Mr. Speaker, I'd like to welcome Members back to the Legislative Assembly as we continue our work to create a better future for the people of the Northwest Territories. Time is passing quickly, Mr. Speaker, and we are past the halfway point in the mandate of the 18th Legislative Assembly. There are just 20 months left until the end of our term, and there is still a lot of important work for us to do.

One of the most important challenges we face is securing a strong and sustainable economic future for the people of the territory. The people of the Northwest Territories want jobs in their communities and regions. They want to be able to look after their families and themselves without depending on the government. They want to participate in the benefits of a strong national and territorial economy that gives them the financial security and personal independence that all Canadians strive for. Our job is to deliver on those aspirations.

A few months ago, I called for a national discussion on the future of the Northwest Territories. I received many messages of support for taking this strong stand for our territory and its people. A few people have also expressed surprise. I agree that such strong statements in defence of the territory are rare, but sometimes they are necessary.

Good jobs start with a strong and vibrant economy in all of our regions and communities, and there are some challenges that we need to understand and overcome if we want to grow a strong economy for a secure future. The Northwest Territories does not exist in isolation. We have a small, open economy that is subject to external pressures. In 2007, the territorial economy was worth $4.5 billion. The global financial crisis and weak commodity prices in subsequent years took a significant portion of that value away. As of 2016, the Northwest Territories economy still only stood at $3.7 billion.

Mr. Speaker, a smaller economy means fewer jobs and economic opportunities for Northerners. Figures from last year show there are 2,000 fewer people working in our territory than there were in 2007, even though our population of working-age people has increased. Unemployment in the territory was still higher, at 6.6 per cent, in 2017, than in 2007 when it was 5.7 per cent. We need to reverse this trend by regrowing our economy, especially in communities and regions. Mr. Speaker, it's no secret that the health of the economy in the Northwest Territories rests with resource development right now. In 2016, resource development contributed $938 million to the economy of the Northwest Territories, with over $650 million of that coming from mining. While that is good news, we also have to remind ourselves that in 2007 resource development was contributing $1.8 billion to the Northwest Territories economy.

Mr. Speaker, seeing our most important economic sector decline by approximately half over the course of nine years should tell us that we cannot take our economic future for granted. Economies need support and strong leadership; a wait and see approach will not do. That is one of the reasons why I called for a national discussion on the future of the Northwest Territories last year, and why I continue to deliver that message. I have frequently argued that Northerners need to be the ones who make decisions about the North, and that was why devolution was so important. Indeed, a basic principle of the Canadian federation is that provinces and territories should have the ability to direct the development of their economies to best benefit their residents. Unfortunately, the national commitment to that principle seems to be slipping in recent months. We in the Northwest Territories have seen it in unilateral decisions of the federal government that directly affect our interests. Alberta is seeing it now, too, in recent announcements from British Columbia that will effectively place limits on their economy.

I want to make it clear that it is the principle of the matter that I am concerned about here. I am less interested in advocating for any specific sector of the territorial or national economy than I am in ensuring that residents of all provinces and territories have equal opportunity to benefit from being part of a thriving prosperous country.

Mr. Speaker, I understand that resource development is primarily a business decision. I also understand that individual governments have their own views and preferences about what kinds of economic development are best. I also think that, if those governments are going to impose their own preferences on other ones, they need to be prepared to step in with plans to put something else of equal value on the table. So long as decisions made somewhere else have an impact here in the Northwest Territories, we need to be making sure northern voices are part of those conversations.

We need to make sure that northern views and priorities are understood and respected, and that there is some national consensus on how Canada will ensure a strong and prosperous North. Mr. Speaker, while other arctic nations are proceeding with ambitious plans for social and economic development of their northern regions, there is no similar vision for Canada.

Canada should have its own plan, one that is developed by and for Northerners. The people who live in the North are the ones with the most to gain or lose under such a plan, and our priorities and values have to be front and centre. That plan needs to include the best ideas from Northerners for developing new and promising sectors that have the potential to contribute a billion dollars or more to a vibrant territorial economy.

Mr. Speaker, it needs to identify the kinds of investments and decisions our government and the government of Canada need to be making to help us manage the transition into a new, green economy. It also needs into account that growing another billion-dollar sector of the territorial economy will take time, and that we cannot simply discard those economic activities that are the source of jobs and good middle-class incomes to thousands of residents.

We also need to be sure that our plan takes into account the economic realities of the whole territory. While Yellowknife had an unemployment rate at 3.4 per cent in 2017, the rate in the rest of the territory was 10.9 per cent. That is a significant disparity that suggests that the benefits of economic development are not being shared equally throughout our territory. That is something we should all want to fix.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to say when I am in the South that Northerners should not be punished because of where we live. The same holds true here at home, too. The people at Tsiigehtchic, Sachs Harbour, and Colville Lake should not be punished because they live in remote, small communities.

Mr. Speaker, we need to renew our focus on providing jobs in communities outside Yellowknife by growing strong and diversified economies across the Northwest Territories. There is no question that the Northwest Territories has great potential. We used to talk about how our territory could make a meaningful contribution to the national economy based on our world-class resource potential. We still have all the ingredients for success as a territory, but we are going to have to work together to capitalize on it. We can't take it for granted or let ourselves get complacent; we need to make it happen.

As leaders, we have an important role to play in bringing forward the ideas and priorities of the people we represent so they are part of the plan. We also have an important role to play in advocating for the best interests of the whole territory here at home and around Canada. I've said many times before that one of the best social programs is a good job. A good job is a path towards self-reliance, personal financial security, and hopes for a better future for our residents and their families. Our work isn't done. We have done much to stabilize and regrow the Northwest Territories economy as a whole. It is now time for us to complete the task and make sure that the benefits of jobs and a strong economy extend to all our residents thought the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Finance.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will deliver the Budget Address on Thursday, February 8, 2018. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Colleagues, please allow me to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery today of Mr. Anthony W.J. Whitford. As most of you know, Mr. Whitford is a man of many roles. A former Commissioner, former Speaker, former Minister, former Member, former Sergeant-at-Arms, honorary clerk at the table, and member of the Order of NWT. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Whitford to the house this afternoon. It's always a pleasure to have you here with us today. Item 3, Members' statements. Member Beaulieu.

