Wendy Bisaro

Thanks, Mr. Chair. There is an increase of five positions in the North slave region. Could I know where those happened, please? Thank you.

I think the important thing to note in the Minister’s answer is she said that’s what they started to do since last Thursday and Friday. The working group was established before Christmas and my understanding was they were supposed to help to develop what the department seems to have determined a draft plan. It seems they have a plan which they’ve put out and they are looking for consultation on, a plan which apparently would charge a fee. I just have to take exception with the fact that the working group was not involved in the drafting of that plan. I guess I ‘d like to ask the Minister why...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just have a few general comments in regard to the budget for Justice. Initially, I believe that the position of the chief coroner is being reinstated to a government position and I do support that. I think that’s a good move.

Also a good move I think is the emphasis on increased policing. We’ve added some members and a detachment in this last year, and I will have some questions as to the timing of the planned rollout of other detachments as we go forward when we get to that section.

I also note that there’s an increase in legal aid services with the establishment of, I...

Thanks to the Minister. That’s all I have.

Thanks to the Minister, I think. That wasn’t totally clear, but I’ll follow up when the briefing comes down.

I wanted to ask a question with regard to support for Avalon, the company Avalon and the potential for establishing a secondary industry for processing within the NWT for Avalon Rare Earth Metals. I know that the company has been speaking with the government. I believe they have been speaking with ITI. I just want to know from the Minister whether or not the conversations the government is having with the company are going to...if we are entertaining all options and if we are...

As usual, I need to be a little more specific with my dates to get it into my head. The Minister mentions a date, but whether that is in 2010 or 2011, I would like a little bit more specific information of when that date might be, please. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that, notwithstanding Rule 4, when this House adjourns on Thursday, February 18, 2010, it shall be adjourned until Monday, February 22, 2010;

AND FURTHER, that any time prior to February 22, 2010, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess I should look at you when I lift my hand so you know I’m looking at you.

Thanks for that explanation. I’m very glad to hear that. It sounds as though we are being very positive about wanting to keep this industry here. Judging by the information that I’ve been given, this is a long-term mining project and one that’s going to benefit our Territory, particularly the South Slave for a long time to come. So I think we need to do as much as we can to encourage this industry to locate themselves within the NWT as opposed to outside.

The last time we got information from Avalon there was a bit of a suggestion that they haven’t really had a lot of meetings with either the...

That’s great to hear that. I would just like to know, once the information has gone to committee, is it the intention of the Minister to publish the results of this consultation to the general public? Thank you.