Kieron Testart

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So in the TCSA, does the Minister have the breakdown on who's being -- which contracts are present at the TCSA out of those agency nurses, paramedics, and pharmacies; is it all three or just one or two or whatever? Maybe more detail, please. Thank you.

Thank you. Well, these estimates reflect the budget we passed last year, is that correct? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 6.2(14) to withdraw Motion 71 although debate has already begun. Thank you.

Thank you. Can the witness repeat the surplus for extended health benefits. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when will the Minister have access to NTHSSA's budget? Thank you.

I think that's a very optimistic pitch, and I'm sure our -- the agencies would like that. I might disagree on some of the finer points. So let's say worst case scenario, we don't get the increase for whatever reason, you know, there's a bizarre snap election, treasury board doesn't get their stuff done, we got to wait until there's a new government and a new election -- national election. What happens if we hit that debt wall; what's the process that happens afterwards? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. And, you know, I commend the government for stepping up and providing this benefit when -- instead of just not -- no one providing it at all. Has the health department or intergovernmental affairs started negotiating on this or raised the issue that this -- these benefits should be paid for by Ottawa and not by Yellowknife? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT has been sustained since time immemorial on the traditional economies of First Peoples who harvested the fur, fish, timber, and other natural resources that our land is rich in. But as our economy has grown, so has the needs of our labour market, and immigration has become an important part of our story. This is how the Northwest Territories has built a diverse community that it boasts today, because of this welcoming nature of our people that has encouraged migration from every corner of the world. From France to the Philippines, Lebanon to India, these people come to...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, so I'm not going to say we shouldn't be spending money to lower the cost of living for Northerners, but it seems like this is kind of an endless cycle we're trapped in with the rate of -- the high cost of power in the Northwest Territories. So my first question is how much -- what's the total amount of money we provide for subsidies to consumers for their utility costs? Thank you.

Thank you. No, I appreciate the offer from the Minister but I don't -- I think the point is made. This is -- and it's not like -- I get it if it was like, well, we went to $40 million and we budgeted for $35 million, or $38 million or $50 million or even $60 million, but it's $188 million, and we're suppose -- we budgeted $35, right, so like this is -- I think -- you got to think of what the average reader who is looking at these documents sees and thinks about our financial process. And, again, when they hear we've got to belt tighten because we can't -- our expenditures are exceeding our...