Good afternoon,

colleagues. Welcome back to the House. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bob McLeod.

Mr. Speaker, following up

on the Premier’s sessional statement, the 16th Legislative Assembly has a vision that is characterized by the title Northerners Working Together. As legislators,, we have stated that our goal, in part, is a vibrant and flourishing economy that will mean more choices for our people and more opportunities for our businesses. Supporting the growth of the Northwest Territories economy is work that, in large part, falls on the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. This includes supporting the groundwork of that environment in which to advance resource and economic development and maximize opportunities for Northwest Territories residents. Thanks to investment in our diamond industry and oil and gas potential, we have experienced an unprecedented level of economic growth and with it extraordinary opportunities for people and our businesses. In particular, through the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office, we are supporting the government participation and the development of the Mackenzie Gas Project. The socio-economic agreements that we have negotiated for the Mackenzie Gas Project, like those negotiated with each of the operating diamond mines, will ensure employment, training, procurement and value-added opportunities for Northwest Territories residents and aboriginal corporations. To date, our socio-economic agreements have resulted in significant contributions to the evolution and growth of our Territory’s business sector and are supporting the formation and joint partner

ventures that allow residents to be full participants in our region’s economic activity. We continue to solicit industry investment in the Northwest Territories and while we are working to establish the development climate of clarity, consistency and certainty required to attract exploration and investment, we are also working to protect and sustain the economic capacity that we have built. We want to preserve and maintain the potential that exists in our people, our businesses and our communities. Last fall we introduced a new Support for Entrepreneurs for Economic Development, or SEED, Policy. It is a policy that focuses on the needs of our clients, works more effectively with banks and other partners and incorporates a streamlined and simple approach. We have increased our investment in this policy to a total of $3.2 million this year, just one part of the $23.5 million that will be directed to Northerners and northern businesses and organizations as grants and contributions in support of our economic agenda. The Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation and our Community Futures organizations are also resources that we have funded to ensure the availability of capital for businesses here. Of course we cannot have a healthy business community without people. People empower our businesses and provide the market for goods and services that will create more businesses. We are continuing to invest in ways to attract and retain people to our Territory. The collaborative approach that we have initiated with our Territory’s diamond mines is one framework that has been put in place to develop the skills and capacities of Northwest Territories residents to meet the needs of our industry and attract even more new residents to the Northwest Territories. We will also take advantage of opportunities presented by the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver next year to promote Canada’s North and specifically the Northwest Territories. These initiatives and our Northern Marketing Campaign will ensure the message gets out that the Northwest Territories is a great place to visit, live, work, and invest.

Meanwhile, we are working to balance our government’s efforts to promote sustainable opportunities in the energy, mines, and petroleum resource sectors with initiatives to diversify the economy through tourism, agriculture, commercial fishing, the traditional economy, manufacturing, and secondary industries. In the long run, promoting a diversified economy will provide for greater future stability in all kinds of economic cycles. To this end we are working to develop initiatives and approaches that add value to our business products and services and broaden the knowledge, skills and creativity of our residents. More than any other investment, tourism holds the potential to advance and develop a myriad of jobs, business opportunities, and benefits in just about every corner of our Territory. Our programs and initiatives are helping industry operators invest in new products and market opportunities. We’re enhancing and improving our system of NWT parks and information facilities, investing in the production of traditional arts and fine crafts, branding and promoting the products and creations of our artisan community, and seeking out unique and innovative ways to market the NWT as a tourism destination of choice, one that is in demand by international travelers, Canadians, and Northerners. While the Northwest Territories’ natural beauty is a magnet for tourists, it’s a renewable resource in another sense too. Northern rivers and lakes have the potential to generate not just clean and reliable energy, but opportunities for partnership with aboriginal and community groups to develop this power and infrastructure that comes with it. In support of the government’s work to reduce the cost of living for Northwest Territories residents, we are working to change the way we produce and consume energy in the Northwest Territories. In the long term, these investments will make a critical difference in the cost of living and sustainability of our smaller communities and will reduce emissions. We are also conducting a review of the Northwest Territories electricity system. The Electricity Review Team has now heard residents’ views on electrical rates, regulation, and subsidy programs. This discussion will help us ensure that the electricity system reflects the values of our residents while providing the most reliable power at the most affordable price. The team will release a public discussion report on what they heard from communities within the next month. A final report with recommendations from the review team will be released late summer. The Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee, working with all Members through the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning, will develop a GNWT Response to Recommendations and Implementation Plan, to be released later this fall.

