Robert Hawkins

Mr. Speaker, I read every word in this letter very closely. I did not see we’re big business, we need a big pass. What it says is we see opportunity and we need a partner. Mr. Speaker, would the Premier commit to updating us on progress on all of these initiatives outlined by the Burgundy letter in a way that even Members can see where we can help support this industry to employ Northerners and to help continue to make the territories an economically viable place to live and work. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just briefly I want to thank the committee on their work and, of course, acknowledge the future work on this particular initiative. That said, under recommendation number 2 I just want to make a quick observation. This is an area I've seen for years, which is an opportunity for the chief electoral officer to engage with others -- other partners. This one specifically notes the NWT Association of Communities. I certainly support that. And I would also say there's a great opportunity to bolster and support the elections office by seeing if we could partner with...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The reason I'm going to the Premier is, first, he's the head of the government in the context of Cabinet; it also sews over many departments and it's difficult -- I'd be here for weeks and months if not trying to get every Minister through the cycle of asking questions hence I'm trying to point them.

So what type of Cabinet direction is being provided or what could be provided with respect to the concerns raised? I could go through them. I think the Premier's well versed in them or at least aware of them, generally speaking. But I want to emphasize just on one micro...

Mr. Speaker, by saying I would never be petty implies I am being petty. And as such, I leave it for the House to make the decision. I think the most honourable thing, and request I'm asking for, is an acknowledgement that that phrase targeted me was inappropriate, and I would accept any apology if given or whatever decision of the House seems appropriate. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, it could never be said enough that our interpreters and translators do an important job, and sometimes I don't know how they keep up with us when we get going but acknowledging one particular translator, Ms. Sarah Cleary, she's a constituent and she's a translator extraordinaire, grateful for her services and her kind friendship. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my written question is for the Premier is with respect to cost of living impacting all Northerners; and further, what action or actions being taken by this government, and the previous government, covering the last two years prior to Cabinet assuming office in December 2023.

As we all know, Mr. Speaker, the cost of living has impacted all residents either directly or indirectly and the government plays a role in helping its citizens in whatever form it can. Lowing taxes, reducing the cost of any program/service or eliminating certain fees would make the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Maybe the Minister can speak to what the timelines actually mean when they refer to transformation. Because when I tell the public they're transforming, nobody really knows what that means. And definitions and wording mean everything hence can the Minister explain what transforming from the intent of an Aurora College into a polytech means in a manner that the public can appreciate, because a lot of people are really confused by that definition. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have one written question here for the House.

My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services with respect to doctor and specialist positions, including their individual current staffing status in the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority.

Furthermore, my detailed questions are targeting the specific position type, and for guidance as an example, such as oncologist or general practitioner, where each of these positions are located, either at Stanton or elsewhere, and lastly, the expectation is to fully understand the position staffing...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One parent told me that they have to find a way to help fund the support worker to allow their child to be part of a summer program. So whether you're sending your child to a soccer camp or some other type of initiative like that, parents are paying out of their pocket. Is there any way the department can take this message back -- sorry, the Minister can take the message back to the department and say maybe there's ways we can help support and fund summer jobs programs so we can help expand these opportunities to these families and desperately excitable and engaging...

All right, Mr. Speaker. My questions will be to the Minister of education regarding autism supports.

Mr. Speaker, I'm aware of the inclusion program that they have within the program, an application-based program, but often I hear from working parents, Mr. Speaker, professionals, that they can no longer live here in the territory where they're struggling to take so much time off of work, whether it's for after school -- lack of after school programs, whether it's days off of school, short days, SIP days, you know, you name it. These families are reliant on the goodwill of their employers and...