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to welcome everyone back to the house for 2018.

Mr. Speaker, [English translation not provided].

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to propose an idea to the government to turn the Stanton Hospital into a Long Term Care (LTC) school for nurses and long-term workers. Mr. Speaker, we all know that there is a plan to turn the current hospital into a long-term care facility and an extended care facility. What better opportunity would exist in this territory than it to create a nursing school right on site?

Mr. Speaker, students and teachers would provide the necessary care to run the facility. As a by-product, we would be creating a field of home care workers and resident aides who can go back to their communities to care for their elders and keep them out of long-term care as long as possible. As I have said in this House many times, every senior that we are able to keep out of long-term care, we would be avoiding spending $140,000 annually. Recent surveys indicate that the NWT needs 258 long-term care beds. Our current plan may provide about 200 long-term care beds spread out around the NWT. If we are strategic, perhaps we would only need those units and no more.

Mr. Speaker, our small communities would be in a better position to employ these students, whether they be nurses, licensed nurse practitioners, or resident aid workers. Either way, Mr. Speaker, it would have a positive impact on our small communities. Mr. Speaker, this will have an effect of creating good employment opportunities for small communities where employment is needed most. Mr. Speaker, should we not need the additional long-term care beds, the capital cost of the construction of those units plus an annual cost savings of just over $8 million could be realized moving forward.

Mr. Speaker, the students would have many options after they graduate. They can work in the various long-term care facilities across the NWT, or work in home care allowing seniors to age in place in their own homes in their home communities, and this will make for a much happier and healthier population of seniors in the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Stanton Renewal Project is the most expensive project in the history of the Northwest Territories financed by the GNWT. So, news that one of its key private partners might be in financial trouble is naturally causing serious alarm among residents and colleagues.

The government has established the practice of creating P3 relationships for its recent major infrastructure projects. P3s are a common practice intended to help bring private sector money and expertise to a project while increasing accountability, protecting from cost overruns, and reducing the risk to taxpayers from things possibly going wrong. At least, that's what we're led to understand.

What happens when one of the private partners is unable to meet its commitments? We were faced with that question recently when the partnership undertaking the Mackenzie fibre optic line had internal troubles, and now we face that question once again. The Boreal Health Partnership, or BHP, is the private consortium responsible for the construction and management of the Stanton Renewal Project. The P3 partnership covers not only the design and construction of the building, but the financing and operating of the hospital for the next 30 years. That's a considerable investment that NWT residents have made in this project and this partnership. A 50 per cent partnership in BHP is held by Carillion Plc, a company with considerable project experience in the health sector, but now Carillion Plc is under liquidation. This raises serious concerns and questions about our public investment and the future management of our health services.

Mr. Speaker, even if the NWT taxpayers are shielded from financial risk by the terms of the P3 agreement, they deserve to be assured that our health services are secure and in good hands. So, how will we mitigate the loss of Carillion's known expertise in health services management? What is the contingency plan, if any? How much oversight will the government have in selecting new partners? These are critical questions.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, the Stanton project is not only the most expensive public project undertaken in the North; the health services it will provide are an essential "public trust" between Northerners and this government. Our residents require certainty that financial events across the ocean will not place that public trust at risk. At the appropriate time I'll have questions for the Minister of Finance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the collapse of Carillion Plc, based in England, grabbed international attention in early January. The subsequent application of its subsidiary, Carillion Canada, for creditor protection brought the issue to our door here in Yellowknife. Carillion Canada has, as my colleague said, a 50 per cent stake in the Boreal Health Partnership, the consortium that is financing, building, and maintaining the new Stanton Hospital.

The question of what will happen to Carillion Canada has a direct impact on the 30-year contract to operate and maintain the hospital. The Department of Finance has produced two briefing notes that are aimed at reassuring us that it's business as usual for the Stanton renewal project. Construction is said to be 75 per cent complete now and on track to be finished in November this year.

Carillion Canada has $750 million in debt and cash to last until February 17th, according to court documents. It is now trying to raise cash by selling its assets, such as an oil sands-related business. The Financial Post quoted a Canadian construction analyst as saying, "I would expect that, over time, all of their assets are going to come up for sale. I don't expect that Carillion Canada will re-emerge as an operating company down the road." It's time for the GNWT to start telling us about Plan B.

I am aware that, under the terms of the contract between the government and Boreal Health Partnership, BHP is required to provide a new service provider in the event that Carillion Canada is unable to follow through its operation and maintenance role. I understand Bird Capital and HOCHTIEF are massive companies. They are also part of the Boreal Health Partnership, but Carillion has the biggest stake in this project. What is Plan B for Boreal Health Partnership to fill the gap that Carillion Canada will almost inevitably create? The Department of Finance has said only, "The GNWT has raised the concern of a compressed commissioning schedule if the worst-case scenario unfolds and Carillion cannot meet its obligations and a new service provider needs to be provided. BHP acknowledges this concern and again confirmed they are taking proactive steps to stabilize the situation and uncertainty." Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that the Department of Finance is watching this situation closely. I will also be seeking assurance from the Finance Minister that he is planning for the worst-case scenario so that there is no delay in opening the new hospital. Mahsi.

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the final months of 2017, the Premier took to the national stage to declare serious allegations towards all of southern Canada concerning the economic future of the NWT. The Premier has said that "the dreams of Northerners are dying." Mr. Speaker, the dreams of Northerners are not dying. They are renewed by the next generation who want a prosperous future for their communities with a sustainable economy that provides benefits to all of our residents. This is why I take issue with the Premier's rhetoric, and most recently his position that the NWT cannot have a strong economy and a strong environment. This backwards thinking is a relic of the past.

Northerners know that this government is not only capable of responsible resource development, but that our citizens demand it. The very mandate of this government is based on this idea, and the Premier is unwise to make such proclamations. Here in Yellowknife the toxic legacy of Giant Mine is more than enough evidence to support sound environmental regulations that prevent billion-dollar liabilities for future governments, especially in light of devolution where this government will be solely responsible for remediation.

