Caroline Wawzonek

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So key milestones that we're expecting for 2026-2027, which is the money that's being advanced or proposed for advancement at this point, would be to get us to the beginning of an environmental assessment process. So, and to get there, we are partners on both sides of the lake are responsible for doing some of the environmental preparatory work in terms of determining exactly where the landing points would be on both sides. I understand that work is at least underway, does need to be completed before we can go to an EA, obviously, for the coming fiscal year. And along...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, at this point this is still at a planning stage. I would say no, there is not concerns in the sense that we know that the Snare system does tend to have a cyclical low water event. Nonetheless, Mr. Chair, it is still anticipated that even considering that this isn't anticipated to bring about GHG emissions reductions up to or in the range of 25 percent over the course for the community of Whati, if this is successful, but also I'd note, Mr. Chair, there's also part of a longer term effort here where Lac La Martre has for a long time had a hydro project that's...

Yes, please, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a big part of Restoring Balance was on the -- premised on the idea that we would try to be repaying our debt down, which required significant operating surpluses, and it certainly does appear that given the circumstances in the broader world economy that that is not -- should not be the area that we're prioritizing right now. So we're not looking anymore -- we're looking to see what we can do, frankly, to bring some stability to the economy and to residents here and not focus on paying down debt, which was a core part of the Restoring Balance approach...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me jump to the very end there, Mr. Speaker. With respect to e-services, that happens to also fall under the Department of Finance and is something near and dear to my heart that I think lies too far under the radar sometimes in terms of the service benefits it can provide. That said, I don't have a date right now. I would certainly be happy to commit to getting that information, and we'll certainly look to advance to the extent that we can. That should be one of the next areas that we look to move, if possible, to one of the online e-service areas. That is...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what this is meant to cover are sort of incidentals, if you will. So at this point it's still through the emergency management organizations where transportation to or from an emergency relief location is provided, access to accommodations at an emergency relief location is provided, other expenses, for example mainly food, is provided. And at those locations, there is triaging that is done with all best efforts so that someone who's not able to remain in a group accommodation circumstance can access different types of accommodation, hotels for instance...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, I do appreciate the comment. I do think that over-engagement is something that does tend to happen and can happen and can detrimentally affect the outcome that we want. So, Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to say that I will direct to ensure that the staff working on this treat the information that was received during the public process the same as they would information that we would receive during a government-led process. There will be no two tiering of it. I can also assure the Member and the House that they've already been watching. I have frequently heard...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the very first step which is happening as early as next week, is to engage in bargaining -- with bargaining partners which is to say the unions so that they are fully aware and involved in the path that we may choose. As I am noting, that starts next week with the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Union of Northern Workers and then the teachers' association thereafter. And, Mr. Speaker, we'd be scoping out some opportunity for public engagement thereafter but still noting that there was a commitment here to have a legislative proposal ready to roll...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can certainly confirm it is an area that the two departments are working on together, and they are looking to ensure that they are putting forward a package that is aligned and cohesive between the two.

Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to commit to get a detailed timeline on that work. I didn't bring it in front of me here today, but I have heard this issue raised many times. It's not only a matter that affects NGOs. It's one that can hinder the availability of arts programs and festivals and activities that really can bring a lot of life to the community. So I am more than...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned at the beginning, Mr. Speaker, the individualized relief program, which is a cash payment, that program was reviewed after the 2023 evacuations and fires, and the changes that we've made were in response to that. I'm obviously well aware that there's been an after-action review of the broader response with respect to the wildfires here and the way in which that's managed. And again, all but the one recommendation are being accepted and advanced by the Government of the Northwest Territories as a whole.

Mr. Speaker, there's not going to be an additional and...