Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In recent years the forest industry has been in decline across the country, but this does not mean the industry is inactive. In fact, right here in the NWT things are looking up.

In the past few months here in the House and in our communities we’ve seen a lot of excitement. I’m excited about the two new forest management agreements signed last year with Aboriginal development corporations in Fort Resolution and in Fort Providence. I hope to see more of these in the future. I’m also excited about the potential for new economic opportunities encouraged by these agreements...

What is this government doing to facilitate future resource management agreements with local Aboriginal corporations? I understand there’s been movement to work with Kakisa and Jean Marie River. Are there other communities down the valley that have stated an interest, and what’s this department doing to help those communities? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I talked about the Forest Management Agreement. Recently, in October in Fort Providence, there was a very historic and momentous occasion and the Forest Management Agreement was signed between the GNWT and the community. I want to ask the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources if he could update this House in terms of dealing with Fort Providence and the next few steps we can expect. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s clear that this government is experiencing inadequate programs and services for people such as Allisdair Leishman and mental health patients. Thus, there’s a challenge in the fiscal resources that are very limited.

What role does the federal government have in addressing the inadequate funding of mental health institutions and programs and services that the GNWT has currently been challenged to address the needs of the people of the NWT? Mahsi.

The family has told me that, by their own admission, the people responsible for the extended care unit at Stanton Hospital don’t have adequate resources to fully care for Allisdair.

The GNWT is good at providing general health care, but it’s weak in the area of specialized care. Why doesn’t the Northwest Territories have a made-in-the-North facility for high needs people such as Allisdair Leishman? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. On an ill-fated day in 2009, Allisdair Leishman was brought by ambulance to the emergency ward at Stanton Hospital. He was suffering from hypothermia and experiencing a psychiatric episode. Left unattended, the distressed patient made his way into the unlocked kitchen, got a hold of a knife and managed to severely injure himself. Allisdair was left with permanent physical and cognitive impairments.

One momentary breach of care in security forever altered Allisdair’s life and the lives of his family members. Allisdair lost his ability to support himself and provide child...

I understand that the extended care unit has a sterile feel. It’s not a homey environment.

Will the department commit to provide a more comfortable home-like environment for extended care patients such as Allisdair Leishman? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I made the statement on Allisdair Leishman and the circumstances that we find him in at the Stanton Hospital currently. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services.

I’d like to know why the department has never formerly apologized about the breach of security that lead to this tragic incident. Mahsi.

On October 16, 2014, the response to an oral question, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources committed to share in a critical debriefing report with committee.

What is the status of this report? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. As of the fall of 2014, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources had wildfire protection plans for 28 communities in five regions.

My question is: Have these plans been revised in light of lessons learned last summer? Mahsi.