Mr. Speaker, despite the intentions of the Premier, it is clear to me that this red alert is nothing more than a political ploy to stoke economic anxiety in Northerners and to pin the lackluster economic performance of this government on someone else. After two years of austerity budgets, is it any wonder why the NWT's economy continues to lag behind the rest of the nation? I think not. We need bold thinking and ambitious initiatives to boost economic performance, not time on national television to broadcast our disputes with Ottawa. If there was any real substance behind this red alert, such as a blueprint for economic development, then perhaps I would think otherwise about the Premier's agenda, but as it stands Northerners have nothing to consider apart from fear that future prosperity is falling out of reach.

As for the supposed "re-emergence of colonialism" from Ottawa, I am surprised the Premier would make much a claim when this government has so much work to do in reconciliation. I am shocked by the outrageous labelling of nation-to-nation relationships between Canada and Indigenous government as "divisive" and "colonial." This new relationship and approach from Canada has been applauded by numerous Indigenous leaders, including here in the NWT. I am just as concerned about the limited progress that has been made on pending land rights agreements. It is clear to me that this government takes issue with the advancement of Indigenous self-government, and I will have questions for the Premier on how we are fulfilling our constitutional obligations towards Indigenous self-government in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur Ie President. Without consulting Regular MLAs, the Premier went to Ottawa in October to launch his so-called red alert to complain about federal colonialism and interference in resource extraction. Many constituents and others contacted me expressing concern and disagreement with the Premier's negative and divisive statements. Almost every regional Indigenous government responded with their own concerns about lack of consultation on the red alert.

If there is to be a debate about the future of the NWT, and I believe there should be, it needs to start here in the Northwest Territories; not in Ottawa, not in Vancouver. It must also provide Northerners with an opportunity to have their voices heard.

The red alert diverts attention from poor leadership and lack of progress on this Assembly's mandate. The current Assembly has passed almost no substantial legislation. We haven't changed a word of the mirrored devolution legislation passed in early 2014, and no new land rights agreements have been negotiated. The red alert arises from the Premier's outrage with the federal five-year moratorium on Beaufort offshore rights issuances. There has been no exploration in the Beaufort for years, and even the Mackenzie Gas Project is now dead. The Premier himself proclaimed the death of oil and gas due to low commodity prices during his 2015 re-election campaign.

Given the imperatives of climate change and advances in renewable energy, it is highly doubtful there will be a resurgence of fossil fuel development in the Northwest Territories. The Premier also drew erroneous conclusions about the amount of NWT lands protected and over-emphasized the contribution of resource extraction to the NWT economy. He later had to correct these alternative facts when questioned by the media and by myself. With a different federal government, change is possible, and real partnership opportunities exist for the North. We need leadership with ideas for a vibrant and diversified economy that distributes wealth more equitably and sustainably, to move us beyond an export-based, externally controlled future.

That is the kind of leadership and collaboration that many NWT residents expect of our Premier and Cabinet. I challenge the Premier to begin the debate on the future of the Northwest Territories here on the floor of this Assembly, to develop a new vision for a diversified and sustainable economy. Mahsi Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided]

Tarek Chicot was recently selected to travel to Calgary to meet the Flames' defenseman Travis Hamonic and take in a hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks. Tarek was chosen on merit, including his achievements in high school. This honour came about through the Calgary Flames and Hockey North, in their efforts to build Canada's "hockey family" and promote positive life skills.

The trip included airfare, two nights in Calgary, two Hamonic jerseys, and a meeting with Travis and other players in the dressing room after the game. It was a very exciting experience. Travis was accompanied by Chief Lloyd Chicot. I congratulate Travis Hamonic and his wife Stephanie for reaching out to northern youth in this way. As hockey fans know, Travis is Metis and very proud of his heritage.

I am particularly happy for Tarek's selection. All of us face adversity and tragedy at some time in our lives, and at age seven, Tarek lost his father, but Tarek was well-raised raised by his mother, Sheila, as a single parent, along with her family. She is very dedicated to him, and today Tarek is a fine young man.

Of course, high school and this hockey trip are not Tarek's only successes. He assisted in a study of the Tathlina Lake fishery, conducted by his community and a Master of Science student from Wilfred Laurier University. The lake has supported a small commercial walleye fishery as well as whitefish stocks that are so important to the community.

Tarek has also benefited from his relationship with his uncle, Chris Chicot, and Melaine Simba through the Guardians program. Tarek continues to fish with his Uncle Chris on weekends and has been filleting fish since he was seven years old. I am pleased that Tarek is learning the ways of our world as he is. His is the way of the future, and I am very proud of him. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Welcome back, colleagues, to the third session of the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Speaker, closing our 2017-2018 fiscal gives me great pleasure on several reflecting highlights of this past achievement, with events being carried forward.

Mr. Speaker, to point out the highlights and share with our listening audiences:

• the Government of Canada announced $182 billion over 12 years of infrastructure growth, and $40 billion to support national housing strategy;

• the Government of the Northwest Territories Marine Transportation Services' first year of summer operations for many and servicing four of the Sahtu communities;

• the NWT Housing Corporation "Voices on Housing," providing core need per community assessments, strategic programming renewal;

• the devolution implementation to updating the Mineral Resources Act mirrored legislation;

• the fulfilling job opportunities and connecting our remote communities to the resource access with the recent Whati all-weather road procurement announcement;

• also, the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk road completion and celebrations of November.

Mr. Speaker, the foundation of the Northwest Territories economy is resource development. With the diminishing road utilization, simply attributable to Mother Nature and her vengeance through climate change, seasonal communities have their lifeline to southern groceries, supplies, and staples significantly shortened. A coincident reality translates to higher prices and critical lack of inventories for simple day-to-day needs.

Infrastructure development is a major solution, while subsidies as providers, however, can only be viewed as interim. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I look forward to the implementation of both our governments on infrastructure developments, and more specifically, the distribution of resources under the National Infrastructure Program. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this time last year I gave the House an update on housing conditions in the Nunakput region and its communities of Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk, and Ulukhaktok. The most recent public data from the 2014 housing survey tells us that almost 40 per cent of Nunakput households have housing problems, with about 28 per cent in core need.

