Kieron Testart

I might disagree with the Minister, but we will have to wait to see what occurs should the appropriation move forward.

Now, if there is a change in the collective agreement, my understanding is that nonunionized employees' compensation is typically matched to what is set out in the collective agreement. If a collective agreement comes into effect with a more generous compensation rate than the 1 per cent increase contemplated here, will the Minister move to increase the compensation for nonunionized employees? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am on page 13. There is a list of projects under tourism and parks. I am particularly interested in the K1 Kitchen Shelter Replacement. The line item is $304,000, which seems to be quite high, considering the replacement of the manager's residence in Kakisa is only $200,000. I have been to at least one of the kitchen shelters in the park, and I am just wondering if we can get some justification on the value for money for this project. I mean, it seems very, very high. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to move to item 13, reports of committees on the review of bills, on the orders of the day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Not to say that, if there is a security deficiency or something like that that needs to get done, it should not get done. All I am saying is that, if we are going to commit to a new planning study, we should be considering a new building before we throw money, more money, into the rented building. That just quite frankly is not good value for money when you look at it over time, and studies have been done on this. So I am content with that, and I am content that the Minister is not spending any more money than he has to on this project. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Underwater resources, there is funding for the Taiga Lab Equipment Project. The notes here say the funding wasn't expended in 2017-2018, and the offsetting amount lapsed in 2017-2018, as well. Can we get clarification on the delays related to this project? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address perhaps the greatest social issue affecting the Northwest Territories: the crisis of addiction, substance abuse, and chronic mental health problems.

I first want to acknowledge the work of the Standing Committee on Social Development and the efforts undertaken by the honourable Minister of Health and Social Services to review our current addictions treatment options and in working together to make progress on this continuing problem. However, the honourable Members of this House are not alone in their diligent efforts to make a difference in this government...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that from the Minister, and I certainly appreciate that a great deal of effort goes into these reviews because it is a significant expenditure of taxpayer money.

Just on this, I don't have an issue with the work being done. I recognize that it's important, but, again, I have raised the concern on continuing to modify a rented facility, which is the courthouse. Can the Minister just confirm that we are still moving along with a planning study for a new courthouse building or a stand-alone courthouse building?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Not to get into detail at this point, but there are a number of road projects or the Stanton Territorial Hospital that are reflected in some of these carry-overs. Are those projects experiencing any delays because of the carry-overs? I mean the ones where the work has already been undertaken. Thank you.

Thank you to the Minister. I'm glad that that contribution is remaining and is consistent on that. The former visitors centre is still in its previous location on our otherwise pristine capital grounds here. Can the Minister advise on what the plan for the old building is? Are we tearing it down, are we going to salvage the structure, and who is going to pay for it at the end of the day?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, visitors centre-related activities here in the City of Yellowknife have been handled by the municipal government, and they have done a great job. They have even gone so far as to reach out to Behchoko and to the Yellowknives Dene to develop a shared tourism product. They are already finding ways not just to offer opportunities here but throughout the Northwest Territories. What they lack is a visitors centre.

I would like to ask the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment how the department is working with the City of Yellowknife to deliver a tourism...