Kieron Testart

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Can the Minister explain what culturally appropriate housing is? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Regardless of the circumstances of the Yukon, I do believe our economy is a few percentage points larger than theirs. At a time when we need economic activity, especially in the mining sector, and this program has a three to one return on investment, I’d like to see more resources put into this thing. I’d very much like to see the Premier commit to expanding on this program. If he could make such commitment that would be appreciated, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My followup question would be: could the Minister then work with the Premiers of Nunavut and Yukon to speak to the Prime Minister and advocate for this benefit? The industry has been very clear that they would like to see expanded financial help to getting our resources out of the ground up here and to further expand on exploration activities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, June 15th is world elder abuse day, and I want to spend some time today to discuss this issue that affects one of the most vulnerable communities in the North and the world. It is a natural part of our heritage as Northerners to show reverence for our elders. Northerners respect the long journey older adults have taken through their lives. Elders are the stewards of our history, culture, and traditions, raising a family sometimes beyond just your children, and growing up in a world where Twitter was only something that actual birds did. Elders in the North...

Are those 150 clients receiving the full amount of the allocated funding? The $900,000. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My understanding of consumer choice would be that there is a choice given. The purpose is to house people and they have a choice in where they are being housed, not forced into housing. I don’t think that is one of the principles at all. By providing a rent subsidy, as per most established Housing First models, you give clients more choices than a handful of, I think the Minister previously provided, 30 semi-independent housing units. That is where I am finding the most difficulty with calling these Housing First units. I don’t take issue with transitional supportive...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Perhaps I didn’t frame the question well enough. I am less interested in the funding or the principles of the funding, I suppose. For the semi-independent Housing First units that the department is committing to, are those included in that $600,000 transitional support housing line item? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to the Minister for his answer. Is suicide prevention encompassed in this line item, this community mental health and addictions, are suicide prevention programs? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Nothing further, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wanted to follow-up with some questions about the Metis health benefits. I think my colleague covered the funding aspects and the legal requirement to move on it quite well. I’ve heard there’s a concern from some people that the quality of prospective benefits that the federal government’s now obliged to offer won’t be of the same quality that we currently provide. I guess my question is, will we be using any incoming funding to… Will we lapse our program and just take the new federal program or will we find some way to maintain the benefits? Can we give people...