Robert C. McLeod

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we did send a letter to ECCC with our planned approach to carbon pricing, and we also told them that we do not intend to use their backstop. So we will be having discussions going forward, and, when we are in a position to, we will release the results of our findings.

It is important to remember that the formula is designed to fill the gap between expenditure need and our own source revenue. The federal government view is that we are not penalized when the grant goes down if our revenue increases, and as the gap changes between need and own-source revenue, the grant should change. As the Member knows, the formula is very complex, and there are components built in to ensure that we benefit as our tax base expands.

We would be glad to help the community. This is a new industry in the community, and there is some knowledge that needs to be gained. I will work with my colleague at ITI, and we will see if there are any opportunities for us to collaborate in sending somebody into the community and giving a short course as the Member had asked for. I will work with them. We will see if we can get someone in there as quickly as possible to give a course to the community so, that way, they can go harvest the mushrooms in their riding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I want to be diplomatic, Mr. Speaker, but I am just going to say no. The responsibility of a lot of that work in the community was devolved to the communities a number of years ago. Most communities have done really well with it. There are other programs, I am sure, that they can access to help with some of the work that needs to go on.

Through the Small Community Employment strategy through the Small Community Employment Committee, or Small Community Committee, I think there were dollars that were given to every community in the Northwest Territories. Part of that could be used for programs...

Yes, Thank you, Mr. Chair. If I can direct that to the Minister of Education, Ms. Cochrane. Thank you.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, my understanding is that they are looking at some design options. I don't think an exact location has been chosen. I mean, that is part of the reason that we are coming forward for the money, is to help us with that work as to choosing a location, how to cross the lake. I would have to confirm that and get more information, but I would assume that is what the ask is for. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, it was a fouryear agreement. The first year was zero. The second year was zero. This year is 1 per cent, and that is reflective, I believe, in this supplemental request for $694,000, and the fourth year is 1 per cent as well. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, to my right I have Mr. David Stewart, who is deputy minister in the Department of Finance. To my left, I have Sandy Kalgutkar, who is the deputy secretary to the FMB. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Like I said, we will work with the contractor to come up with a completion timeline. I am sure Health will be aware of a completion timeline, and we will share that information with the Member for Nahendeh. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the construction contract is under way. Carry-over is required to meet the obligation of the federal agreement. The Member is correct. There is going to be some work done on their embankment; widening and replacement of steel pipe, culverts, and chip seal; resurfacing from kilometres 259 to 269, as well as the hospital hill drive near the airport access road. The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2019. Thank you, Mr. Chair.