Daniel McNeely

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Industry, ITI. My first question is: I noted with interest that the statement from Minister Schumann yesterday indicated that $180 million in funding is being invested in the energy infrastructure as part of the three-year rolling energy action plan that is expected to be released during this session. What is the GNWT doing to support the Sahtu region to benefit from this windfall? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Sahtu regional independence is truly, and similar to many other nations, seeking their objectives for solidarity and, more importantly, self-reliance through a decision-making authority.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories delivers programs and services through 12 departments and 350 employees to residents of five Sahtu communities. Mr. Speaker, this will soon change, as full staffing is under way for the new Sahtu Regional Health Centre, with an additional 25 physicians now under recruitment.

Mr. Speaker, when considerations are...

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Thompson.

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Thompson.

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Mr. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am just looking at page 12, tourism and parks, carried over to page 13. I am glad to see that there is a significant amount of money going to our territorial parks programming and inventory for O and M and upkeep and upgrade.

On the issue of the Canol Heritage Trail Emergency Shelters, allowed for $372,000, I am glad to see that is back on a carry-over. As I understand, some of the logistics in seeing this project through resulted into a barging schedule and mountain weather; so I am glad it is in there.

Overall, I am glad to see that we are taking a vested interest in...

Thank you Minister McLeod. Mr. O'Reilly.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to the Premier for that response here. I will use a couple of examples. The probationary officers from the Sahtu have to report north to the Inuvik office, and the financial services personnel have got to report to Yellowknife. Those are just examples of outside decision-making authorities given to the destination of the region. Would the Premier consider providing some options to my office for further consideration of this reinstatement, if possible?

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Simpson.