Denny Rodgers

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I move the chair rise and report progress.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. And thank you for that. And, you know -- and, you know, to be fair, I think it was -- the consultation process that was done in Inuvik, certainly that I attended, was very informative and I think, you know, for contractors and builders alike, I think it was welcomed to have some teeth come in that program.

Is the department tracking in any way now, I guess the performance, you know, versus what it was pre- having this new policy; is there data being kept on that now, Mr. Chair?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Back in I guess late 2023, the department did a review of its business incentive policy. I know because when they did do some consultation and information sessions in the regions, and particularly in Inuvik, it was during my campaign actually the time I attended one. And one of the updates they were looking at doing for the BIP was to around -- we'll call them enforcement, but putting teeth into the policy to ensure that contractors that were filling out the BIP forms were then obviously following up on those BIP forms and ensuring that what was stated in the forms was...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to second this motion. You know, based on the -- all the information and the reasons that my colleague, the Member from Range Lake, so eloquently put, and I won't reiterate all those, just to say, Mr. Speaker, that this is about compassion. It's about doing the right thing. And it's why we're here, Mr. Speaker. So I trust this motion and this important policy work will begin as soon as possible. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. And that sounds like something for a Member's statement next week, but I certainly appreciate the answers. No further questions in this section. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's come to my attention that the Keskorie boarding home in Yellowknife has reached capacity. In addition, Mr. Speaker, hotels across the capital are also at full capacity. This presents a serious challenge for residents from my riding who must travel to Yellowknife for medical and dental care. Some of these individuals are making long and difficult journeys, Mr. Speaker, for critical medical appointments, appointments they've been waiting for, sometimes months. Yet, when they arrive, they are faced with the distressing reality that there is nowhere for...

Thank you, Madam Chair. No further questions.

How often does the department then -- given that it is arm's length, there's obviously reporting coming through, how often does the Minister or the department communicate with the members at OROGO?

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just firstly, I recall -- I'll ask the Minister, has there ever been any of these positions outside of headquarters? I believe at one point there was one in the Beaufort Delta, but I'm not 100 percent sure. Can the Minister confirm.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If it happens, we live in the same community I guess. The Minister mentioned a communications plans. So is there any details on how that will roll out, how we're going to let people know in Inuvik that this is certainly happening and that they may want to consider doing, as the Minister stated, booking the nonurgent appointments at another time. Can there be a little more detail on what that communication plan will be, Mr. Speaker.