Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Madam Chair. One of the concerns I have is: with the amount of ice that came down, say for instance, the Liard last fall, the integrity of the hulls of those ferries could very well be compromised. It resulted in the ferry there being stuck out in the ice, and it had to be rescued. That's why I am just wondering why or if we are going to look at upgrading them, maybe upgrading the hulls to account for possible, for running them longer during the fall and when there's ice out there. In reality, it's a safety issue, and if there would have been vehicles on that ferry when it did get...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to turn to page 259, Marine Transportation Services, and the revenues, marine freight transport. I just want to understand what that entails. Is that deck rate and fuel? Is some of it a difference in private/GNWT? What is that number made up of? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Can the Minister just maybe clarify air, marine, and safety and the $4.309 million? What does that number encompass? What is the money used for? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank, Madam Chair. Is any of that cost associated with, say for instance, Snare Hydro going down and the cost of running off hydro here in Yellowknife? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Basically, this $12.38 million goes towards projects that are accessed probably mainly by residents and businesses, private businesses? Is that correct? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to go to page 251, highway operations. I'm just wondering if any of that expenditure relates to new technology to address any issues with our highways? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The question I have now is for smaller communities. I am just wondering if the research is being done to see the savings in the smaller communities, as well? Because I know that we look at the Housing Corporation and we say they should sometimes upgrade their houses, make them airtight, and all this. That causes mould problems. It causes a whole bunch of things which we pay for down the road, and then there are really no cost savings. I just want to make sure that what we're doing here isn't creating more problems that will cost us in the end, anyway. If the Minister...

Capacity building opportunities are important. As a First Nations person, I find the best way to learn is always hands-on training that meets regional and local needs. Mr. Speaker, I would ask the Minister to consider ensuring that all communities throughout the Northwest Territories have access to a greenhouse and the tools required to support training and capacity building around agriculture.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes. We are looking at total contributions of $12.388 million, and I am just wondering what percentage of that amount stays in Yellowknife for Yellowknife projects versus what ends up in the communities for support to the communities. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The questions will be for the Minister responsible for ITI. Currently, the GNWT has an Agriculture Strategy which is nearing its good-until-2022 expiry date. Can the Minister clarify the reference dated time frame of 2017 to 2022 with respect to the Agriculture Strategy? Is the department considering an update or a revision based on progress or lack of it over the last four years? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.