Denny Rodgers

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I agree, but as the Minister knows, SEED funding does not cover core funding and it would be good for the governance, absolutely to get that, but this is a volunteer board. Can the Minister commit to once again bring this up with the chair of Aurora College -- I had asked for that back on February 9th -- to implore him to find a way to -- and the board, to keep this centre open for another year so they can find a way to keep it open forever. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on February 9th, I gave a Member's statement on the Innovate Centre in Inuvik and the dire situation that it's in and requested that the Minister speak with the chair of Aurora College to look at continuing the funding.

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of ECE. I guess my first question is, is she aware that they've now been given notice that the funding will be done at the end of March and the Innovate Centre is to shut down maybe, Mr. Speaker, forever. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, again, thank you for that great news. Certainly desperately needed.

My final question, Mr. Speaker, part of that funding as well was for M&I funding for repairs and maintenance, which, again, was desperately needed in our community as many others. Can the Minister update on how the M&I funding has been rolling out and how we're proceeding with our repairs and maintenance up there as well? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions aren't on curling today; my questions are for the Minister of Housing NWT.

Mr. Speaker, with the continued shortage of homes in Inuvik, with the long waitlist still at the LHO there, and with of course the funding that was approved last year in the budget, can the Minister update on any plans currently in place for Inuvik with our new builds up there? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, beginning tomorrow, Curling NWT and the Yellowknife Curling Club will be hosting the 6th annual Rock the Rings Curling Festival. This event is intended to introduce NWT youth to the roaring sport of curling in various under 12, under 15, and under 20 divisions.

Approximately 65 youths from Yellowknife, Hay River, Inuvik, Tsiigehtchic will be curling, bowling, swimming, and having a rocking time, Mr. Speaker. Nearly half the participants will be from my home community of Inuvik. In fact, I've been told that Inuvik has fared quite well at the event over the...

Yeah, that's great, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for that. So is the Premier able to maybe share some of that information he had and some of the topics that were discussed with director Gillis and Ms. Darling as well? I noticed that Ms. Darling was also in the building yesterday. Maybe there was something around LNG. But can he share that with us, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, now that there's new leadership at the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, my question is for our Premier. And has the Premier reached out and taken steps to renew that -- or his relationship and our relationship with Inuvialuit Regional Corporation? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Minister. That is, indeed, excellent news. I am sure the residents will feel the same.

Beyond that project, which again is a significant project, does the Housing NWT have any additional future plans beyond that once that project is complete, and as the Minister says, on the Blueberry Patch? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Member from Range Lake who moved this motion, created the motion, as well as the Member from Monfwi. I won't reiterate all the passionate and eloquent things that have been said on this motion. Simply to say, Mr. Speaker, as a leader, as a legislator, as a father, I strongly support this motion, and I would hope that everybody in this building will do the same. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the committee wishes to consider Tabled Document 448-20(1), 2026-2027 Main Estimates, the departments of Executive and Indigenous Affairs and the Department of Housing Northwest Territories. Thank you, Madam Chair.