Robert Hawkins

I appreciate the answer from the Minister. The remainder balance, just to be clear on the record, because I’m not sure it’s an O and M supp question, I’d like to know officially how much that is allocated to and if the Minister could explain to me the policy by which the money was to be spent. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It was my understanding that there was a lot more money transferred to the Legislative Assembly by, I’m not sure what we call it, the Board of Governance; I’ve forgotten what it is called, the name. Sorry, thank you, the Building Fund. So the Building Fund, how much was fully forwarded to the Government of the Northwest Territories as an appropriation to the Building Fund? They wrote a cheque and I want to sort of start cross-referencing the number being spent or allocated today. Thank you.

Has the Minister of MACA ever gone to the FMB Cabinet table to fight for 911 and is he able to prove that for a fact? A lot of Northerners in this city and across the territory all feel that this issue continues to get dusted off and ignored. Thank you.

Thank you. Maybe the Minister could elaborate. The 911 issue has been brought up no less than 13 occasions in this Legislature and it was always hinging on being able to reach out to the communities and cell phone services. So I’d like the Minister to actually explain to this House what does he mean by he’s looking into this. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think we’re going to fight over Karen here because I thought she lives downtown. With that said, she is certainly worthy of the prize to fight for; she is such a great lady. I want to start off by recognizing Karen Wright-Fraser. She is known for a lot of things, not particularly because she worked with me a long time ago, but she is a talented artist in her own right and very well renowned. Her skill is amazing and she has great talent at keeping her traditional life.

The other constituent that I’d like to acknowledge, and who has been acknowledged several times...

My apologies, Mr. Speaker. That was my intent when I said I apologize to this House sincerely and fully, and with that, I withdraw my remarks. My apologies for missing that last piece. It was not intended in any other manner.

The Finance Minister is the one who has to carry this file and it’s unfortunate that he has to carry this file, which really isn’t his file to carry. It should have been handled, rightly so, by the Building Society. If they had provided a letter saying they supported this or not…They weren’t kept in the dark. To suggest that they are coming to the dinner is almost like the spider saying to the fly, come to dinner. I’m sorry, making them culpable by saying they will be there by dinner, don’t worry, we’re all one, doesn’t cut it for me. I don’t think it’s doing our job.

I shame all the MLAs who...

Sorry, Mr. Speaker. It’s hard to hear you over Mrs. Groenewegen, who keeps talking. I missed what you said.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m glad to hear we have Mr. Dolynny on board with this particular matter and I’m happy to welcome anybody else who wants to join this side the of perspective.

Quite frankly, I’m concerned on how we’re proceeding. This is not directed to the stewardship or the mentorship of the Minister who has to carry this through, shepherd it through, this requirement and spending bill, which is, of course, the way we do business, which is, in essence, law; but the reality here I’m suffering from is the full appreciation when I hear the spirit and intent and a legal opinion and all...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Actually, I thought about this over the weekend and wondered how you would rule on this particular item. Obviously, I was hoping you would rule on my area, but your wisdom and guidance of the documentation before you has led you to your decision today and that I will respect.

Mr. Speaker, in short, I find it unimaginable how to take back…