Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to say on record, I spoke to an operator not even a week ago about this and they were quite enthused that the Tourism Act was coming before the Assembly, and I even sent them a copy just the other day now that it's printed for the public. That was one of their concerns, about the operators paying or remitting fees. So I just want to make sure that the Minister is well aware that there are operators following this issue and they're looking forward to the Minister finally dealing with this in a firm a clear way. So I appreciate the Minister. No question...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Maybe I will respect the fact that the Minister didn’t mention the name, so maybe I will be cautious at this stage of this next question. If he wishes to mention it, I will leave it up to him. Mr. Speaker, this type of new pilot project initiative about getting potentially a lawyer out there into the community, into an area where people need legal services most, people need advice on what to do. We are talking about people who are at the most risk situation and helping them get out of those terrible situations. So, Mr. Speaker, when does the Minister of Justice see...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to talk about the effects of the recent cuts by the federal government and what those effects will have on volunteer NWT as well as the rest of the volunteer sector, Mr. Speaker. This Assembly has recognized the contributions of volunteers and how it plays a significant role in improving our social, economic, cultural, and environmental conditions throughout our North. We are aware of how much they enhance our quality of life in the NWT and they contribute to our economy approximately $50 million, Mr. Speaker.

In March 2005 the Premier signed the GNWT...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I was referring to in my Member’s statement today, the people of the NWT contribute to Canada. This is an amazing country and we do our share, Mr. Speaker. But respect is a two-way street. So as I pointed out in my little press story that could have been anywhere between yesterday and two years ago, Premier Handley says that we are close. Where are we on this deal? Where are we? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, wish to continue the theme. Mr. Speaker, I ask myself, where are we? Well, I start out by asking that question by reading a quote by Mr. Handley: "We’re close." Now that quote could have been said yesterday. That quote could have been said last week, last month, maybe even two years ago, Mr. Speaker. Because I have heard that the Premier’s office says we’re close. But I can tell you today, if this Premier is able to deliver on a resource revenue agreement I’ll be the first one to put a motion on the floor that we do a Wayne Gretzky statue like in the Rexall with...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm a believer that the citizens of the Northwest Territories should be finally taking control of their own destiny, Mr. Speaker, and that doesn't necessarily mean the revenues from petroleum or minerals, Mr. Speaker, it's about setting a course, a northern course, that we will guide ourselves by our own principles in relationship with the aboriginal governments, Mr. Speaker. I've been a supporter of that, I always have and I always believe that the Northwest Territories government will play a leadership role in that. As a council is, we build a giant council for our...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, I would like to recognize Mrs. Linda Golding and Mr. Lloyd Henderson. They are both here from NAPEGG and they are here watching from the gallery today because we are reviewing Bill 6, Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act. Thank you for coming.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can I expect that the Education, Culture and Employment Minister would maybe take steps so far as to work with other Ministers across the country? These cuts affect everywhere in Canada. Maybe he could speak to the other Ministers in the other provinces and territories about passing motions in every Legislature across Canada to get the attention of this government. Would this Minister agree to do something like that, again to get the attention of the federal government that every Legislature, every group of people, are concerned about these cuts? Thank...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While I am not glad to hear that the meeting was cancelled, I am glad to hear that the Minister was doing something in the sense of making sure it could go forward. Mr. Speaker, I asked the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment if, assuming that nothing has changed as far as the cuts are concerned, what is the Minister now doing in regards to the literacy cuts so we can get a handle of this situation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that was all well and good and I take it for what it was because it was good. But, Mr. Speaker, I did not hear about building the coalitions and the partnerships, Mr. Speaker. The real ones out there, like building it with the AFN. I heard a great statement by Premier Danny Williams about supporting the Northwest Territories’ right to exert our own control. Mr. Speaker, what is the Premier doing with the provinces in getting them to put forward motions in their Legislatures about it’s time that we get control over our own lands? So, Mr. Speaker, would the...