The Northwest Territories is blessed with a tremendous resource base. The Territory has been endowed with an abundance of natural mineral and petroleum resources, and at the same time its natural beauty is unparalleled. These are the Northwest Territories competitive advantages. As we work to advance the vision and goals of the 16th Assembly, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is working to advance these attributes to maximize opportunities for our residents and reduce the cost of living in our Territory.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The

honourable Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Speaker,

as part of the 16th Legislative Assembly’s vision and

priorities, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is responsible for ensuring our environment will sustain present and future generations. The Government of the Northwest Territories has outlined a number of strategic initiatives to ensure residents of the NWT can continue to enjoy a prosperous and sustainable environment. The environment is of great importance to the people of the Northwest Territories. While residents are fortunate to have clean air and water and productive forest, land, and wildlife, pressures exist that must be monitored and mitigated. Climate change, for example, is a growing concern that can significantly disrupt our environment and affect the ability of Northerners to lead healthy and productive lives. Increased human activities, changes to the world economy, and increasing pressures on NWT resources are also affecting the NWT environment. ENR continues to work with partners on protecting territorial waters. Through continued discussion with communities and aboriginal organizations, a draft NWT Water Management Strategy is being developed to define a comprehensive, collaborative approach for the NWT. Recognizing that land and water cannot be separated, ENR has created a land and water unit to integrate our effort in land use planning, protected areas, and water stewardship. ENR continues to support residents, businesses, and communities to reduce energy consumption and implement alternative energy solutions. Conservation programs, direct consumer rebates, and enhanced support for the Arctic Energy Alliance has made the NWT one of the most progressive jurisdictions in Canada in this area. Our Energy Efficiency Incentive Program, for example, provided a total of 763 rebate cheques, creating

$551,000 in energy savings and 1,800 tonnes of CO2 reductions. We are also taking action to develop wind energy resources in the NWT. Plans are underway to have four wind turbines installed and operational in Tuktoyaktuk by the summer of 2011. Twenty percent of Tuktoyaktuk’s annual electricity needs could be met with a four-turbine configuration. The project will save 88,000 litres of diesel per year and will result in a reduction of 247 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions during each year of operation. Monitoring in Paulatuk, Ulukhaktok, and Sachs Harbour show that these communities are good candidates for subsequent wind turbine installations. A Biomass Strategy will be prepared to guide increased use of biomass energy in the Northwest Territories. The strategy will, amongst other things, discuss the efficient use of firewood and wood pellets to heat homes and businesses. Over the summer months ENR will also investigate options around creating wood pellets and chips right here in the Northwest Territories, further reducing our reliance on imported oil. ENR is preparing a draft NWT climate change adaptation paper to be released this summer. The adaptation plan proposes new actions to support communities and regions in their efforts to address problems caused by climate change. Consultation with communities and regions will be a key component of this plan. ENR continues to work with its management partners to manage wildlife populations. An NWT Bison Management Strategy was completed and consultations with residents, aboriginal governments, and interested parties are underway. A revised NWT Action Plan for Boreal Caribou is complete and being sent to co-management boards for approval. ENR also worked closely with land claim organizations and wildlife co-management boards to draft the Species at Risk legislation using a collaborative drafting process. The new Wildlife Act will be developed using the same collaborative working group process. To better inform users and to help ensure the environment remains sustainable, the department has developed the first ever State of the Environment Report. This initiative will help keep residents and decision-makers informed on the state of our environment, biodiversity, and natural resources in our Territory. Later this afternoon I will be tabling a copy of the highlights of this document from this report. Finally, the department is continuing to expand its waste reduction and recovery programs. A Paper Products Diversion Initiative has been initiated to

