Robert Hawkins

Again, I view this issue as a territorial issue. And I can appreciate the stress of my colleagues outside of Yellowknife that may view it from their point of view. It is a territorial institution to help grow the North, Mr. Speaker. So I guess maybe my next question is built around a dashboard question.

Can the Minister request that Aurora College develop a dashboard on their website to communicate the steps of the transition, be it the elements of what it means, how they process it, and that way the public has been idea. Because, frankly, Mr. Speaker, Northerners think this initiative's...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate the opportunity to ask one more question -- or maybe more, who knows?

Mr. Speaker, the polytech continues to be a significant concern in Yellowknife and they view it as a territorial institution, not just a Yellowknife issue. But because I live here, I get asked about it regularly by people I see at the grocery store, etcetera.

Mr. Speaker, let's start off first with is it the intent of the government to ensure that the push forward on the initiative of a polytech, and can the Minister elaborate on some timelines as how she sees it rolling out or...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the answer. Disappointed, but appreciated the answer. Mr. Speaker, there are more regulations on bicycles and pedestrians than there are on these e-scooters, and they contemplate heavily on the concern and safety of both the riders and the public, Mr. Speaker. Is there any way we can bridge some mechanism by defining e-scooters in a manner of saying that they will be treated such as in a similar way as bicycles? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, we have genuine qualified professionals who want to live here in the Northwest Territories. They want to be contributing to the fabric of who we are and where we're going to be to care for Northerners. Mr. Speaker, they view this, in short, is protectionism without creating opportunities that we're inviting. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister be willing to assess and recommend the elimination of those hours required to practice assuming they qualify in all other areas of education and experience? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will accept the details in writing. Mr. Speaker, the BC model, if I remember correctly, is to further train and assess them at their cost. Is that how it is going to -- is that how the model's intended to roll out under this leadership of this Minister and working with CAN and the NWT Nursing Association, or will there be a bridging support program to help these individuals? Because the last time I was told this person, this family, was instructed to move to Alberta, go get your hours there, then hey, move back. We have to have a reasonable model. So, please...

Yeah, Mr. Speaker, first I want to stress an apology. It only occurred to me when I was making my general comments that, you know, this should be a consideration and hence I just saw this as -- when I said I don't know what the right vehicle is and I thought well, why don't I just suggest adding those two words to be inserted -- well, technically three words to be inserted after association of communities.

Mr. Chairman, this is only about opening a conversation and if they are not interested, that's okay too. So the amendment, whether it passes or fails, I hope it at least takes the...

Mr. Speaker, I read every word in this letter very closely. I did not see we’re big business, we need a big pass. What it says is we see opportunity and we need a partner. Mr. Speaker, would the Premier commit to updating us on progress on all of these initiatives outlined by the Burgundy letter in a way that even Members can see where we can help support this industry to employ Northerners and to help continue to make the territories an economically viable place to live and work. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, does the Minister of Health and Social Services have an idea as to how many assessments are done on young people to, again, diagnose them as officially having autism? Thank you.

Mr. Spooker, in recognizing it's All Hallows Eve, from time to time, as you know, I attempt to bring a little levity to this House. Mr. Speaker, it's important that we help keep our job interesting and engaging, not to mention laugh at ourselves, as we try to keep grounded. So today, strictly in jest, I've elected to make my All Hallows Eve statement in the theme of Adams Family or, rather, the Simpson Cabinet family. I do apologize in advance for the singing trauma I intend to inflict. It may be a trick, but it may be truly a treat. And, of course, I welcome Members to join in with me during...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Unlike -- I'm going to use all my 20 minutes. No, no, I'm kidding. It's been a long day. No, I won't be using my 20 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I too want to rise in favour of this initiative. I've spoken to some of the leadership. I certainly like the intent. It was sold to me on the initiative. It's a great investment of new dollars. We should not overlook the fact that this brings not only federal government dollars to empower Indigenous organizations and groups, but peoples and families and help protect our environment. This is all good stuff, Mr. Speaker.

The one thing of...