Kieron Testart

Thank you, Madam Chair. And I appreciate -- just to be clear, I will -- I mean, I'm going to continue to ask questions, but I appreciate this emergency funding, and I support it. I think it came a little late, and it's still -- until we know what that total quantum is, it's unclear whether $14 million is a significant amount. So my other question related to this is there's strings attached to this money. The Minister spoke to some of the eligibility requirements. But one of them is that education bodies have to first use their surpluses. So do we know how much surplus money is being spent...

Oh, thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. I thought I heard Great Slave but thank you very much for the opportunity to ask questions.

So I too want to query the Minister about this subsidy program for the service gap related to Jordan's Principal funding. Jordan's Principal funding is fundamental to our schools in the Northwest Territories. That's how it's been described by both -- well, I think the Minister at the table and the Minister of education, Minister of health, to the point where it is being referred to as foundational. So I think that creates a challenge because, one, I get the advocacy...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the scope of practice of paramedics is unlikely to be changed without legislation to guide it. Is the department planning on bringing forward a legislative proposal or legislative changes that would bring paramedics into the Health Professions Act? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Premier if he can direct the federal envoy to begin discussions with the federal government on a clear plan to advance the asset -- or the asset potential and resource needs of the Yellowknife Airport. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has three major projects that it's identified as priorities: The Taltson hydroelectric expansion and submarine line, the Arctic Security and Economic Corridor, and the Mackenzie Valley Highway. We know the Mackenzie Valley Highway is well advanced. But all these projects are very important to the future of our economy. Today I want to ask the Premier if he views the Yellowknife Airport as a strategic asset worthy of that list. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the requests to correct the decline in mining is financial incentives that will help support the industry, lower costs with very high cost jurisdictions. We hear that all the time. So can the Minister inform us of the mineral incentive program, how -- what its uptake was or is currently and what the economic benefits have been to our communities as a result. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Policy intentions are great, but they don't result in new regulations or a Mining Act that's in force. So when will the -- let's just focus on the outdated 19th century tenure system. When will the tenure system be modernized, computerized, and online map staking available to bring the Northwest Territories in to 2025 like other jurisdictions that are doing far better than we are? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too want to recognize the former Member for Range Lake, Daryl Dolynny. He's a good friend and is a tireless advocate for seniors in our community. I also want to recognize his team and the Avens board who have come here to join us today. Thank you very much for being here.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to receiving that back.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask about the North of 60 mining tax credit that's been advocated by this government, that's been advocated by other northern governments and by our industry. We don't have the capacity to carry such a credit. The federal government would have to do it. Can -- I'm not sure who, either the Premier or the Minister of ITI -- inform us of is this still -- the creation of a North of 60 tax credit still a priority for our federal engagement? Thank you.