especially in small communities, want to take on boat tours and there's the challenge of getting the proper boat insurance. So my question is to the Minister, as I said earlier...

No further questions.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to clarify the Minister's reply. If I understand him correctly, for the three communities, including Fort Providence, Kakisa, Enterprise, they are serviced out of Hay River. Am I correct? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My final question is: has ITI considered broader partnerships in aligning efforts with the Yukon, Nunavut, and the Aboriginal Tourism initiatives in other parts of Canada? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you to the Minister for his reply. Can the Minister describe the Government of the Northwest Territories' working relationship with Northland Utilities?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I spoke about the status of the electrical transmission that is affecting my riding. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. What is the status of NTPC's takeover of the Hay River power franchise, and how will it impact power rates in Fort Providence, Kakisa, Enterprise, and the Hay River Reserve? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My final question is: what role does the government envision for Northland Utilities in the future of power supply in the NWT? Mahsi.

In the meantime, communities remain uncertain in terms of the fate of the assets that perhaps could affect the price of electricity that is delivered into the homes, so communities are asking what resources are available to help community governments understand their power franchise agreements and how they work?