Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I thank the Minister for that response, you know, and I guess what I'm after is I want to know, you know, if that the people are being looked after for immediate needs right now, because I know that many of them have probably, you know, used up whatever funds they had just, you know, leaving their home. There's always a cost associated with it.

I'd also ask the Minister if she can confirm how long her department is with assessments or has it even started on the buildings. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Questions for the Minister of MACA. Can the Minister confirm how much financial assistance in terms of a cheque or cash has been paid out to individuals that have been impacted by the flooding. As it's been almost two weeks now, and I'm just wondering, you know, how much action with respect to payments that we have seen. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have read correspondence between the Hay River District Education Authority and the South Slave Divisional Educational Council. I have read correspondence addressed to the Minister from the Hay River Metis Government Council, West Point First Nation, and Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre. What I found interesting is that the South Slave Divisional Educational Council is all about having the Hay River District Education Authority cut deeper into education programs and services while they're unwilling to look at their own budget. The teachers, the Hay River...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I ask this Assembly, what is an elementary, junior, senior high student's life worth? Well, Mr. Speaker, the South Slave Divisional Education Council answered that question and put that value at $70,000. It is that number that forced the Hay River District Education Council to make the decision to suspend all bussing services for all schools in Hay River for the 2021-2022 school year.

This government expects students to attend school. For those that come from affluent families, it may not be a challenge. But for many in Hay River, it will require a...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have been advised that due to inadequate funding, bussing for Hay River students will not be available for the 20212022 school year.

Mr. Speaker, the community of Hay River extends from Paradise Valley to the West Channel, a distance in excess of 30 kilometres. It is unrealistic to expect students to walk to school. This becomes an issue of not only student safety but that of access to education. The Indigenous students, and students from lower income families, will be the most affected by the cancellation.

The Hay River District Education Authority has a...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There's been a number of organizations raising money for the victims of the flooding. I think we've had Red Cross and United Way and individuals as well through GoFundMe pages.

Has the Minister been in contact with any of these groups or individuals to confirm, you know, how much money has been raised and how it will be dispersed and just to coordinate with what her department's doing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister confirm how much money her department has set aside or identified to assist immediately with financial support to the victims that are in dire need of it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the flooding victims, Michael McLeod, our MP for the NWT was quoted as saying, People can count on the federal government, that they will be there to help, and they will be there to help right to the end.

I will hold our Member of Parliament to the federal government to that promise. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister confirm what ongoing conversations are taking please between her department and the federal government, and do those conversations include immediate financial support to flood victims? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

This government and the federal government had no problem rolling out financial support at the start of the pandemic. I expect that the same consideration for those victims impacted by the flooding. The reality is that events like this will quickly deplete one's own financial resources and leave many with nowhere to turn. It's up to this government to fill that gap.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask the Minister to confirm if her department is working with the Department of Education and the Department of Finance to look at providing individuals and families...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the potential for spring flooding for communities situated along our rivers is a reality. For the community of Hay River, it is an annual event that must be prepared for.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize and thank the Town of Hay River, mayor and council, staff, along with the Hay River Community Emergency Management Committee and volunteers for the great work they did to plan, coordinate, and carry out activities to respond to potential spring flooding. The committee, under the supervision of Ross Potter, Director of Protective Services, makes...