Michael Nadli

How are paleontology and archeology recognized in tourism planning for this region? Mahsi.

I’d like to thank the Minister for his reply. These parks, particularly the area that is situated in Alexandra Falls is a geological gem.

What plans can ENR report for development, promotion, outdoor crews or other new projects involving the Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. As you drive into the Northwest Territories along the Mackenzie Highway, near the hardworking communities of Enterprise and Hay River, you have the opportunity to stop just off the highway to appreciate some of the natural beauty of the Northwest Territories. If you drive this route often, or if you haven’t driven it in some time you may have forgotten, but looking ahead to spring and summer hiking, camping and other outdoor recreation, I need to remind you. Today I want to talk about Alexandra Falls or, as it’s known in Slavey, Xahtl’o Ndeh Naili Cho.

The falls offer...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a couple of comments. For the most part, I think education is, of course, a lifelong process. I’ve been hearing comments that as soon as perhaps we finish high school and then go on to university it ends. I just wanted to be clear that I believe that education is a lifelong process and you only stop learning when perhaps you take your last breath.

That’s a significant role that education plays in society, and especially here in the Northwest Territories. We’re challenged with some very fundamental challenges in terms of the statistics, in terms of population, the...

Part of the distinctive attraction of the area is the fossils, and the Minister’s department is responsible for at least the management and the protection of fossils.

Are any paleontology projects planned for this region in the near future? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Parks are an integral part of the Tourism Development Strategy in the NWT. In my riding the Alexandra Falls was recently recognized and gained notoriety in that there was a magazine that listed it as one of the top 10 sites in Canada that is visited. It’s got a rich history of First Nations and Dene people, so they figure prominently in the operation of the parks. My questions are for the Environment and Natural Resources Minister.

How will the Department of Environment and Natural Resources promote this area this year? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We know that this Assembly wants to foster vibrant communities, communities with healthy, educated residents. Well, local fishers in the community of Kakisa are working to do just that. A number of local fishers work hard to harvest fish from nearby Kakisa Lake. This fresh, fantastic and healthy northern product can be then sold in Hay River, bringing business to both the community and the wider region.

At first this may seem like small fry, but remember the community’s small population. Here, every catch counts.

The community has told me that they are hard at work...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Government Operations wishes to report that it is reviewing Bill 37, Financial Administration Act, and would like to inform the House that additional time is required to complete the committee review of Bill 37.

I’d like to thank the Minister for his reply. He indicated at the outset that there have been two applicants, and I think the Department of Justice could try to assist communities to increase those numbers.

Will the Minister consider introducing a community-based mentoring project beginning with a handful of small communities? Will the Minister work with the RCMP, other policing officers and community elders to make this happen? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today we’re talking about bullying. Bullying is most prevalent in the young people population, but it’s all over. My question is to the Minister of Justice. It’s essential that we have peace officers, like one of the symbols that we have here in the North and across Canada are RCMP officers.

To the Minister’s knowledge, have any young people from the NWT participated in the RCMP’s Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Training Program? Mahsi.