Mr. Speaker, this reflects what I heard in my constituency travels recently. Housing is on everyone's minds. I heard from residents with concerns about overcrowding and others concerned by evictions taking place in the winter months, the coldest time of the year. Other residents are troubled by unsustainable costs, with public housing rates too high for those who are no longer working now that the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway is complete.

Mr. Speaker, like Northerners in other communities, Nunakput residents are also all too familiar with the pain of watching powered, heated market rental units sit empty while the community's families are on the public housing waiting list, housed in units that are not appropriate to their needs or to the standards enjoyed elsewhere in the territory.

Mr. Speaker, residents are also worried by an uptick in criminal activity and substance abuse. Mr. Speaker, things like this happen when people are dispirited and demoralized, when their situation feels inescapable and they are discouraged from taking pride in their community. It is easy to see how community morale takes a beating without the confidence that safe, secure housing can be had in a reasonable timeframe. Impacts on mental health, on family dynamics, on employment, and on education opportunities cannot be overstated.

Before Christmas, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation released its newsletter, Under One Roof. This newsletter outlined the corporation's ambitious plans for improving the services it delivers to Northerners. The situation in Nunakput is serious, Mr. Speaker, but I know too that the government's housing portfolio is led by a Minister clearly determined to make large strides. I thank her for it, because the time for action is now. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Aklavik, the Aklavik Community Corporation, the Aklavik Indian Band, and the Ehdiitat Gwich'in Council recently came together to discuss a subject of great significance to the community and its residents.

I refer to the planned replacement of Moose Kerr School, a building first constructed almost 50 years ago. This replacement was something highly anticipated by the community of Aklavik. As I have said in the past, it is not just a school; the building is used year-round for community and sporting events, for celebrations, for public talks, and more. Like I did, residents understood from the work of the previous Assembly that a replacement project was forthcoming. After all, according to the GNWT's planning standards replacements typically come 20 years after a major retrofit, and Moose Kerr's last major retrofit was in 1999.

For several years now, I have been told in this House that Moose Kerr School was identified for renovations or replacement in 2018-2019. For several years now, the people of Aklavik have been waiting, but now we are told that, thanks to the "government's commitment to ongoing maintenance and improvement," Moose Kerr can wait another 20 years.

Mr. Speaker, our territory is a diverse one with diverse needs, and I understand the difficult calculations Ministers must make when setting the five-year capital plan, but I am gravely disappointed, Mr. Speaker, by the suggestion that sensible economy and sound asset management in Aklavik means that the community's needs take a back seat to other communities' needs. The four organizations I mentioned earlier agree: a replacement is needed, and this government's capital planning must reflect this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I will have questions later today.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome everybody back for the third session as we work for the residents of the Northwest Territories and look forward to the next six weeks. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recap and highlight some of the things that I have done since our last sitting.

This past November, the various standing committees had the opportunity to review and discuss the business plans of all of the departments as we prepared for the 2018-2019 budget. I would like to thank the Ministers and their staff and look forward to the debate and discussion for the budget this year.

Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Social Development had the opportunity to travel with the Minister of Health and Social Services and a number of his staff to tour the four addiction treatment facilities that the government has contracts with for our residents. I found the facilities to be unique and we had a lot of questions and good information exchanged. Later, I will be doing a couple of Member's statements in regards to this trip and the committee will be tabling a report.

Mr. Speaker, from December 20th to 28th I had the opportunity to visit all my siblings, my children and their spouses, and all my grandchildren. This is the first time I have ever been able to do that. I drove over 4,000 kilometres to eight communities. It was an amazing trip, and I got to see the whole family during this time. Like the old saying goes, the trip was priceless.

January 3rd I took my youngest son to Fort Smith. To say the trip was an adventure would be an understatement. I will be addressing this adventure in another Member's statement later on in this session. The following Monday, Minister McLeod and his staff arrived in our region to do a regional tour. I would like to thank the Minister for wanting to drive the whole trip. I know in speaking with the residents that they really appreciated us driving to their communities. Unfortunately, we were not able to get to one community, and we made plans to reschedule later on.

Mr. Speaker, I also had the opportunity to participate in three community sporting events. One was hockey, senior hockey. I played four games, and then the next weekend I curled in the Merchants' Bonspiel. There, we were down eight-nothing after three ends, and we were able to come back to tie and play an extra end. Unfortunately, we did lose. This past weekend, we had the pleasure of going to Fort Smith and playing the Old Timers' Tournament. It was a great weekend, a bit tiring. We played six games in 28 hours. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all the volunteers and organizers for making these three events great. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Hay River North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as you are well aware, the life of an MLA can get quite busy. That is true if you are a Regular Member or a Minister or even Speaker. There is a never-ending supply of constituency issues, policy issues, legislative issues, meetings, appearances, travel, and so on, and with so much going on we always run the risk of losing focus on why we are here. That is why it is important that, once in a while, we take a step back and reflect on what our role really is.

Despite the diversity of our responsibilities and the complexity of many of the issues we deal with, the reason we are here is simple. It is to work for the benefit of the people of the NWT. I am positive that all of my colleagues know this, but we have to make sure that it is in the forefront of our minds every time we make a decision. We must always ask: how is this going to affect the people on the ground? We are not engaged in some academic exercise. The decisions we make here have real-life consequences for our residents, but I find that too often we end up providing lip service to that fact.

We are only human. We all have our own principles and ideas about how things should be done, but we cannot let those distract us from our central role. We need to ensure that we do not make decisions with the sole purpose of advancing a cause or championing an ideology. We have to make sure that egos or hurt feelings do not get in the way of our decision making. It is a shame, but it happens, and it is a disservice to our residents.

Ministers have to make sure to remember that first and foremost they are MLAs elected to represent to people. They are not senior managers, and they are not the GNWT's board of directors. The GNWT is their tool to serve the people. Regular Members have to remember that we are here to make sure that the GNWT is serving the people. We are not here to grandstand, represent special interests, or make headlines.

