Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too wanted to ask questions in terms of the Dehcho First Nations and GNWT negotiations. I just wanted to clarify with the Premier whether indeed the negotiations and talks have been suspended or boycotted by the GNWT. Mahsi.

Just in terms of the experience of last fire season, which was fairly significant, the biggest on record, is there anything special that the Minister and his department will undertake to involve the community in terms of preparing for this fire season? For example, perhaps considering some strategic locations of communities for fire bases, or amassing, perhaps, a camp of personnel, ensuring that communities are involved and perhaps ensuring that communications are very clear in terms of involving communities. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just following up on my Member’s statement in terms of recognizing the local employment opportunities for the tiny hamlet of Enterprise, recently the community was quite excited to experience the construction of the fire tower in the vicinity of their community.

Can the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources provide an update on the construction of the Enterprise fire tower? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a comprehensive response to this report within 120 days. Mahsi, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Standing Committee on Government Operations submitted its Report on the Review of the 2013-2014 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories to the House on February 12, 2015. A motion was adopted by the House to receive the report and move it into Committee of the Whole for further consideration.

The committee would like to acknowledge the continued hard work and dedication of Ms. Elaine Keenan Bengts in her role as Information and Privacy Commissioner. Ms. Keenan Bengts highlighted three legislative issues in her report:...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister has stated that there will be continued work with the operators. Aside from that, are there any plans within the 2015-16 season to see if campgrounds and tourism facilities within my riding would be enhanced?

How will the NWT components of the Deh Cho Travel Connection be promoted and emphasized?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The 2014-15 Marketing Plan noted the challenges of dealing with unforeseen events including natural disasters. My question is to the Minister of ITI.

How does NWT Tourism plan to build tourism in the Deh Cho following last year’s destructive fire season?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We know that tourism is an important industry in the Northwest Territories. In its 2014-15 Marketing Plan, NWT Tourism has identified several major focus categories, including outdoor adventuring, Aboriginal travel, and sport hunting and fishing. Growth in the German, Swiss and British markets show particular interest in Aboriginal cultures in a natural environment. It’s a great sign for regions like the Deh Cho. But at the same time, we also know that for both Canadian and international travelers, travelling north can be expensive. As a result, our tourism strategies...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories work closely with departments to help them improve their response times under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and that the GNWT make clear what sanctions will be imposed for departments that fail to meet their statutory commitments. Thank you, Mr. Chair.