Robert Bouchard

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the committee defer further consideration for the activity summary of minerals and petroleum resources under the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment main estimates 2012-2013 on page 12-17 at this time.

I guess I continue to have some concerns in that area. I know we have requested that the department look at relocating that to a more northern location, a northern community where I personally feel that permafrost is a larger issue. I think it stems back to some of my comments earlier today about decentralization and positions. I understand that the department wants to look at a group issue, grouping some of these positions together, but as individual MLAs we have to fight some of these battles on a one-on-one position at a time. I just know the department has justifications as to why they...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I guess my concerns with ITI and some of the issues that are involved there are mostly issues that I have brought up in the House in the past while. We have been working through the business plan process and now I’m going to question that through the budget process of some of the activities that this department does for us trying to create and make sure that the economic development that is happening in the Northwest Territories is going to northern business. I have indicated concerns with the Business Incentive Policy, and that’s the implementation and how some of the...

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Over the last few months, we’ve been able to review business plans and now we’re reviewing the current operating budget. Throughout the process, one of my main concerns has been that there’s been a large amount of positions in headquarters and in Yellowknife.

At the beginning of this Assembly we set out as a priority that getting jobs in the communities was one of our priorities. Little of that priority has been seen or placed in the past business plans and the current budget reflects very little of that.

I have heard all the excuses, such as: it will come with...

That’s it. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I guess I had one question on the mineral, oil and gas section. Is this where the new position would be for, I think we talked about a permafrost specialist in some of the preliminary discussions?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I’d like to recognize Shane Thompson, as well; a good friend, and his family. He’s also a constituent in Fort Simpson but he originates from Hay River.

The Minister has indicated that industry is interested. I’m wondering if the Minister will commit to assessing the Hay River harbour and the full dredging needs in working with all the proponents, whether it’s industry or whether it’s the federal government, to build a needs assessment for the dredging in the Hay River area?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to welcome Grade 6 from Hay River as well. I have the rest of the list: Angela Boutilier, Ally Carston, Marisa Carter, Michaela Crook, Fiona Huang, Aimee Jacobs, Gabrielle Kirby, Shelby Lawrence, Madison Loutit, Aaron Mackie, Taylor Maurice, Savanna Moore, Shania Pierre, Donny Seaton, Nicholas Smallgeese, Tyrell Wilgosh. Also three chaperones: Mr. Mike Wilgosh, Mrs. Tara Kirby and Mr. Jamie Smith. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for joining us today at lunch and thank you for all the organizing to help with the event for the Grade 6 class.

Thank you. Back in December I asked some similar questions about dredging in Hay River and the federal government’s responsibility. The Minister indicated that he was going to begin negotiations and discussions with the federal government on this project. Can the Minister give me an update on has he had any meetings on this issue with the federal government?