Wally Schumann

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The short answer is no, as this was put out as a tendered process and it goes through procurement and they do their business. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled “Connecting Us: Four-Year Action Plan.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Upon implementing the recycling of electronics earlier this year, we have an advisory group that’s going to sit down within the one-year period of this implementation. They will be reviewing the policy and bringing recommendations back to the department, which we can share with the Members.

As I’ve said, the Public Works put out the tender; there’s a BIP process that’s applied to all tenders of these bids. If the southern contractor states that they’re going to have 60 per cent that the Member has alluded to in part of their bidding contract that has nothing to do with the BIP process of this contract. We can follow up with the Member and have a discussion on the number that he’s talking about, but Public Works and Services applies the numbers to the tender process.

What I can do is I will commit to the Member that I can pull together that information on how we came up to that number and supply that to the Member.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its mandate to capture opportunities for investment in transportation infrastructure by working to secure funding to advance the Tlicho allseason road. Mr. Speaker, according to the Tlicho chief, Alfonz Nitsiza of Whati, the project will provide culture strength to the Tlicho people aside from economic benefits. This project is not only a source of future prosperity but is also a source of pride for the region. The road has been discussed by the Tlicho government as far back as 1980s, and their support is evident...

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in the mandate to respond to recommendations in the Northwest Territories’ Environmental Audit for improved environmental management. The Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act requires an environmental audit to be completed at least every five years by an independent auditor. The audit reflects obligations in the Sahtu, Gwich’in and Tlicho agreements and is a key tool for environmental management in the territory. Its recommendations will help guide governments, Aboriginal organizations and other decision-makers...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, second by the honourable Member from Thebacha, that Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act, be read for the second time. This bill amends the Revolving Funds Act to establish a revolving fund for the purpose of meeting the capital, operating and maintenance requirements for the Yellowknife Airport. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Member has invited us for a constituency tour and I believe that’s an opportunity when we’re up there in August that we should maybe take a chance to drive the Dempster and have a look at some of the concerns the Member has on the Dempster.

It’s ironic that through forced growth $3 million has recently been allowed for significant chip seal repair. For this coming season we are looking at chipsealing 80 kilometres of this section of highway between here and Behchoko, and I think it’s something the department is having a serious look at. There’s a couple of other options, but this particular year we’re moving forward with chipsealing on a certain section of highway. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.