investigate and develop creative solutions for diverting paper products from community landfills. In March 2009, a public awareness campaign was launched to encourage voluntary reduction of single use retail bags and, Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that the Beverage Container Program launched in 2005 has diverted almost 82 million beverage containers from our community landfills. These initiatives and others undertaken by ENR help move us towards our mutually agreed upon goals of protecting our water using alternative energy sources, mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our environment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The

honourable Minister of Justice, Mr. Lafferty.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Speaker, I am very proud to announce the first graduation for our new Corrections Northern Recruitment Training Program. The event will be held on June 5th , at 2:00 p.m., at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre auditorium, and I invite all Members of the Legislative Assembly to attend. This six-week program provides the basic skills Northerners need to be eligible for entry level jobs in our correctional facilities in Hay River, Yellowknife, Fort Smith and Inuvik. It is a big part of our long-term Northern Recruitment Plan. We want to provide more opportunities to northern residents and encourage them to consider careers in our justice system. This maximizes opportunities and strengthens the role of communities in prevention and enforcement, especially in dealing with chronic offenders. In total, 12 aboriginal and long-term residents of our Territory will graduate from the program. They have more than just basic knowledge of how to work in corrections; they truly understand what it’s like to work in NWT communities. They’re uniquely qualified to support the reintegration of our offenders back into their communities. This recruitment program ideally positions these Northerners for employment within the correctional service. We are immediately proceeding with staffing actions to fill existing vacant positions for corrections officers and youth officers. All graduates are eligible and certainly encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be hired into jobs that will help with projects like the elder wilderness camp near Fort Good Hope, programs for girls at risk in Inuvik, our full-time adult male camp near Fort Smith, and our special Reintegration Program in the South Mackenzie region.

Mr. Speaker, this is an example of our department taking innovative steps to ensure our workforce reflects the people and communities we serve. We’re strengthening awareness of our northern identity and uniqueness, and we’re building partnerships with community leaders. I often meet with community leaders who have great ideas about how to improve reintegration services and want to see more local people working in our corrections system. This program will continue to assist us in finding interested, qualified northern staff. Our recruitment approach is accessible, relevant and enhances our existing programming. It’s truly made in the North for Northerners, and I look forward to meeting the new graduates at the ceremony. Please join me in congratulating them on their achievements. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The

honourable Minister of Human Resources, Mr. Bob McLeod.

Mr. Speaker, the

Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to increasing the representation of people with disabilities in the public service. The Government of the Northwest Territories Affirmative Action Policy identifies disabled persons as a target group eligible for affirmative action preference. The Standing Committee on Government Operations and Members of this Assembly have also welcomed the Department of Human Resources’ plans to increase the participation of disabled persons within the Government of the Northwest Territories workforce. With this in mind, The Department of Human Resources wants to improve our ability to recruit and retain individuals with disabilities. In order to achieve this goal, the department created the Government of the Northwest Territories Employability Working Group in July 2008. There are nine members of this group, composed of Human Resources staff members. Since its inception, the working group has identified short and long-term priorities based on consultation with stakeholders and has undertaken a number of initiatives. The working group facilitated the visit of a member from the Yukon’s workplace diversity office to Yellowknife in March 2009. The purpose was to explore models from other jurisdictions. Discussions began with the Yukon territorial government. Mr. Jon Breen, manager of the

Yukon’s diversity employment office, met with the working group to discuss the Yukon model. Mr. Breen also delivered sensitivity training workshops to the Department of Human Resources staff and senior management. Disability related issues with recruitment, accommodations and co-worker acceptance were covered in these workshops. As a result, the working group is currently exploring the possibility of further sensitivity training for Government of Northwest Territories staff. The working group has already developed partnerships with various stakeholders and has met with the following groups: • The Northwest Territories Council of Persons

with Disabilities;

•

Yellowknife Association for Community Living;

• Canadian Mental Health Association

(Northwest Territories Branch);

•

Hard of Hearing Association;

