Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I am going to talk about an opportunity that can support our workforce, diversify our economy, and just make sure life is just a little bit more enjoyable. It all starts by working through the Apprenticeship, Trade, and Occupational Certification Act and that particular program, Mr. Speaker. I am going to highlight two issues in this area of opportunity, but I am going to probably drill down a little further on one.

The first one we've all probably heard of, it's called landscaping and horticulture. Did you know it's a red seal trade program? Across the country...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate the opportunity to say a few comments. I am going to focus on one particular area of the budget, but first I want to talk about budgets in general.

So we're not here to talk about the operations budget, and let's be clear, we're not. But there's only two times a year the Members collectively have the ability to have some type of influence on needs and outcomes. So how do we know what a perfect budget is? Whether it's the capital or operations -- and, again, the capital is the one before us, and it's usually the one that reflects us or feels like it...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for years there's been an intention to put a governance council called an airport authority over the Yellowknife airport zone, which includes the capital pieces he's mentioning. That said, I'm wondering where it is in the process because it seems to be in the dark, and it hasn't emerged for years. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Infrastructure.

Specifically, it's about the Yellowknife airport authority. Can the Minister give an update as to where that is in the current planning for implementation? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Not necessarily for my next question, but I kind of anticipated that was the only thing I could find that related to it.

Mr. Speaker, my next question is about in not that long ago, some members who were on the old trades advisory council, which is basically the same thing just rebranded, were sent to Fort Smith to do what's called marking desks, and that's when you send tradespeople to ensure that the teaching and practices have met a standard but yet they're not involved anymore, and I'm returning to the trades marking desks.

Mr. Speaker, is there any reason...

Mr. Speaker, I can appreciate what the Minister's response was in the last one. So I mean, I can't specifically criticize demand or opportunity, but that said, she can also facilitate through the process. And the simple example I'd say is that when an electrician goes for their second year and it's not available at an Aurora College, they can then be referred to down south and it's a bit of a process. In other words, if it doesn't fit we can find a way. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister find a way to help access other programs as noted are available in Ontario, Alberta, BC, etc.? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member's statement today, I talked about some challenges and certainly some opportunities we could all do to help with the trades and development of workers here in the Northwest Territories, including our economy. Mr. Speaker, I asked the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment what can she do to help with the Department of ECE, and in also further partnership with the Aurora College, to help recognize further trades, in particular, as I noted landscaping and horticulture, as well as the lather and interior mechanics systems, also known as drywall. Thank...

Yes, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. And thank you for those who spoke. I just want to briefly say a couple small things; I won't take the full 20 minutes. I'll be surprised if I get even to five.

Mr. Speaker, this is a very personal motion for me. It's not about the success of the motion that I need. I don't need that win. But what I think is the territory needs this win. I think Tony's legacy needs this win more than me. And that's what I'm stressing. It's not about me; it's about the passion that every time I think about his shadow walking by, standing in it -- I mean, he was an incredible giant and...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to follow up on some questions with respect to SFA, similar to my good colleague to my left for the Range Lake. And it's about this late payment process. And I guess under income security this policy falls under is under income support, if you apply you can get your late fees covered. So I would wonder is there a policy specific to SFA that says if a student provides their application process by the deadline that monies will be available for the moment that they apply for them in the fall; is there anything that corresponds or links that together...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What would a Wednesday be without a health question?

Mr. Speaker, I've inquired through the Minister's office -- so in general, this shouldn't be too much of a surprise -- with respect to an out of territory country claim submission. So that's basically a medical travel process. If you need an expense for a health reason while you're out of the country in short. I've asked for the guiding policy document that this form should buttress or explain or justify, and we seem to be running into problems, and the department sends me the application form, not the policy guiding...