Kieron Testart

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm wondering if I can inquire with our law clerk: part 3 of clause 6 says, "The Commissioner and Executive Council may make regulations for the purposes of the section prescribing form or content of the report." Is it conceivable that the details of this amendment that is before the House right now could be accommodated with clause 3? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister keeps talking about priority projects and prioritizing municipal infrastructure needs, and that sounds like a different process than what this funding is. Can he just clarify if the municipal funding gap is somehow conditional on municipal priorities or if it's funding that is flowed through to the municipalities? Because the issue I am talking about is funding that flows through as a transfer to our community governments that they can then use. The Minister is talking about working on priorities, which are, you know, a completely different ball game, so...

We have a capital budget -- and the Ministers laugh at this request. This is a request that has been brought forward by the NWTAC. This is a request that has been brought forward by community leaders time and time again, and, to be met with laughter now? Mr. Speaker, we have an upcoming capital budget that includes funding for municipalities. Is there a way that this Minister will advocate for our communities, in consideration of that budget?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As per my Member's statement, the state of community funding in the Northwest Territories has a major problem, and we have known about this problem for a long time. I would like to know what the Minister responsible of Municipal and Community Affairs has done to properly address the deficits and shortfalls in the municipal funding formula. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. What tools are available to the government to change the terms of existing SDLs? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I was under the assumption that that would be a relatively small amount, but I will look forward to that information. My second question is: how much land is currently covered by the existing SDLs? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think to the economic future of the territory, I always think of what is going to pull our economy forward out of the negative growth that is anticipated for our foreseeable future. The advocacy I have brought to this Chamber has typically revolved around the minerals industry, which I believe is the quickest way to get our economy back on track.

I have had the opportunity to travel to the Sahtu, where oil and gas is not just another economic opportunity, but it very much is the industry that has created a lot of prosperity for the region. Seeing the operations that...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Finally, one of my largest concerns is how these disturbances can disrupt the productivity and livelihood of business owners in particular, many of whom rely on that service to sell their goods. Shutting it down can have economic consequences, as well. Can the Minister update the House as to what efforts the service provider has been pursuing to improve redundancy to Yellowknife, in particular?

I thank the Minister. I think this House is well aware of the excellent work that has been done on the northern part of the territory, the fibre optic line and the future potential it has, but the southern part of the territory still has these issues; in particular, our capital of Yellowknife. Can the Minister bring the public up to date on what is known about the incidents on May the 8th, July the 13th, and August the 12th of this year where the fibre line was cut?