Tom Beaulieu

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement I talked about the new youth centre in Fort Resolution. I have questions for the Minister of MACA. Mr. Speaker, the Minister has seen four years of spending for youth, probably record spending for youth in this Assembly and also as a youth Minister. Does the Minister agree that strategic spending that supports youth today will reduce social problems in the future? Thank you.

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public review of Bill 3, Electronic Transactions Act, on May 12, 2011. The committee thanks the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill. The bill provides for a legal recognition of electronic documents and communications in the Northwest Territories. It sets minimum standards for the use of electronic documents and information in commerce and with public bodies.

Following the committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 3, Electronic Transactions Act, to the Assembly as ready for...

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. We all understand that it’s very important to spend more money on the youth and that we provide supports for the future of the Territories. Will the Minister direct his staff to look at possible realignments in the funding to support the Hamlet of Fort Resolution to hire a qualified youth worker so that the infrastructure that we’ve built does not go to waste? Thank you.

Does the Minister agree that an increase in spending in the area of youth will reduce the cost of health, housing, income support and education in the future? Thank you.

Will the Minister pass the majority of the responsibility of delivery to community client service officers at the community level which we have in Tu Nedhe, have them fill the roles as career development officers which are usually regionalized or headquartered and have them play a role during the rest of their time for the day? Right now they’re working half days. Have them do the career development officer position so that they can work full time in the communities.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement I talked about the Small Communities Employment Strategy. I have questions for the Minister of ECE on that topic. Will the Minister consider having the Small Communities Employment Strategy delivered at a local level as much as possible?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Within the confines of these programs, would the Minister consider contribution agreements with the Aboriginal and local governments for transferring funds to those governments for employment purposes?

Will the Minister allow as much flexibility into the program, into the three programs with the intent of maximizing local spending at the local level?

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Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the government and the Committee on the Sustainability of Rural and Remote Communities for all their work in trying to bring some equalization to the small communities. One item I am particularly pleased with is the Small Community Employment Strategy.

Mr. Speaker, I’ve had an opportunity to review the documents on all three employment programs. Although I’m happy with the intent, I believe that some changes must be made to the program.

Firstly, Mr. Speaker, some small communities do not have career development officer...

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. During my Member’s statement I spoke about housing and I’d like to ask the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation questions. Last year the Housing Corporation had $8.5 million allocated in the area of house repairs. In the 2011-12 main estimates, the amount is reduced to $5.6 million. I would like to ask the Minister if he could return the funding from $5.6 million to $8.5 million in this area. Thank you.