Daniel McNeely

In my statement earlier, I had mentioned both departments, ECE and ITI. My next question is: what joint funding initiatives are available for traditional artists in the Northwest Territories by a strategy that includes both departments?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. In the whole community of sports, recreation, arts and crafts, my first question to the Minister of ITI is: what role does ITI play in supporting the arts in the Northwest Territories? Mahsi.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair, and thanks for the answer that the Minister gave. I just basically want to know if there is additional funding that we will see for the upcoming year in the areas of youth support, early development programming. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am thanking the Minister for the information here so we can relate that back on to the leaders that I represent in five communities. My last question: what is the government doing to promote traditional arts in the area of, say, music and painting, for example? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My next question, and I thank the Minister for that answer: does the Minister see the arts sector as one that can play a role in building our economy?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like other Dene communities in the Northwest Territories, the Sahtu Dene display great artistic abilities and traditionally created sewn items from tanned hides.

Mr. Speaker, supports for arts in general can be seen throughout the Northwest Territories. The 2014-2015 fiscal year was a very busy one. ITI contributed through the SEED program to the Sahtu and to the NWT Arts registered database seen 84 local artists. Examples of displayed art can be seen at every Sahtu Air terminal building in the region. The art products are unique and attractive.

Mr. Speaker, Northwest...

Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Minister's Statement 118(3), North Slave Correctional Complex Inmate Concerns; Minister's Statement 1918(3), Aurora College Foundational Review Process; Tabled Document 6318(3), Main Estimates 20182019, and would like to report progress. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with. Mahsi.

Calling committee to order. What is the wish of committee? Mr. Testart.

Will the Minister work with me to draft some information for a couple of clients who have brought to my attention the disclosure of their personal information? They have found it difficult as to why the department is asking for their personal retirement savings that they have earned prior to retirement. Will the Minister work with me to get the information to the appropriate clients?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. In my Member's statement, I was making reference to questions to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. My first question is: can the Minister explain what subsidy programs are available to the NWT elders' community? Mahsi.