Robert Hawkins

Thanks, Mr. Chairman. I think I’ll use the occasion to clear up the record officially. That was my picture I gave to Mr. Yakeleya. And he can’t speak after me because he’s already spoken.

Mr. Chairman, I’ll be voting in favour of this motion. I support this initiative and I look forward to further discussions about seeing how we can make sure an idea such as this, that seems to be common sense, we can get off the ground and get proven results, which I’m not sure further studies need to be done. Thank you.

I am actually appreciative that the Minister mentioned drums. I think at one time I suggested putting a finder’s fee on that. I’m sure I’m not the only one that has mentioned that over the years about a finder’s fee on those drums, whether they are worth $50 or $100. When people travel out on the land, they can throw them in whatever. They can take a boat, whether it is a truck or a plane, they can throw a few in and certainly they can supplement some of the gas they need to get out there.

That said, the Minister had mentioned next on the list, as always, when do we think that this will be a...

Thank you, Madam Chair. It’s a great pleasure to provide a few opening comments to the Minister. I guess I would start off with this, although it’s been mentioned. I will be brief.

The department I think needs, from a forward thinking point of view, to develop a fracking strategy from the Environment and Natural Resources perspective. I know that as a Member on the Economic Development and Infrastructure committee, the environment issues are constantly brought up. We have to find ways to steward ourselves that balance the needs of infrastructure and development in the context of appreciation...

Thank you. A seniors’ charter would be a mission statement of this government on its principles and support for its seniors. Does the Minister believe in that type of concept and ideals? Would he lead this initiative? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, in a coordinating fashion, how do we know we’re meeting the needs of seniors? How do we measure this? How do we understand this and what type of relationship fashion is set up to ensure that the messages, their needs, are being communicated to the government? Is it the responsibility of this Minister? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s no surprise to Members that I’m a big supporter and champion of seniors’ issues and certainly their rights. In the 16th Assembly, I brought up the issue of an NWT Seniors’ Charter. In my belief, it would complement the work here that we do in the Assembly. It would serve as a mission statement as to how the government sets out its commitment, well-being and support for quality living with seniors.

My question for the Minister responsible for Seniors is: What does he use for his guiding principle and mandate to build and work within a relationship with NWT seniors to...

Mr. Chair, I don’t really have any more questions on this page, but I did want to make it clear that it is not that I am against solar energy. It is just that I think it is the least practical of them considering the infrastructure costs. That said, I do also agree with the Minister’s point, which is that technology is getting cheaper all the time, but my view is, and I still maintain let’s do the things we do very well and biomass is certainly a hallmark of quality work with good benefits at a great price. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Under infrastructure investment summary this would be a great opportunity to ask my question about the tire shredder. I think he missed it and I was quite devastated to hear how easily it was skipped over.

In essence, this issue has been raised repeatedly in this Assembly and certainly in committee, not only by myself but with Member Groenewegen on the same song sheet.

How does the Minister feel the NWT can meet that need by looking into that type of infrastructure investment? Thank you.

I’m sorry, but I’m just not seeing it. The hoping that every department steps up to the plate still misses the coordinating role. It’s like an orchestra. We need a conductor to ensure everyone is playing the same tune. Sure, they all play wonderful instruments that are polished nice and they practice on their own, but the reality is, without that person tapping on the music and causing it to come together properly, it doesn’t have that element.

Here is a good example of the fact that no one is in charge of this particular thing. It’s all left up to the deputies by saying, don’t worry, you’re on...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to use the opportunity today to talk about a January 7th letter I wrote to Mr. Miltenberger regarding a Financial Administration Manual breach of 3307. It refers to aircraft chartering.

In my January 7th letter I wrote to Mr. Miltenberger and said that it looks like Mr. Ramsay led a charter to Fort Providence and several Members attended that. According to Mr. Ramsay’s November 19th letter, he encouraged Members to bring family members along. Although it was an occasion to celebrate – and that should not be forgotten on this occasion – the letter did not sort of...