Norman Yakeleya

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Western Arctic Leadership Program has been in effect for a while. I believe it has been about 15 years. It is time that this government takes a look at the program to see the usefulness and effectiveness it has had on the communities. For my region alone, there were 20 people who went to this Western Arctic Leadership Program. I have had several calls from the communities of Deline and Fort Good Hope in terms of strong support for this Western Arctic Leadership Program. The government’s contribution to it is greatly appreciated. If the department...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I liked the Premier’s answers on the Northern Strategy as a living document that can be changed. Through the discussion that the elders give, can we give elders/seniors some special consideration in terms of being part of this government? I think we’re missing that key here in terms of how we do government and reflecting the traditional culture and values of the Northwest Territories. So would the Premier ensure, as close as possible, that the elders are involved in this whole development of the strategy? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Premier is 100 percent correct; our elders are very key to us in our communities. I’m asking would the Premier consider the principles of supporting an elders' council with this territorial government, not just the band council, but in this government? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister consider having the seniors under one ministry? Of all the programs, I know that you are working with the different departments, would the Minister consider taking that to the Premier or Cabinet to consider having one Ministry just for seniors, that cover all the programs so there is effective, efficient coordination there for our elderly people in the communities? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister is correct; I see in the federal government budget, there is $13 million provided to create a national seniors’ secretariat to serve as a focal point for collaborative efforts to address new challenges facing seniors. Would he consider a territorial secretariat for seniors, so that the seniors could look forward, within this government, to see a territorial secretariat set up for them in the regions in the Territories? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past week, we have spoken many times of making history in the Northwest Territories in terms of devolution, revenue resource sharing and the Northern Strategy and becoming like a have province in the Northwest Territories. We often see, Mr. Speaker, that the federal government also plays the big role of big brother in many of the areas in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, in every aspect of our life, we are affected by government’s decisions. Mr. Speaker, we would like to know when the federal government will get out of the big brother’s...

Thank you. I guess just a point that Mr. Zoe makes a good point in terms of the question in our language. I believe The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment made a statement earlier today in terms of the official languages of the Northwest Territories and ourselves to promote it. Somewhere it talks about the Members taking a lead here in terms of the Legislative Assembly. I just ask the office to consider more uses of translation in terms of Mr. Zoe’s point, because that’s the first language and that needs to be really honoured and respected, I guess, in the best way we can...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to tell the Speaker, Mr. Chairman, that the services by the Legislative Assembly have been really good for me. Just a comment to say that I appreciate the services that his department offers to me. I’m satisfied and that’s why I say I don’t see any noticeable impacts. Just a comment to give your staff a pat on the shoulder to say they are doing a good job, they are doing their best in helping us out as new MLAs and to let them know that I appreciate them. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister is correct. I support it 100 percent in terms of going after the federal government to set the record straight that Métis are included as aboriginal people. Can the Minister commit to a time frame to finally let them know that Métis people can apply and are eligible for this University and College Entrance Program? Thank you very much.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Also regarding earlier comments and for the record, I will not be supporting the $1.092 million for the NWT law courts.