•

Taicho Employment Program, part of the Northwest Territories Council of Persons with Disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, the working group also has a designated representative participating on the Disability Steering Committee Partnership. To move things ahead for the Government of Northwest Territories, the working group is examining a number of next steps including setting similar goals to those of the Yukon, and the gathering of baseline data. Sensitivity training and awareness have also been identified as priorities. Longer-term priorities include the development of a recruitment strategy and developing our partnerships further in order to ensure appropriate supports are available for employees with disabilities. Partnerships with non-government organizations will be the key to moving this initiative forward. The Government of the Northwest Territories Employability Working Group is also considering the establishment of a new Northwest Territories Advisory Committee on Disabilities with territorial representatives to explore avenues aimed at increasing the representation of employees in the public service who have disabilities. Members of the committee would be appointed by the deputy minister of Human Resources, upon recommendation of the Deputy Minister Human Resources Committee. The Northwest Territories Advisory Committee on Disabilities would provide advice and make recommendations to the Deputy Minister Human Resources Committee on initiatives that will enhance employment for persons with disabilities within the Government of the Northwest Territories public service. It would work to strengthen relationships with government, non-government

and unions in the areas of human resources management and employment. Finally, the soon to be released human resources document “20/20: A Brilliant North - The NWT Public Service Strategic Plan for the Northwest Territories” will be recommending the creation of a diversity position in the Department of Human Resources which will provide support to the advisory committee. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is an inclusive workplace and it is open for business, and I would like to thank the Members for their ongoing support of this initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod.

Colleagues, before I proceed further on the orders of the day I would like to draw your attention to the public gallery and the presence of a former Member of the House, former Minister, former Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent, is in the House. ---Applause Item 3, Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague Ms. Bisaro yesterday, rose in the House to talk about our Summer Student Employment Program. Mr. Speaker, I think this is an extremely important undertaking of this government to provide opportunities for our students to come back to the Northwest Territories to work for the summer. We talk about our wonderful Student Financial Assistance Program and, yes, that is there, but, Mr. Speaker, if they can supplement the cost of their higher education by working for this government during the summer, it is very important. Mr. Speaker, I was surprised the other day to open a local newspaper and see an advertisement from the Government of Saskatchewan recruiting students in a northern newspaper to come and work for the Government of Saskatchewan. Obviously, they know that there must be some merit in introducing students from other jurisdictions to their province, and they’re probably thinking ahead, and thinking that if they came there to work for the summer and quite liked the place, they might stand a chance of attracting them back at some future time in their life after their education is completed. Mr. Speaker, I think that any students that we can give jobs to for the summer is very good value for money. We get the work done by these young,

energetic employees; we support them in the pursuit of their higher education goals; they develop connections and relationships in the workplace environment that may lead to future employment prospects for them; and we realize some return of service for SFA investment and earlier education investment. Mr. Speaker, I believe that every returning student who is an indigenous Northerner should be treated as a priority hire by this government. Mr. Speaker, later today I will have questions for the Minister of Human Resources about the hiring policy and I hope, as well, Ms. Bisaro’s questions yesterday about the potential for students being hired on the basis of family connections is something that’s going to be looked into, because I don’t want our government to do anything that could potentially discourage our students from feeling like this is their home. This is where they will belong and they will be treated fairly by this government when seeking employment. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen.

The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I

want to talk about the road between Fort Resolution and Pine Point. The monies are in the foreseeable future but we don’t know exactly where we are going to be going, so I would like to address the Minister on that issue. The Minister of Transportation is putting infrastructure dollars into the reconstruction of Highway No. 6. Mr. Speaker, the allocation of capital is sufficient to complete about 50 percent of the highway between what used to be Pine Point and Fort Resolution to the chipseal stage. The department is completing work in the most dangerous part of the highway again. I consider that to be an appropriate response by the government. Mr. Speaker, my contention is the government must complete the reconstruction of Highway No. 6 to 100 percent. The government must put additional money into the infrastructure plan at this coming budget year in order to complete the highway 100 percent. The community of Fort Resolution has in the past very little infrastructure from the government and there is very little infrastructure money in the capital plan for the next five years. More infrastructure money would finish the highway 100 percent, making the people of Fort Resolution feel like the government is concerned about their safety and their cost. Mr. Speaker, this is a very unstable highway, especially at night and during bad weather. In addition, vehicles take a real pounding on that

