Daniel McNeely

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning we lost a respected elder from the Sahtu community in Tulita, and on behalf of the Sahtu region we want to send all the family our thoughts and prayers. Boniface Ayha, also known as just Bonni, was a wellknown elder who loved his home community of Tulita; however, he was born and raised in Deline. Bonni loved to laugh and share many Shutagotine stories with our youths. Bonni also served this government for over 24 years and especially enjoyed his time with his family out on the land.

Mr. Speaker, Boniface Ayha leaves behind his wife, Margery, and five boys...

I now call the Committee of the Whole to order. What are the wishes of the Committee? Mr. Beaulieu?

With respect to local design, as mentioned, will the Minister commit to working with the Sahtu, the stakeholders, and the Regional Wellness Council, the administration, and leadership in general to hold a strategic conference on updating the strategic plan that was done on 2014 and expired in 2016?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is to the Minister of Health and Social Services following up on my Member's statement. Can the Minister of Health give us an update on the new system that took place effective August 1st on the Territorial and Regional Wellness Councils which came in effect last summer? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I welcome that scheduled consultation dialogue back and forth so we can have a clear understanding what the move-forward procedures are and the targets. My final question to the Minister is: can the Minister's office provide us with the schedule so we can have that prior to scheduling a meeting with his office, and that's between my office and his, to discuss next-step procedures? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I welcome that response from the Minister. Since they're established, Mr. Speaker, what are the changes that were given to date since the operation took effect?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the last several days, I've spent a number of days in both the Vital Abel Home and the Stanton Hospital assisting residents and families.

Mr. Speaker, we have always been seeking ways to hold dialogue and improve our program delivery, especially in the small, remote, isolated communities. The strategic plan developed in 2014 for the Sahtu Health Authority is a reflection of this; however, it needs updating.

Mr. Speaker, a number of positive changes are in the proceedings which are the new Sahtu Regional Health Centre, new legislation that became effective August 1st...

I'm hearing a lot about money, but can the Minister offer an example of how it is actually supporting the working of delivery of programs to the owners of the Sahtu?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I'd like to discuss the small business community. We recognize the small business community as a large contributor to the NWT economy; however, the small business community needs and requires a number of elements to sustain their viability. The NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation currently lends to 118 businesses throughout the NWT, operating across the Northwest Territories as well. As a result of BDIC's assistance, these businesses currently support 944 full-time positions' equivalent in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses must have a healthy...

I'd like to call Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish of committee? Mr. Beaulieu.