Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to talk about those board appointments as well. I do have a problem with them. I guess it's hard for me to understand that the DMs -- I suspect they have a lot of work; probably a full-time job. To sit on the board and, I guess, kind of, give direction to, say, it's the Power Corporation or whoever; I don't believe that's working. I don't think that they can give good advice.

I know that they all have experience in certain areas. Some of them probably have no idea about utilities, for instance. They probably try and do their best. I'll give them that. I think...

Does the Minister’s department work with DFO and/or the WSCC to ensure vessels are inspected and are seaworthy and have the necessary safety equipment to meet safety standards?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said in my statement, fishing is one of the most challenging and dangerous occupations. As such, we must ensure that our fishers are provided safe working conditions and the tools to make that happen here in the NWT. My first question for the Minister of ITI is: the NWT fishing revitalization strategy focuses mainly on production of fish and is silent on safety; can the Minister confirm if it includes the supports to improve fisher safety, and, if so, what are those safety supports? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On September 29, 2019, four experienced fishers lost their lives on Great Slave Lake while they were making a living. I mention the words "making a living" because it seems that the fishers who provide a necessary food supply for NWT and our country are the most vulnerable workers there are, and we are not recognizing this. No one should be at risk while engaged in their livelihood. Certainly, it is time to recognize this issue. The fishers have not been recovered, and families are left in grief. Extreme weather on the lake and seasonal changes prevented a recovery of...

Thank you for that answer. I agree. There always has to be some accountability, I think just the degree of it and what our expectations are. Because we can send a message at this level, but the bureaucracy then takes it and sometimes it gets skewed. I have a problem with the accountability part. As long as we don't get carried away and we are taking away from the people who are the end users at the end of the day.

I just have a comment with respect to negotiations in the claims process. People, two elections ago, they voted for change. They got it, and they weren't too happy. This year, again...

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Premier had mentioned just previously that she wanted to make sure that she painted the sky the right colour. Well, I want to see it green: money. Over the last few days, we have been talking about co-investment dollars. There is a pot of money out there, and we seem to be having trouble getting hold of it. I guess what I would like to ask the Premier is, with our person in Ottawa, if that person could work on that issue for us, as well? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. With respect to the Public Utilities Board, what are they responsible for? I know they’re responsible for the utilities, so I suspect the Power Corporation, NUL; how about say, for instance, Superior Propane, with respect to delivering gas within the communities? Thank you.

Thank you. I guess I’d just clarify that. I was just looking at actuals for 2018-2019, and we jumped up to $448,000 and then the main estimates show $452,000. I’m just wondering what is the difference between the $332,000 and where that comes in. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister be willing to throw another $500,000 for grant money for the fishers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’ll ask the Minister: are there any funds that will be put towards ensuring fishers have access to safety equipment, such as the emergency position indicating radio beacons, which can help locate fishermen or vessels if something happens?