highway and vehicles don’t last as long as they would driving on other highways compared to this highway making it necessary to replace vehicles long before their due time. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Minister of Transportation on Highway No. 6. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The

honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Today I would like to speak to you about a concern of my constituents from Wrigley. As you know, Wrigley is situated on the Mackenzie River below the entrance of the Wrigley River. The Mackenzie is very swift flowing. For safety reasons, parents can’t let their children swim in the river and it is also too far a distance from the community to be monitored. Wrigley needs an above-ground swimming pool. The GNWT recognizes the importance of sports and recreation and the lack of activities for youth especially in our smaller communities. Recreational facilities such as an above-ground swimming pool can improve the overall health of the community. Everyone in the community can enjoy the swimming pool for swimming lessons, competitions and/or leisure. Wrigley does not have the ability to finance a pool with their capital formula dollars as there are more pressing needs in the community. The GNWT has programs for building above-ground pools in small communities that goes back 30 years, Mr. Speaker. Just recently, Tulita received a pool from such a program. I urge the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs to consider providing Wrigley with an above-ground pool. This will greatly support a more active and healthy lifestyle for youth and residents of the community. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The

honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I

would like to discuss a very sad situation that has come to light about the length of time it has taken for a woman to receive appropriate medical care. The trouble began in December of last year where this individual was experiencing severe migraine headaches. Initially her family doctor thought it was her blood pressure that was the issue. However, she ended up in the emergency ward at Stanton on two separate occasions with severe head pain, where emergency room doctors told her that she

needed to receive a CAT scan as soon as possible. A new family doctor was found, medication prescribed and a CAT scan booked in Edmonton. The CAT scan in Edmonton revealed a brain tumour that obviously needed to be surgically removed. If not removed quickly, that tumour potentially could cause complete blindness. Diagnosis of a brain tumour and a prospect of blindness and brain surgery, as you can imagine, Mr. Speaker, is a very difficult situation for anyone to be put under. The emotional, physical and mental toll it takes on a person is severe. Not only does the individual live with the suffering, her family and loved ones live with watching their mother and wife suffer every day. It has a devastating impact on the family unit. Mr. Speaker, as if this situation was not bad enough, the woman was scheduled to go to Edmonton on May 21st to have surgery to remove

the tumour. Her daughter took unpaid leave to escort her. Her husband took time away from his business at his own expense to be by her side. Another CAT scan was done on the 21st and

surgery was to happen on the 22nd after the CAT

scan. She was advised that the hospital in Edmonton had nothing in their computer regarding surgery. She was told it had been postponed until June. Mr. Speaker, I find it hard to believe that we would subject a woman with a brain tumour, and her family, to the unfathomable position of preparing and being in Edmonton for surgery that doesn’t happen. How is it possible that this can even happen, Mr. Speaker? Why does it take upwards of five months from the discovery of the tumour to have it removed? This should never ever have been allowed to happen, especially to an individual who is already in a fragile emotional, physical and mental state. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The

honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recently in the North there is seen an introduction of yet another airline carrier from the south flying into Yellowknife. Many people call this the milk run, but considering how this impacts the northern part of the Territory, I hardly call it that. The air carriers with two northern presidents serve more communities than only Yellowknife. They serve the entire North and they do it northern style, Mr. Speaker. I recognize that this government balance competition and services all over the North,

but when the two northern air carriers face increasing competition with southern-based carriers, services to the entire North are affected. This government, at the minimum, must monitor and enforce the directives they already have in place so all the government employee and funded organizations use northern-based air carriers. Subcontractors are often excluded from these policies, creating loopholes allowing millions of dollars to leave the North. Subcontractors all over the North working on GNWT projects are using southern-based air carriers to bring in their workers. Secondly, this government must review the policies and procedures or projects they have in place and/or developing; for example, various upgrades to the airline transportation industry. It has not been requested by northern-based air carriers and will allow a result of increased seasonal competition. Lastly, the government must strengthen and support programs such as the BIP, demonstrating support through actions, not just words, to air carriers who are truly committed to the North. Carriers who employ Northerners who contribute to the northern economy and the flights beyond the northern air carrier’s destinations should incorporate northern air carriers as much as possible. What adds insult to injury is the northern carriers have stuck by the North through lean times and we are asked to give some of their already limited space at the airports. Even though these matters are a federal responsibility, the government could take additional steps to work with other governments and agencies to impose conditions on the air carriers in the Territory. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Transportation at the appropriate time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The

honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As many

people know, in this era of global warming and an increased personal responsibility for the environment, many people are now purchasing carbon offset credits to offset their personal lifestyle activities that create greenhouse gas emissions. These people in their own way want to be carbon neutral. For example, when a person travels on a jet, the use of the fuel generates carbon-based emissions. A person can neutralize or offset these emissions by purchasing credits through a specially designated or regulated agency. This agency allocates the purchased funds to support renewable and energy efficient programs. As an example, these funds support the establishment of wind

farms in India and Madagascar and micro-hydro plants in Indonesia. The goal in purchasing offsets is to prevent the equal amount of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere. The agency sponsors projects which contribute positively to the reduction of greenhouse gases. These projects are evidently closely monitored. The most carefully scrutinized offsetting projects with the highest standards are called gold standard. People can access credits, Mr. Speaker, through the Arctic Energy Alliance and they can use their portal called the Carbon Neutral North. This will allow a person to direct their contribution to developing countries on specific projects. The only concern I have and the concern that many others have is supporting global projects that are not within our country of Canada. Mr. Speaker, this is a concern of many. I think that when people want to make an environmentally conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint on their own, we should be encouraging them to purchase carbon offset credits that go to projects here in the North. There is nothing stopping this government from creating a program that could do such a thing here in the North. If anything, we would become more attractive for those trying to do their part to put their efforts and money behind northern activities and support local projects when we talk about things like hydro development in the North. It is time for us to move forward in developing a gold standard northern project here for a reality for our citizens to contribute to. I would like to know from the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources as to what he can do on this initiative to create such a leadership role on this project in Canada. It is only our imagination that’s stopping us from following through on this. We can lead Canada by creating a gold standard project here in the North that people can contribute to help offset carbon emissions.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The

honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

During the week of July 19th to 21st Folk on the

Rocks will be hosting their annual summer music festival. This year’s theme: Endless Summer. For 29 years Folk on the Rocks has been bringing music to the shores of Long Lake. The festival is one of the NWT’s premier musical events and is known as a culturally diverse event which includes a 50-50 split between northern and southern performers.

The festival has also supported northern performers and has been a great opportunity for these northern performers to play alongside and collaborate with established southern performers. This exposure is incredibly valuable for the northern performers and helps them enhance their current skills. Folk on the Rocks should be very proud of their contribution to the northern music scene. They’ve made a real difference to the lives of many northern performers. This year the line-up is spectacular, both from a northern and southern point of view. Some of the northern artists participating in Folk on the Rocks this year include: the Behchoko Youth Drummers; Dana Sipos, who recently released her debut album; Digawolf, who has recently been recording his third album in follow up to his wildly popular Forest Fire album; Giant Con, a new band on the Yellowknife scene with a fan base growing daily; Godson, the NWT’s premier rapper; and the master of bass and chapman stick, and a storyteller of the highest quality, Mr. Pat Braden. These northern artists will have an opportunity to collaborate with a number of highly accomplished performers from outside of the Northwest Territories. These include, but are not limited to: the multi-talented Royal Wood; Kobo Town, who are a traditional calypso band; Swank, a punk and rock and roll band; country artist Dennis Allen; Dragon Fli Empire; Forest City Lovers; Kaiva; Old Man Luedecke, who I actually think is quite awesome; Red Power Squad; T. Nile, and, lastly, the multi-Juno award winner Sam Roberts. It’s going to be a great show and I encourage everybody in Yellowknife to attend over the weekend, come out and enjoy the performances. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The

honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.