Daniel McNeely

I'm asking the question if the Minister would entertain the idea of cost savings on a negotiable arrangement to hire local and supply local for the vehicle and eliminate the provision cost and the hotel cost for outside supervisors. Would the Minister accept that?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Each year the winter road project is supervised by outside supervisors brought in at a cost. The cost includes such things as the vehicle, gas, room and board, and a significant amount of overtime.

My question to the Minister of DOT is, utilizing the GNWT and SSI MOU, will the Minister consider hiring local residents for this year's season? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last question is that I drive this winter road. I have no other choice but to drive it here, because I want to import cheap groceries. So I see the polar bear decals on the government's trucks, so I can guarantee the Minister that there is government-supplied personnel totalling two positions and two vehicles and room and board to service those individuals.

My question is, with the two positions that are supplied locally and the other two positions supplied outside, would the Minister entertain including a negotiable arrangement to supply those two individuals and...

Yes, I heard the number 17. Today it's two, so that totals 19 positions that we may see. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, but will the Minister consider using the principles of the MOU, I know you have to reflect on the principles of the MOU here between both governments, and entertain the idea of a negotiable site supervisor's contract with a proponent from Sahtu?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again, as we look outside, the snow is here and the winter road is coming for the Sahtu region. Mr. Speaker, my Member's statement today is on the upcoming annual winter road construction and maintenance season, which totals a coverage area of 670 kilometres.

The residents of the Sahtu region look forward to this project for a variety of reasons. I guess the highest on the list would be taken out of isolation and access to the outside world, and also the construction and maintenance opportunities and employment that it brings. Also just the opportunity and freedom...

Yes, my last question related to landtenure workshops: are these held on a scheduled basis in each region? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I am glad to hear that there are four additional communities going to the subsidy list and then also some capital to increase the program delivery. My second question, Mr. Speaker, is the Premier willing to invite Ms. Bennett so we can have some discussions with the community-based leaders that are fully engaged in the interests of the home-growing program?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my statement is in regards to the Nutrition North program, a federal initiative. It is, in all principles, a great program addressing the high cost of living in our small, northern, remote communities. However, with local, agricultural, home growers subsidizing the recipients of the program, it creates an advantage for larger retailers.

Mr. Speaker, currently the program is under public engagement process. Nutrition North reviews include town hall meetings, interviews, public input through the media between May and November 2016 to seek public input on suggestions...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's a comment, not a question. I'm just happy to hear that the department takes the seasonal access communities in their review and assessment and allocation. Thank you, Mr. Chair.