Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in an unusual circumstance here, I gave the Minister a head's up on this particular one, so the Minister of housing won't be surprised on my question because it's so important we can't miss this opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, the question is about helping Northern United Place on their renewal project. They have obtained loans and processes all on their own, and all they require is housing to support them as a backstop to help underwrite the loans, the million dollars of loans they are potentially receiving. So, Mr. Speaker, would the Minister direct her...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If we had more session days, I would have liked to have used my time or opportunity to talk about NWT Housing and how they could get behind the NUP Renewal Project where they supply 125 residential affordable units to people desperate for affordable housing. They're doing it at a low carbon update, and all it would take is some backing to support their initiative. And by the way, for the record, the deadline is tomorrow to get behind that, for the Minister.

Mr. Speaker, if we had more time, I would like to talk about the health Minister and how she could get behind all...

Not a problem, Mr. Speaker. Not a problem.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, October 17th, 2025, I will move the motion already read earlier today; is that correct? Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, October 16th, 2025, I will move the following motion:

Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member from Tu Nedhe, that the Legislative Assembly recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories reimburse Avens $400,000, which is the portion of costs incurred from their assistance to the government during the 2023 Wildfire Evacuation, and it is not covered by the federal disaster fund;

And furthermore, that the Government of the Northwest Territories, in its response to the 2023 Wildfire Emergency Response...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't think you could say it enough. Thank you to the first responders up here in our gallery today. I also see some RCMP members, so I want to make sure that they are recognized as well as the firefighters. These are callings and special people answer that call, so thank you and much appreciated. So to all of you, thank you.

Lastly, but certainly not least, I wish to acknowledge the Testart-Marshall family. Yesterday I think I acknowledged my colleague's spouse for being the brilliance. I would also, then, will have to have a conversation later about some of his less...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm not really hearing the government wants to do anything other than wait. Are they going -- is the plan to wait and sit this out, or is the plan to actually engage and try to put better options on the table so businesses, the community, will feel safe again, Mr. Speaker, and a responsible place for them to go could be quickly identified on NWT lands. Will the Minister -- or sorry, will the Premier step up, maybe even meet with these people, and to have this conversation? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On a similar topic or same topic as the previous Speaker, I don't share her points of view very closely although I do share the humanity of the issue. I want to say that undoubtedly. Mr. Speaker, I feel that what's important to stress before I get to my question is I may be critical of this government but at times, defined as spicy, but I feel something's being missed in this articulation.

To imply that there isn't shelter options or shelter -- the shelters are full, there isn't to imply there's treatment or counselling supports aren't available, there's food available...

Mr. Speaker, although I would like to influence the outcome, that's not my question. My question is about pausing this to ensure there's a rigorous review before an awarding of a contract so there will be no necessity for legal action to work their way through this because, as I highlighted, the details are a little questionable. Would the Minister clarify for the House that she'll ensure the official awarding of the contract won't be done until there's a rigorous review of the numbers and their calculations? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives great pleasure to recognize, through you, to the House; I have several guests to acknowledge. First of all, I'd like to recognize Todd Cook. He happens to be the president and CEO of Northview Residential REIT. He's up there in the gallery. Sitting next to him is Linay Freda. I believe she is the vice-president of operations. And she's there as well. And next to her is a face many of us will know around this room, but certainly in the community, is Ms. Colleen Wellborn. She is the local, so the northern regional director here for Northview. And I want to give...

Mr. Speaker, what is the plan to communicate this to Members and the public, and is there a way to get this sorted out before the weekend? Because we have them steeling fences now, and it's been reported to the RCMP. I have the file number. Mr. Speaker, is there a way to get this into action before the weekend before more destruction and safety become compromised? Thank you.