Tom Beaulieu

Marci Cho, Mr. Speaker.

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The Premier almost answered all my questions but that's okay. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the Premier if he could have a discussion with the departments to create other jobs in small communities that are outside the public service using government dollars, whether they're projects or O and M programs.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, these activities are needed to sustain the economy in the small communities. Without them, our small community people cannot afford to eat. There are many families with NO food. Mr. Speaker, that is heartbreaking. Marci cho.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that we report progress.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wonder if the Minister could advise the House what the deferred maintenance situation is now. What is the deferred maintenance amount at this time?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, committee would like to continue the consideration of Tabled Document 143-18(2), Capital Estimates, 2017-2018, and start the consideration of Tabled Document 163-18(2), Capital Estimates, 2017-2018, for the Department of Public Works and Department of Transportation, with today doing the Department of Public Works and Services. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Premier mentioned decentralization as part of the method of putting some employment outside the larger centres into the smaller centres. The Premier mentioned Phases 1, 2, and 3. I'd like to ask the Premier if there's anything beyond that in the area of decentralization?

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too have questions for the Premier. We will develop and implement a strategy to increase employment in small communities as part of our mandate in the 18th Assembly. I'd like to ask the Premier: what has the government done to date to increase employment in small communities? I'm specifically talking about the last year. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to continue talking about the distribution of employment across the NWT. Canada’s employment rate is just under 62 per cent. The Yukon, at around 74 per cent, being the jurisdiction with the highest employment rate. The NWT is second at just over 70 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, we look great from a national perspective, however our employment rate is below 50 per cent in over 65 per cent of our small communities. It is good that larger centres have such high employment rates. It’s good for their families, their communities and the NWT. However, the low...

I thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I am satisfied with those responses. Thank you.