Daniel McNeely

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.

More specifically, can the Minister elaborate a little bit on the next 12 months coming up on various conferences that are on the schedule that could be passed on to the residents of the Sahtu on workshops, for example, orientation between the program and what is available, that type of conference or workshops? Anything that's scheduled for the next coming 12 months?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier in my statement I had mentioned supporting projects there for the small community industry. My first question to the Minister of ITI is: what is this government doing to support the small business, and more specifically in the Sahtu? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My last question, Mr. Speaker: can the Minister provide that information to my office so I can relate that on to the Sahtu leadership? Thank you.