Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, may I remind Members, back in 1999, the GNWT split into two and Nunavut became their own territory. But, Mr. Speaker, since that time, we continue to share the same licence plate. Mr. Speaker, our licence plate, as well as theirs, says "Explore Canada's Arctic." I wrote a letter to the Minister of Transportation to say is this relevant, does this need to be looked at? I've also talked to the NWT Tourism Association and they think it's an important issue to at least examine and discuss. Can I ask the Minister of Transportation what has he done on this...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Premier further outlining this process, but I would like to encourage him to not wait until the next table. We can probably deal with this as a side table issue because we have cottage country within reach of Yellowknife that we could get lawful people out there enjoying summer, enjoying winter, whatever the case may be. Mr. Speaker, can the Premier explain what enforcement means, because he just hinted that there would be some enforcement, and how will it be monitored. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my statement today, I spoke about the issue of recreational land availability around Yellowknife, in particular the Ingraham Trail. The issue, as I see it, needs to move forward and it’s an important issue. I would like to direct my questions to the Premier because it involves multi levels of government.

Mr. Speaker, is the Premier aware of any interim agreement or negotiations going on between DIAND, the Akaitcho, the GNWT to resolve the issue of squatters in and around Yellowknife because there is little enforcement and, further, is there any commitment...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise again to speak to the issue of squatters and land availability in the Yellowknife area. We know there is a big demand for recreational properties. We also know that because no new leases have been made available for many years, some people have helped themselves and went out to build structures, some more permanent than others, without permission or further legal right to be out there on that land. The area around the Ingraham Trail is particularly affected by these so-called trespassers or even squatters. There have been many previous debates in this House...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Northstar is a local organization that, as of recently, used to offer assistance to our employees through the Employee Family Assistance Program. They lost the contract and, Mr. Speaker, sometimes it’s a reality that comes to the competitive bid process. However, they lost it to a southern firm, a national firm that, in my opinion, misrepresented themselves with key information that I believe underpins their bid. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Human Resources who is truly aware of this issue and the circumstances under what’s going on....

Mr. Chairman, could I get some details as far as with this RV campground planning and development. Is this the Folk on the Rocks site money and, if so, is that proceeding? Maybe I can get some details first on what is that $140,000. Thanks.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is the Minister willing to direct the department and the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority to do everything within its power to make sure that all contract negotiations are concluded before the summer months? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That just seems too good to be true. Is he saying that even with the increase in the power bill, the offsetting difference between what is estimated for the fuel price and that, that we would be able to pay for this project within three to five years? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I outlined in my Member’s statement today, I have concerns with the status of the negotiations that are going on at Aven Manor here in Yellowknife. I also mentioned the concern of the level of support the department is providing the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority in conducting those negotiations. Can the Minister inform the Assembly on the status of the negotiations with the union representing the workers at Aven Manor here? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the detailed information from the Minister. I thought he was running the clock on me. Mr. Chair, I thought, if I understand it correctly, the Akaitcho are going to run a water summit coming up here. I am not sure why the Minister would want to be running one as well. I don’t know if he is competing or enhancing it some other way, but I am just curious on this technical advisor detail and then you went on further to talk about the impacts of oil sands. I am surprised you are not going off to an area in discussion that talks about reaching CPAWS and things...