Mr. Speaker, I apologize if I am coming off as a little preachy, but sometimes I find that we cannot see the forest for the trees. I truly believe that all of us who are here took on these roles with the intention of improving the lives of our people. To do so, we have to stay focused, we must not get distracted, we must not let ourselves be managed, and we must not forget why the voters elected us. It is not good enough to know that we are here to serve the people. We have to act like it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Statement for 2018, onwards. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, like yourself, I would like to recognize the esteemed resident of Yellowknife North, Mr. Tony Whitford. Thank you.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two Range Lake Pages that are here today, young Mr. Logan Hayward and Ms. Danica Taylor. Welcome. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to our Chamber. It is always great to have an audience as part of our proceedings. Masi. Item 6, acknowledgements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the achievement of my constituent, Bes'ha Blondin, who is a Member of the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Project team which, as you may know, won this year's Arctic Inspiration Prize. The project won the $1 million prize for their plan to combine Indigenous cultural education with traditional therapy to improve the mental health of at-risk Inuit, First Nations, and Metis people through collaborative, culture-specific, community-supported programs. Please join me in offering congratulations to Bes'ha for receiving this award. Mahsi.

---Applause

Masi. Acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Finance, and they are with regard to the Stanton Renewal Project and the partners in the Boreal Health Partnership. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance has stated that the service contract with Carillion Canada is business as usual. However, we know now that subsequently Carillion Canada has sought creditor protection, and this is in effect for 30 days, and its leadership is currently assessing the situation and working with stakeholders to ensure continuity of operations. I want to ask the Minister: is the Minister, since his original statement, still confident that it is business as usual? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Minister of Finance.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Member noted, Carillion Canada's financial situation has changed dramatically, and it required CCA protection so that it could stabilize its operation and secure financing to ensure the company remained operational over the long term. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you to the Minister for the reply. I think what I'll do is, because I respect that there are probably other questions coming down later today, I'll then jump to my second question instead of asking for more detail there. What action is the GNWT taking to mitigate the impacts of the potential sale of Carillion Canada and the potential loss of Carillion's considerable expertise both in project and in operations experience? Can the Minister give us the reply to that?

First of all, they are partners in the construction, and the hospital is for the long term. It's the Department of Health that would provide health services, health care in the new Stanton Hospital, so they are partner in the consortium that's building the hospital and the service provider in the long-term care.

We have not entered into any contractual arrangements with Carillion Canada to provide service for the Stanton Hospital. BHP, the Boreal Health Partnership, it is their job to find a replacement service provider in the event Carillion Canada is not able to stabilize its operations.

Thank you to the Minister. Okay, well, I guess then if there's the opportunity that the structure of the partnership might change because of the possible sale of Carillion Canada, which almost seems imminent, I just would like to get clarification from the Minister: does he expect that there would be any delay in planning implementation of the 30-year project agreement?

No. As I previously noted, this was the Boreal Health Partnership's issue to resolve in a timely manner. There are financial incentives for them to do this.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, given that we know that there might be, and likely will be, a change of one of the players within the partnership, there's still an underlying concern out there as to whether the GNWT will get the opportunity to have any oversight or any input into the possible replacement of this partner. Can the Minister explain? Will we have any input into the possible replacement for the partner of Carillion? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

BHP ultimately remains responsible for the performance of the services, or it will face significant financial penalties. Further, the project agreement requires any replacement service provider entering a service agreement with BHP on same or similar terms as was agreed to by the existing service provider. There are also a number of restrictions on which entities can be selected as a replacement. For example, the GNWT can refuse or accept or replace an entity whose standing or activities are inconsistent with or likely to compromise the reputation or integrity of the GNWT or the delivery of public services in the Northwest Territories.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are on the same topic. There are restrictions on the replacement. I'd like the Minister to elaborate please on what kinds of restrictions would be in place on a replacement partner. Mahsi.

Masi. Minister of Finance.

Well, again, it is BHP's responsibility. However, as I said before, we can refuse or accept and replace an entity. They would have to be able to be in a position to provide the same types of services that we had set out in the original project agreement with the partnership as it stands today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

So what I understand is that the evaluation of the replacement entity involves their capacity to deliver the service. There is no other criteria. Is that correct?

Well, they would have to be to provide the services. If there is other criteria that's available which I don't have with me at the moment, and I apologize for that, I will endeavour to get it to the Members, but they would have to be able to provide the service and they would also have to meet any existing criteria that's there.

Thank you to the Minister for that commitment. There is a worst-case situation, here. The Department of Finance itself has acknowledged that in its briefing note. So how is the department preparing and planning for the possibility of that worst-case scenario?

Yes, the worst-case scenario, and this is the benefit of a P3 project that all the responsibility is on the partnership. However, in a worst-case scenario, I mean, we would have to ensure that we're able to meet all the conditions and get the hospital completed. I can actually point out that we're having a conference call this afternoon, maybe as we speak, with a potential purchaser for Carillion Canada, and once we find out the details of that, I would be more than happy to share that in a briefing note to Members.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Finance Minister following through with an additional public briefing note. That would be very helpful. I think that we've seen that P3s are inherently risky. In fact, while they are supposed to alleviate the risk on the public purse, they often involve a risk on the public purse. We're paying handsomely to have them absorb that risk, and yet we find ourselves in this position where the 50 per cent partner has gone bankrupt. Is there a lesson in this contract relating to the due diligence of looking at potential partners? It's my understanding that Carillion Plc has been in trouble for at least 18 months. Thank you.

My commitment was to provide a briefing note or an update to committee, and I will do that. As far as the lesson to be learned, I think the lesson to be learned here, as the lesson that we've learned in the past, is that a P3 partnership is a better way to go than having all the responsibility on the Government of the Northwest Territories, as we've seen in some projects in the past. So that would be the lesson. Construction is continuing on, and my understanding is that they're still looking to open in November. A certificate of commencement, I believe, is in November with patient occupation six months after. I think that's how it will work.

We'll continue to provide Members with an update as we move forward. However, we like the P3 approach. I think it does protect the public purse and a lot of the risk is on the proponents, and there are financial incentives for them as well to have the project completed on time. The analysis was done when the original RFP came out. With the information that was provided at the time, they fit well into the criteria, so they were chosen. That was some time ago, but they ran into situations since then. Our challenge now is just to try to mitigate and ensure that our project is completed on time and on budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services on my Member's statement. I would like to ask the Minister if he's willing to work with the Department of Education. I'm understanding that there is a foundational review going on with Aurora, and if he's willing to work with that Minister to create a long-term care nursing school at the current Stanton once the new hospital is online. Thank you.

