Daniel McNeely

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I would like to thank both committees for taking the time to go out on the road and listen to the concerns of leaders, youth, students, elders, and the general public on our cannabis tour. I was involved in the northern group, and it could be said that this society is being modernized to what is here already. As we heard from our previous colleagues' presentations, cannabis really exists in all 33 communities, and, because it's a federally imposed legislation, we are trying to craft this legislation to design the society and the cultures and the...

Thanks to the Minister for that progress response. That is great news to hear. My next question: how is the GNWT working with Sahtu residents to ensure they are able to be equal partners in the economy?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Industry, ITI. My first question is: I noted with interest that the statement from Minister Schumann yesterday indicated that $180 million in funding is being invested in the energy infrastructure as part of the three-year rolling energy action plan that is expected to be released during this session. What is the GNWT doing to support the Sahtu region to benefit from this windfall? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As I heard, and as I said, education is going to be a vital component in moving forward after legislation is passed. It's not just passing and then it's over and done with; there is going to be a great deal of aftercare taken through education, and I'm glad to see that wording of revenues aimed at public education, public awareness, and on the health side of educating the public to the side effects of consuming cannabis. So I support this on the principle of what I heard and what I said on education. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, too, brought this up in one of the communities, or several of the communities, in trying to educate the students. We want them to take it seriously, to have a clean abstract before entering into the workforce, and to maintain that, I see this motion supporting that, to do more consultation to have it in plain English straightforward on what it is going to take to have an offence on your abstract. Thank you.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. I do have a problem with this motion here. Consulting with the four bands through the Sahtu Dene Council here in my area, I know they're interested in the commercial side of privatization, but given their interest in the terms of reference that may be developed for this working group, this may defeat the initiative. At the same time, what is going to be discussed tomorrow in supporting education and a timeframe allowing education? So I see their wishes, siding in my discussions with them, compromising or having difficulty with this motion here. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am just looking at page 12, tourism and parks, carried over to page 13. I am glad to see that there is a significant amount of money going to our territorial parks programming and inventory for O and M and upkeep and upgrade.

On the issue of the Canol Heritage Trail Emergency Shelters, allowed for $372,000, I am glad to see that is back on a carry-over. As I understand, some of the logistics in seeing this project through resulted into a barging schedule and mountain weather; so I am glad it is in there.

Overall, I am glad to see that we are taking a vested interest in...

Thank you Minister McLeod. Mr. O'Reilly.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to the Premier for that response here. I will use a couple of examples. The probationary officers from the Sahtu have to report north to the Inuvik office, and the financial services personnel have got to report to Yellowknife. Those are just examples of outside decision-making authorities given to the destination of the region. Would the Premier consider providing some options to my office for further consideration of this reinstatement, if possible?

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Simpson.