Kieron Testart

Mr. Speaker, recently the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines and the Mining Association of Canada commissioned a survey conducted by Abacus Data. It clearly shows that the citizens of the North overwhelmingly support the mining and exploration industry. More to it, Northerners not only believe the industry's economic contributions are substantial, but that our safety and environmental standards go beyond regular expectations. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, our residents believe that the development of new mines is a positive contribution to our economy and that this government must further...

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to the department for that answer. The price subsidies, are they based solely on market rates or is there a component where the trappers are canvassed on are they getting enough, and is it sustainable? Is there like a take-home survey kind of thing where the department is actually talking to the trappers and finding out how they feel it's working for them? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you Mr. Chair. I am making good use of my time if you don't mind. That is good. I appreciate that. I think that we had a lot of conversations about a university of the North. My position has always been that a polytechnic is more appropriate. I think this change is the correct one, to actually take a rural college and make it more of a vocational institution for job training, give Northerners the skills they need for the jobs that we need in the future and today. How much involvement did the department have with that strategic plan? Quite frankly, I think Aurora College needs to have...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, that is satisfactory. To have the detail, I think we could be doing more to support these institutions. There's a very good business case that's been made by Dechinta in particular for increased funding. Based on their success rates, I think they're still sitting at 100 per cent success rate, granted they only take a few students, but this is a remarkably successful post-secondary education program that's tailored to the deficiencies we have in post-secondary education in the North. I know the Minister's very aware of this based on his work as chair of the standing...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The other post-secondary institutions that have been mentioned here, College nordique and Dechinta Bush University. Do we provide funding in this section of the budget here or where can I find their funding numbers because I believe earlier yesterday that question was asked and it was deferred to later in the main, so is this where we would find those numbers and where are they located? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the Minister for that clarification. The inclusion of the ARI, or aurora research institution, this funding line is somewhat confusing to me. What's the exact number out of this funding that goes to ARI? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I note on the detail page we've got the $33 million in college contributions. Does the department have a breakdown of what the cost per graduate is based on that level of funding? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Certainly, the Minister is an expert in this field, and I respect her expertise, but I also am a Yellowknifer and I know that this problem is only getting worse, and when you look at the evidence-tested, proven methods that have worked across the country, Housing First is a clear model, a specific model that gives consumer choice and empowers people. That's what we are talking about today. I am wondering if the Minister will clarify her comments yesterday, this plan to expand the shelters to house 30 people. Construction will begin in the summer is what the Minister said yesterday. Can the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I asked questions to the Minister responsible for Homelessness about the Housing First plan. Unfortunately, the information we learned was incorrect. Housing First in the city of Yellowknife has made a commitment to house one person by the end of August 2016 this year, and 20 people over the life of the project, not just one person. I am wondering if today the Minister can explain why inaccurate information was provided to this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Is the department soliciting or receiving feedback from people benefitting from the program?