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we know, moving forward with the 258 beds by 2026, there is going to significant demand for long-term care staff, which does include RNs, but will include more things like residential care aides and other individuals who will be providing support in that hospital. Currently, Aurora College does provide that training. They have delivered that course up in Inuvik, and it was well-attended and the results were fantastic.

I am happy to be working with the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment to explore opportunities to train for what could amount to hundreds of jobs and hundreds of positions and hundreds of people to fill those long-term care positions in the Northwest Territories. I have previously said to the Member for Hay River that long-term care in Hay River could result in as many as 60 new jobs; jobs that don't exist today. It could result in as many as 60 jobs in Inuvik and the Beaufort Delta, easily that many here in Yellowknife, and dozens more in the Sahtu or in the Deh Cho, in Fort Simpson in particular; real jobs for people of the Northwest Territories.

We are committed to finding ways to train. I am looking forward to working with Education, Culture and Employment, as well as Aurora College and Indigenous partners to find some ways to train local people for local work.

I would like to thank the Minister for that response. Can the Minister develop a plan for turning Stanton into a long-term care school? What I am looking for, Mr. Speaker, is just a plan that lays out what is possible, that sort of plan that maybe the Regular Members could see.

The plan at this point in time is to utilize the existing Stanton building for a number of different services, including 72 long-term care beds, a number of extended care beds, some area for outpatient services in areas of OT/PT, as well as a clinic.

When it comes to training local people for local work, Aurora College has been a fantastic provider of both nursing training here in the Northwest Territories as well as training for things like resident care aides. All of those training opportunities require practical or clinical placements, and the Department of Health and Social Services and the territorial authority have been fantastic opportunities for these students to go into frontline services and practice these things. We anticipate that to be the case. There is a lot of work that needs to be done to determine where these clinical placements may occur. It may be possible that clinical placements in places like Hay River and the Beaufort Delta, as well as Norman Wells, when that facility opens, might also be apt opportunities for our local people to get local training and local experience.

I am prepared to explore all possibilities. I am happy to work with committee as we start to formalize what some of that might look like, and I am also happy to be working with Indigenous partners to find some real meaningful solutions to train local people for local work.

I would like to ask the Minister if, at some point, there would likely be a need for some capital to turn the current Stanton into a long-term care and extended care facility. There would be some need for capital. I would like to ask the Minister if they could look towards maybe looking at the capital needs of a school in that facility while they are looking at the capital needs to turn it into a long-term care and extended care facility.

Mr. Speaker, the retrofitting of the old building will be the responsibility of the property manager, bringing it up to a state that we need to meet those needs. There is not necessarily room available in Stanton for a separate school once you actually factor in all the things that we are hoping to put in there, which, as I said, includes 72 long-term care beds, a large number of extended care beds, OT/PT outpatient, as well as clinic services and a kitchen and whatnot to support those services that would be provided in that building.

Currently, when it comes to the nursing program at Aurora College, the nurses actually do spend a significant amount of time in the facilities that exist on a preceptorship or mentorship basis. That will continue and will not require additional infrastructure should long-term care support and training be offered by Aurora College. I think there is lots of room for those clinical placements and for those opportunities for Northerners to gain northern experience and opportunity so that they could go back to the jobs that will exist in the Northwest Territories once long-term care rolls outs.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions to the Minister about working with Education, looking at developing a plan, and looking at the capital needs of that facility. I would like to ask the Minister if he is prepared to create a working group headed by a senior official of his department to work with other departments to turn that facility into a school, if that is as possible, and to ensure that that project is kept on the front burner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We are going to be utilizing that building for long-term care, extended care, as well as outpatient services, as I have previously indicated. There is no plan at this point to turn it into a university or a college, but we do accept, and I agree with the Member that there is a great opportunity to do some on-site training for individuals in partnership with something like Aurora College or some of our Indigenous partners who might want to pursue training.

The training will likely occur there, but it should also occur in places like the Beaufort Delta and in Hay River and Simpson, and places where we will need some of our individuals. Clinical placements will happen where the beds exist, which includes Yellowknife.

I am prepared to work with Education, Culture and Employment. We need to. We need work with our Indigenous partners. We have a little bit of time to figure out how we are going to do this. We know that we are going to have to train significant numbers of people in this territory, and we are prepared to work with whoever we need to to get this done, to get it done right, to train local people for local work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the pillars of reconciliation is the drawdown of powers from governments in Canada to Indigenous self-governments, and that is, of course, a component of the work of reconciliation here in the Northwest Territories. Yet it seems that there is some resistance from this government to a true nation-to-nation relationship as it relates to GNWT funding authority and programs and services.

I would like to ask the Premier: what specific programs, services, and authorities is this government planning on negotiating in self-government drawdowns? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. The Honourable Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not sure where the federal MLA is getting his information from, but most of it seems to be manufactured by the media, and I don't see any areas where we have a problem with reconciliation. If anything, we are the leading edge of negotiations of self-government in Canada.

We have 15 negotiating tables, and we have negotiated self-government agreements with the Tlicho and the Deline, and those have been negotiated with the involvement of the federal Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the Aboriginal government. I think what the Member is referring to is the 10 principles that were released by the working group of federal ministers, which included one principle which said they were going to revisit the fiscal relationships for the delivery of programs and services to Aboriginal people.

We had intergovernmental council. We had a very fulsome discussion. The chair of the Standing Committee of Priorities and Planning was there. I was privy to all of the discussions, and we are all working together to provide for incremental funding, working with the federal government to try to advance that, so that it works in the best interests of Aboriginal governments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Perhaps I will clarify my sources. They come from the Indigenous governments themselves who responded to the Premier's claims in the red alert; so it is not largely words from Ottawa. It is words from the people of the Northwest Territories. The Dene Nation, for example, passed a resolution calling on direct funding for programs and services to Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories. Does the Premier support that resolution?

We work with the Aboriginal governments that have Aboriginal land claims and are negotiating land claims at the land claims table. The Dene Nation, I guess, have been operating at a different level, and we still don't know if the federal government's intentions are to take all the money for delivery of programs and services and deliver to AFN, who will then deliver to the Dene Nation for delivery of programs and services. We have been trying to get that response from the federal government, and we have not been able to get a clear answer.

