Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Madam Chair. The tax bill there for Stanton is quite substantial, and I see that the property, it says here, is that you, in your statement, is it is assessed by the same methods as those used for privately owned property. Am I correct in saying that MACA is the one who does the property assessments?

Will this project be retendered or sent out for RFP fairly soon?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The question that I have today is for the Minister of ITI. Recently, the tender for the construction of a fish processing receiving plant in Hay River was cancelled. When I saw this, I concluded that it was due to the bid amounts received, which were considerably over budget. Can the Minister confirm the reason for cancelling the tender at this time? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to talk about the commercial fishery on Great Slave Lake. If you look at the various industries that have come and gone in Hay River, you will find that the commercial fishery has outlasted most of them. This is remarkable considering the harsh elements these fishers face, whether it be the winter fishery or the summer fishery. The financial return to these fishers is minimal when you consider fish prices have never kept up with the increased operating cost related to fuel, equipment, labour, and insurance.

Mr. Speaker, the fishery is constrained by...

No further questions at this time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a few people in the gallery, as well: my wife, Betty Lyons, who travelled here with me for this; and my daughter-in-law, Chantelle Lafferty, hiding over there; and a friend of mine, Donna O'Brien. As well, I'd like to recognize Mr. Ernie Daniels, who I haven't seen in years. It's nice to see you again. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very fortunate to be standing here today, and it is important that I thank the good people from Hay River South for making that happen. It is now up to me to represent each and every one of them fairly in this 19th Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, prior to and during the election, I would like to acknowledge the support received from my family. That support never wavered since I made the decision to run, and it has not wavered since. The only advice my wife had for me was, "Don't ruin RJ's chance of being elected." She was relieved when he was acclaimed.

Mr...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize Beatrice Lepine. She's Member Simpson next to me's constituent, but she helped me out in my campaign and supported me and always supports me. She does lots for the community, and I would like to thank her for that.

I would also like to recognize Ms. Joyce Stewart, as well, from Hay River. I think she's still from Hay River. Anyways, her dad, Mr. Don Stewart was a Speaker here as well in this House many years ago and a well-respected politician, as well.

One other person I would like to recognize is Mr. Jim Thom, as well. He's got an...