Norman Yakeleya

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my Member’s statement today is about the international Dene elders and youth gathering. As we assemble here today to discuss the pressing issues facing our people, a group of Dene elders and youth from across the continent are gathering at the Tsuu T'ina Reserve outside of Calgary, to discuss important issues of their own. The three-day event begins October 13th and finished up on Friday, October 15th. This historical gathering marks the first time members of all the Dene families have met face to face after many centuries of separation from each other...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the elders have given us their guidance and wisdom in our path in life and what we choose to do. I would ask the Premier if he would reconsider in terms of offering some support to this international gathering for this year. I know they have asked for a specific amount, but I am not sure what the exact amount is, but I think it would be good to have some signal from this government to offer some support to the elders who are gathering down in Calgary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I heard many times the Premier speaking about the values of having a united voice about issues concerning the North, given that a substantial portion of the North is of Dene ancestry and this gathering is a Dene gathering of all the people of North America and requires some support from this government. Also, the Premier indicated that the financial restraints make it difficult for the Premier to commit. Would the Minister commit to looking at supporting the 2006 International Dene Gathering? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that notwithstanding Rule 4, when this House adjourns on Wednesday, June 2, 2004, it shall be adjourned until Wednesday, October 13th, 2004;

AND FURTHER, that any time prior to October 13th, 2004, if the Speaker is satisfied after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at a time stated in such notice and shall...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, June 4th, 2004, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that notwithstanding Rule 4, when this House adjourns on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2004, it shall be adjourned until Wednesday, October 13, 2004; and further, that any time prior to October 13th, 2004, if the Speaker is satisfied after consultations with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time than adjourned to, the Speaker...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I heard talk of $1 million for nine clients who are living in Edmonton. It’s hard for families, Mr. Speaker, to visit their loved ones who are so far away in Edmonton. It seems to me that it’s high time this government takes a hard look at some steps to repatriate some of these people or all the people back up North in the many facilities that can be used. Some Members have indicated to the House which facilities are located in the North. Can the Minister tell me, tell the House and tell families and people in the Northwest Territories, what concrete...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have had staff down in Edmonton now for almost three weeks, senior staff working through the situation and dealing with the clients on a daily basis. We’ve also made sure, as we have tried to keep everybody informed, that the families have been informed. Some of them are very active in this particular issue. If there is more to be done, then I would be glad to take advice from the Member to see what that would be in terms of keeping the families better involved and informed. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the honourable Minister Michael Miltenberger. In my Member’s statement today, I talked about the uncertainty facing clients in the Northwest Territories who are currently living in the facility operated by the Aboriginal Partners and Youth Society. While I sympathize with the troubles of the society, I have too, as a legislator, recognized there are certain standards and criteria that have to be met by this government to continue other contractual relationships. I cannot advocate a cause that would open them up for lawsuits. This would be...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to talk about the Aboriginal Youth and Partners Society in Edmonton and about the uncertainty of outpatient clients in the Northwest Territories who are living in that facility. Two of the clients in that facility are my constituents, so I have become involved in this matter. As it stands today, Mr. Speaker, NWT clients are being asked by this government to move to a new service provider, Edmonton Creative Services. They are concerned that the service will not be good, and they have indicated that they do not want to move.

The...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today.