Daniel McNeely

I'm hearing a lot about money, but can the Minister offer an example of how it is actually supporting the working of delivery of programs to the owners of the Sahtu?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I'd like to discuss the small business community. We recognize the small business community as a large contributor to the NWT economy; however, the small business community needs and requires a number of elements to sustain their viability. The NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation currently lends to 118 businesses throughout the NWT, operating across the Northwest Territories as well. As a result of BDIC's assistance, these businesses currently support 944 full-time positions' equivalent in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses must have a healthy...

I'd like to call Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish of committee? Mr. Beaulieu.

Moving forward, and to get some commitment so we have land management to address these issues of contamination, is the Minister willing to support, with my invitation, to have a stakeholders meeting here in Yellowknife, at his office?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As mentioned in my Member's statement, my questions will be to the Minister of Lands. My first one here, Mr. Speaker, is: if any, what has the department done on the industrial waste reclamation file for the northern oilfield? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member's statement is on the Esso Norman Wells reclamation. Mr. Speaker, I produced a discussion paper on this industrial land remediation and reclamation issue last September, and the intent of stewardship responsibilities under devolution.

Mr. Speaker, being responsible and proactive would mean setting up an oversight committee and only show to the federal government, a one third shareholder of the oilfield, and the operator that we take these responsibilities very seriously, but also demonstrate to the rest of the NWT residents.

Mr. Speaker, this reclamation...

I welcome the response. My next question is: will the Minister support an oversight committee? As I mentioned in my previous statements, there's a particular site outside the proven area boundary, so therefore there's a demonstration that oversight is needed outside of the proven area of boundary, which is an obligation to this government. My question is: is the Minister willing to support an oversight committee?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would also like to recognize Rocky Simpson, a business person there from Hay River working hard to provide some homes for my constituents. Thank you.

The BRB, or the Bear River Bridge, as I recall was tendered procured in 2006. Now the Minister is saying 2005. I am a bit confused.

My question is, I understand the department, having mentioned the Bear River Bridge, in preparation for the Bear River Bridge, going back to 2006 and the procurement, there were some materials purchased and some materials produced, more specifically a stockpile south of Tulita for the mixture of concrete, Mr. Speaker. Since the stockpile of gravel that has been destined to be used for the Bear River Bridge project, but right now, while there is no work taking place...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my question is for the Minister of Transportation. Can the Minister please provide the status of the federal application for the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway between Fort Wrigley and Norman Wells? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.