Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My question relates to the proposed initiative in terms of improvements to the probation office security tenant improvement on the Hay River Reserve. I'm just trying to get an understanding in terms of the timeline of the work that could be completed. I just wanted to see if the Minister could clarify that indeed the project is slated for completion in 2018 and perhaps the Minister could provide some details in terms of the scope of the renovations that could take place on the leased area. Mahsi.

The Minister had stated that the old piece of legislation is from the 1950s. I think then, you know, fire alarms along telephone poles were kind of the usual practice then. Then most recently what we have been confronted with is the question of liabilities, at the same time hazardous materials in fire situations. Is the department proposing any initiatives designed to support communities and their volunteer fire departments?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Under the GNWT's mandate, MACA has a responsibility to update the Fire Prevention Act to better protect public and private property from fire. Can the Minister advise the House on the progress of this work? What changes to the act has been considered? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think I have an understanding with $400,000, in terms of its limited capacity, to try to make improvements on a minor scale to communities that could probably receive the junior kindergarten initiative. Has the Minister contemplated the requirement for further needs in terms of further resources that they could commit in terms of ensuring that JK is properly implemented at the community level, for all communities? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, October is fire prevention month. It is a good time to remind everyone to replace the batteries in their smoke alarms, make sure the fire exits in their houses are clear of obstruction and talk to family members about an escape plan if fire breaks out. It is also an opportunity to pay tribute to those individuals in small communities who give their time, put their lives on the line and serve the communities as volunteer fire fighters.

Mr. Speaker, volunteer fire fighters provide an essential service; one that is critical to the safety and wellbeing of the...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It seems very obvious by the update that this has been rolled out already and funds committed, and the Minister did state that these were pilot initiatives in terms of trying to prepare communities for the eventual implementation of junior kindergarten. Was this scheduled for all communities? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, I just initially couldn't hear so now I'm able to hear with my microphone. But I wanted to raise the questions regarding the community justice and policing. I'm quite disappointed in terms of the preamble that outlines the infrastructure and the budgets for 2016-17 make references to 2017-18. It doesn't make mention of the New Day Program, so I wanted to ask the Minister if he could give us a status of the New Day Program and where it's at and where it's going? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think the question I was asking is: I understand the lease is going to be completed in terms of making it more secure for the probation officer to work on the reserve with perhaps a client, and it's going to be completed by 2017-2018. Now the position of the probation officer, I'm really presupposing that person would be working out of the Hay River district office and would that position run till 2017 or 2018? If not, is there a long-term plan in terms of working out of the K’atlodeeche Reserve in terms of the probation officer? Mahsi.

Full-time employed or a full-time/part-time? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, I just wanted to clarify that we’re talking about the K’atlodeeche Reserve. I understand the Department of Justice has leased space there and they're looking at renovating to provide more security for both clients and the officers, that's what presupposed. My second question is: would there be staff working out of Hay River or staff resident on the reserve? In terms of the probation officer. Mahsi.