Daniel McNeely

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Minister for the update. Critical to the mobilization for these three pieces of modulars are -- my understanding and looking at the information the Minister provided is two of these modulars are extremely wide and extremely long. It would be 24 feet wide to be specific. And knowing the windy blind spots on the winter road, will the Minister commit to working with the counterpart for Minister of Infrastructure on minimizing preparatory measures for the transportation such as additional resources to flood the three river crossings to ensure that safety...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Economy related, Mr. Speaker. The potential of the Mackenzie Valley Highway presents boundless business opportunities for small businesses in the Northwest Territories, recognizing that Small Business Week starts this coming Sunday, October the 19th to October the 25th. I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage all entrepreneurs and small business owners across the Northwest Territories to participate in this important celebration for entrepreneurialship. Small Business Week is Canada's entrepreneurial celebration, and it offers valuable opportunities for the...

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.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Welcome back, colleagues. I hope everybody had a wonderful and productive summer. I know I did.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to share some positive news from the Sahtu. First of all, our region's graduation season saw a record 28 students complete their studies. This achievement reflects not only the hard work and dedication of these young people, but also the unwavering support of their families, educators, and the community, and the community leaders. It's a testament to the bright future of the Sahtu region.

Mr. Speaker, in July, the community of Norman Wells, joined by the NWT...

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.