Daniel McNeely

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I believe the contractors are listening, so I think they take that really seriously. My question, if the Minister would send me an email so I can forward it on to the contractors that are waiting. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is to the Minister of Infrastructure based on some of our previous correspondence going back and forth on the barging season. Will the Minister provide an update on the progress that we've decided to submit a town hall session in Norman Wells and other Sahtu communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to the Minister for that reply here. Moving ahead here. In preparation for that trip there, we need a contract so the road can be built so we can drive on it. So will the Minister follow up on the requests put forward some weeks back by the local contractors? And I understand Cabinet approval was given, so now we just need to conclude and wrap up the negotiated contracts for the winter road construction. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We in the NWT have a tremendous amount of needs, as I heard from my colleague there, Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, highlight the benefits of from the Jordan's Principle program and possible jeopardy. My questions are for the Premier on advocation.

My first question, could the Premier explain why the senior envoy to the Government of Canada role was created and what it is intended to achieve? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize the firefighters in the gallery here. Thank you for your service and your safe comfort. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Premier for that reply. Yes, I can understand the Indigenous government participation. Over 60 percent, Mr. Speaker, of our territory is underneath a modern treaty society.

My second question is Indigenous government support is critical to our advocacy and engagement efforts in Ottawa. Could the Premier describe the approach to include governments in the federal engagement and how the envoy position will support these efforts? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Education promotion, Mr. Speaker. Labour trades, professions, the shortages continue in all sectors is a huge concern clear across our Canadian country. However, closer to home, the geography, costs of living, the isolated inventory greatly adds to attracting staff in neither the private nor public services sector. Mr. Speaker, trade shortages, we are at the pivotal point drafting and essential planning in addressing the situation as fundamental and critical to our approach and the remaining term of this Assembly.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we have tools in our toolbox. Examples...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, will be supporting this bill, and I can't say enough or any more that hasn't been said already by previous speakers other than to say thank you to the first responders, and we've had discussions earlier, and this will be applicable to the smaller communities and the volunteers that we have out there. They face many challenges, and I've seen that firsthand as well. And I want to say a huge thank you to the gallery crowd. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Premier for that reply. Yes, I have talked to our Indigenous governments in my area. I appreciate that we are including Indigenous governments in this important work, Mr. Speaker. I know this envoy position is relatively new, but could the Premier advise the House of any results from this new position? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm very glad for the continuous good news here. It's going to be an enjoyable weekend.

Will the Minister show Ottawa how critical this road is to connect the people of the Sahtu to the rest of Canada? Thank you.