I didn't get a clear answer from the Premier, there. I'm looking to see, you know, if the future of the Northwest Territories is going to be a complex one with many different levels of government and many different responsibilities. How is this government ensuring that we have an equity of service provision across the territory with the negotiation of these self-government agreements? It's important that Northerners can expect the same high-quality service from every level of government regardless of whether it's federal, territorial, or Indigenous. So what are we doing to ensure that our Indigenous partners have this support and the funding they need to deliver this?

We work with every government, national government, especially ones that sign on to devolution. We have memoranda of understanding. We meet on a regular, formal government-to-government basis on a negotiation of self-government, on the delivery of programs and services. We have negotiated core operating principles. Not all Aboriginal governments want to sit at the table, but for the ones that are prepared to negotiate tri-laterally, we ensure that we have a consistency of service and we recognize through modelling that one of the problems with self-government or land claims is they're not fully funded. That was one of the basic tenets of reconciliation, that the federal government has said that they will work to fulfill those areas where they should be fully funded.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Premier providing clarity on this. It seems like this current federal government is taking a very proactive approach in reconciling with Indigenous governments in Canada and Indigenous nations in Canada. Would the Premier agree with that assessment? Because it sounds like all the funding for self-government in the Northwest Territories is coming from Ottawa regardless of all the top-ups of funding that we need to ensure equity of service. Would he agree that the federal government is fulfilling its mandate towards reconciliation? Thank you.

Reconciliation, we fully support it, but talk is just talk. I guess the proof will be when the money starts flowing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of DOI to better understand the MTS 2017 sailing season. My first question is: how many tugboats did MTS deploy and what were the volumes of fuel and cargo hauled? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I want to congratulate the Department of MTS on the first sailing season of the Mackenzie River and the Arctic Coast. It was a challenge to get that going, but they did a great job.

I can gladly update the House that the Marine Transportation Division reactivated six tugboats this last season. We delivered 37 million litres of diesel fuel, gasoline, jet fuel, and carried more than 10,000 tonnes of cargo freight to the communities for industry clients, which included construction materials, pre-fabricated housing units, heavy equipment vehicles, and consumer goods. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you to the Minister for providing that information. Moving along to see how our new company is doing, here. On the issue and previous discussions, there was the establishment of a marine training facility in Hay River. How many Northerners were trained at that facility?

The previous marine training was run out of the Hay River Friendship Centre. I don't have those exact numbers, but I would like to update the House that the federal government announced just as of February 2nd that MTS, working alongside with us and Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium, have established an announcement where they're going to establish a marine training facility in Hay River, and this will be coming. There was a press release announced by the federal government that they are working particularly with the Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium, who already does this sort of thing in the Nunavut side of the territory. They will be working closely with us and our government to set up a facility in Hay River to be able to address the ongoing needs of people in the fishing industry and the people in the marine side of things in the Northwest Territories.

I'm glad to hear that we're providing benefits with this new acquisition that happened last year and the operations of last summer. My next question is related to, aside from training the workforce, the workforce itself. How many of the workforce were northern NWT residents?

One of the challenges, when we bought these assets moving forward, was to get everything up and running. A part of that would be the HR side of it. On the HR side of it, there was a number of agreements that were in place that had to be renegotiated and MOUs put in place for a collective bargaining unit, so we had to deal with three different types of operations: the Canadian Merchant Service Guild, the Seafarers' International Union of Canada, and the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

Through that, we hired a company called ORSI who facilitated hiring our HR for staffing up the marine side of things. I'm glad to say that we had 141 employees at peak, and out of that, 60 of them were from the Northwest Territories.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last question is, I want to ensure that the continuation of this operation is being done so that our remote communities in Sahtu could be ensured that we're getting our supplies and dry goods and particularly fuel. In the future operations from last year, is there a financial stability from the earnings of this previous summer's operations, and if the Minister will provide that in a summary of operations financially to this side? Thank you.

As the Member is aware, we've set up a revolving fund to ensure the continuation and operation of this. We will have our first year under our belt. When we have our financial statements done for the year, we will gladly update committee on the first sailing season of MTS. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur Ie President. I mentioned in my Member's statement about the Premier's red alert that there were a number of news releases issued by Indigenous governments raising concerns about the lack of consultation around the red alert. Can the Premier explain why he did not consult with Regular MLAs or the regional Indigenous governments before going to Ottawa to issue his red alert? Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. The Honourable Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have been speaking about the elements of the red alert for two years. First and foremost, on the moratorium, and I have to correct the Member. He said he had to correct me in the media because I made erroneous statements. I think he made an erroneous statement about the moratorium. It's not a five year moratorium. It's an indefinite moratorium and to new offshore oil and gas licences.

So first and foremost about the moratorium, I've been speaking for over a year. The one-year anniversary for the moratorium is December 21st and it has gained no traction from southern or northern media on devolution, the parts of devolution. Devolution was negotiated in 2014. Two years later, we're still waiting for certain elements of the devolution agreement to be acted on. On the programs and services for Aboriginal people, 10 principles came out, and we were not able to get any answers. I met individually with the Aboriginal governments that were quoted and the Gwich'in, and they said that they had not talked to the media at all. So we had an intergovernmental council, and we met, and we now understand each other, that the Aboriginal governments were meeting with the federal government for some period of time without our knowledge or involvement, but we have all agreed we are all going to work together so that programs and services can be fully funded and certainly so that Aboriginal governments can benefit from it, as well, with our support.

I want to thank the Premier for his valiant defence of the red alert. He did not really answer the question about prior consultation, and I will table the news releases from the Indigenous governments in the House tomorrow. In the past, Cabinets retained lobbyists in Ottawa to provide advice on federal engagement. Cabinet currently has a $120,000 sole-sourced contract with communications firm and federal lobbyist Global Public Affairs. Can the Premier tell this House where the idea came from to issue the red alert and what role the lobbyist firm has played in the campaign to date?

