Daniel McNeely

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise in the House to reply to the budget address. Mr. Speaker, last week we heard the presentation of this Assembly’s budget. As we stand here today, if we turned back the time to last year or last Assembly’s budget deliberations to unwind our current financial position, we would only find ourselves faced in a similar decision about our financial destiny. This budget is based on current challenges to reach balanced financial positions on terms developed by our peers and colleagues across the floor. It is said, and I agree, that the best social programs are wage...

None, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last question is that I look forward to working with the Minister to conclude the schedule so we can have target dates before us here to ensure that these dates are met, and any supports that we can provide from this Assembly to ensure that there's an open and transparent negotiating table in the process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Is this working group going to be looking after the remaining Sahtu communities for their self-government initiatives?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize Dora Grandjambe, Theresa Etchinelle, and Mary Ann Vital. Welcome to the Assembly. Members of our home riding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I'll ask again, which program is designated for firebreaks?

On the same page, page 96, Mr. Chair, just clarification on the $75,000 designated for wildfire risk and management plans. Is the definition of this program for firebreaks around communities? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, I'm back, Mr. Chair. I just want to add to the biomass. Currently underneath construction right now, there's facilities and piles being done in two of the communities, one in Fort Good Hope to support the biomass structure there for the school and the school in Tulita, as well, and there's a number of buildings and a storage facility, a yard storing pellets to supply the need. Now, if the principle on savings is going to see this government realize benefits such as we are currently seeing on the solar panel project in Colville Lake, I think we should strongly consider continuous support...

If things are underway and going smoothly, can I get a copy of the negotiating schedule, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I ask the Minister responsible for self-government, Mr. Bob McLeod, on the preparation initiatives underway from the pre-implementation leading up to the Deline self-government in the next two and a half months. What undertaking is underway to assure this Assembly there's going to be a smooth transition? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.