Robert Hawkins

Almost forgot to clap, Mr. Speaker; I was so in shock. Well, Mr. Speaker, it's nice to see government in action is actually two words, so it's -- thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, perhaps the Minister could update us what does that actually translate into. In other words, what timeline is he now proposing? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, it's difficult to sort of give a quantum as to what it's worth versus what it's timed versus how much Ottawa is giving. Like, we don't know, and that's kind of the question that's being asked. Because I don't even know if we should be pursuing the Taltson project given the fact that, remember, it doesn't go far back that the Mackenzie Valley pipeline dream died because it was studied to death and by the time -- so, Mr. Speaker, my question, really, is focused in on is this the right opportunity? Because I've heard the Taltson project when I came in the House in 2003.

So to shorten...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There was a lot out there unpacked. But I didn't hear that they're either in favour of it or against it, anticipate to approve it, or working to approve it, anything of that nature. Can the Minister be clear on that initiative; what's the ultimate goal and direction that this department is going to proceed with? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have questions for the Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corp. Perhaps we can start with an update with respect to the overall Taltson project. And when I refer to update, maybe some timelines including costing. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, six months ago, this Assembly stopped at nothing to approve an initiative brought forward by the Indigenous governments, and their proposal, I believe, was called the NWTPFP -- I'm not sure why it's actually specifically called project finance permanence. But that said, must matter. So there was $375 million being offered, and the NWT government potentially could stand in the way if we had dragged our heels. In short, Mr. Speaker, it was about a project of lands and keepers of the land, and I'm giving a simple description of it, but it's never been approved...

Mr. Speaker, old government/new government, good offer/bad offer - I don't know. So why did the Minister refuse the 50 refugees so we couldn't get the opportunity for the 150 nominees? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I was proceeding to my point -- thank you -- I'm getting at is why doesn't the Member -- Minister engage Members as being part of the solution rather than this wall of we know everything and stay out of our way? Thank you.

Another?

So, Mr. Speaker, just to clarify the record, I'm hearing that Members don't matter. I'm hearing that only one matters are Indigenous governments and the Cabinet. This issue particularly matters to a lot of Northerners, not just in Yellowknife. I got phone calls from Hay River. I know my colleague got phone calls from Inuvik. All these places in the North. It's a northern problem. Mr. Speaker, what is the problem -- what is -- the Minister doesn't like the statement, that's the problem. I wish she'd have that fire in Ottawa, Mr. Speaker.