Global Public Affairs has been contracted by the Government of the Northwest Territories to help us advance the objectives of the federal engagement strategy. It also provides what we call strategic intelligence on the workings of Ottawa, and it also provides assistance with communications. It helped us release the red alert, which gained some national attention.

Thanks to the Premier for confirming the role that Global Public Affairs has played to date. Global Public Affairs, though, has also represented a number of other industries, organizations, governments in relation to NWT affairs in the past, including Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Inuvialuit Development Corporation, and others. Can the Premier tell us whether Global Public Affairs currently represents any other interests in the NWT and how those roles and responsibilities are kept clear to avoid conflicts of interest?

Global Public Affairs currently does not represent any other clients in the Northwest Territories, and the contractual arrangements clearly provide for conflict provisions so that we have no conflicts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President, and I would like to thank the Premier for providing that clarity on that particular issue, but, given that the Premier has issued a challenge for debate on the future of the Northwest Territories on the floor of the House of Commons in Ottawa, it is surprising that there has been no similar call here at home. Is the Premier ready and willing to have an emergency debate on the so-called Red alert and future of the Northwest Territories here on the floor of this House? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. The Honourable Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had called for a national discussion because it was our understanding that the Prime Minister was getting most of his advice from southern Canada and he was seeking to get most of the votes from southern Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as you heard in my Member's statement today, I had the pleasure of having the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources and of Finance and the deputy minister, Dr. Dragon, Superintendent Lafferty, and Officer Sabourin do a Nahendeh riding tour. It was really good, and the people really enjoyed it, so my questions to the Minister of ENR are about this trip. During the trip, we heard concerns regarding the rules and regulations as it pertains to hunting on the road corridor. There seemed to be some confusion about what was allowed and not allowed. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister confirm that the department will be looking into these concerns and addressing them in the near future? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I want to thank the constituents of Nahendeh for their great hospitality during our travels there, and I am glad that we had an opportunity to drive through Nahendeh. I am assuming after that drive I am not going to hear much about Highway No. 7 from the Member for Nahendeh. That is beautiful road.

To the Member's question, though, we had heard that concern and, under section 70 of the Wildlife Act, there are no specific rules currently in place for harvesting alongside the road. For public safety reasons, you cannot fire any weapon, firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow alongside the highway, and in addition, too, the Wildlife Act says that you cannot harvest wildlife without due regard for safety and property of other persons.

Mr. Speaker, we did hear about that, and it is unfortunate that this is happening along the highways. I do not know if we have to legislate common sense, because sometimes it is all it does take. I do not believe we will be looking into it any further, and if anyone knows people out there who are hunting along the highway, shooting alongside the highway, they should report it to their local offices, and then we will deal with the matter.

I thank the Minister for that great answer. However, he drove on the road in the wintertime, and as he talked to the former MLA, he said, "Come drive it in the summertime," so we will get the Minister of Infrastructure to come with you and we will see how it is. However, it is good, and I have to say the workers are doing a great job maintaining it. Previously in the House I spoke about the possibility of the department working with Aboriginal leadership to come up with a plan to stop the hunting of cow moose for at least the next five years to help improve the moose population. Mr. Speaker, I understand the department is doing the second part of the moose survey, but during the trip we heard that this is something that we need to be looking at. Can the Minister confirm if this idea is on the department's radar, and if so, when will he be starting the consultation process?

Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct. We did hear about it on the trip, and we have done a couple of surveys. I think we did one in October, and as I said on our trip there, we are going to do another one in February. Once that work is done, we will analyze the information that we received, and then I think I made a commitment during that trip to share that information with some of the governments that we met there. I believe they are having an assembly or a meeting of some of the governments around the Deh Cho. I think they are having some kind of wildlife meeting, and I had made a commitment to share that information with them at that time, so once the information is gathered and analyzed we will be more than happy to share it with the Aboriginal governments in the Nahendeh.

I thank the Minister for that answer. It is actually refreshing to hear that, and I would like to thank the Minister and the department for making that commitment. Another issue we heard about was the growing wolf population. It seems that one of the factors in seeing the reduction of the moose population is because of the wolves. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister confirm if the department has done any studies on the wolves within the last five years and if they are concerned with the population growth of the wolves?

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has been documenting observation of wolves during its wildlife survey and field work in a number of different species in the Deh Cho region over the years, and we conducted a targeted wolf survey near Fort Liard in January of 2016. During these surveys, the wolf population densities that were observed were relatively low, particularly compared to wolf surveys in other areas. We also monitor the number of wolf pelts that are brought in through the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program, and regionally ENR staff are always available to discuss any concerns and observations that Members may have.

The meeting I spoke of before was the 8th Biannual Deh Cho Regional Wildlife Workshop. That meeting is going to be held in October of this year, I believe, and we have made a commitment to have our people there and share a lot of the information that we have gathered with the participants.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I would like to thank the department's regional staff. They do a great job of communicating and working with the communities. Like most trips, Mr. Speaker, you have things that happen to you personally, and you get to learn from these experiences. This trip was no different. I would like to share learning opportunities, but I would like to ask the Minister: what did he learn from this travelling in the Deh Cho during it and gassing up his own vehicle? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I think the first lesson I learned on this trip was not to rely on others to tell you that you are full of gas and to check your gas levels yourself, and thanks to the excellent condition of those roads in Nahendeh, we were able to make it into Jean Marie on an empty tank. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Those who pay attention to our proceedings know that I start every sitting with a discussion of commercial fishing. I spoke at length about this issue, so I am going to forego a big introduction and get right down to business. I have questions for the Minister of ITI about the implementation of the strategy for revitalizing the Great Slave Lake fishery.

I apologize in advance, because I am going to be bringing this up a lot during this sitting. A quarter-century ago, my dad did work on the revitalization strategies for the commercial fishery in the Great Slave Lake, and there is probably a stack five feet high of these types of strategies that have been produced over the past few decades. We have been going on now years with this current strategy, and it is time to start moving.

My first question is: does the Minister know how the amendments to the Federal Fisheries Act that were introduced in the House of Commons yesterday will affect the plan to revitalize the Great Slave Lake commercial fishing industry? If you would be willing to elaborate further, I would like to know what the GNWT will do to ensure that our interests will be represented when the new regulations under the act are being developed. Thank you.