Mr. Speaker, it's our job in this House to look at the large systemic issues that affect all of the people of the NWT, but it is also our job in this House to look at the small incremental changes that can help those people. I believe the GNWT, in order to become a much more adaptable public service, needs to change the way it operates. In order to create an adaptable government, we require a four-step approach to approaching the smaller problems:
- identify where people are struggling going about their daily lives;
- identify the next smallest thing that can be done today to mitigate that struggle, not a large overhaul, a next smallest thing;
- do that thing; do it right away; do not engage with stakeholders; do not create a strategic plan; just do it; and
- repeat the process.
Mr. Speaker, I believe, if our front-line staff follow this model, it will free up room in our House to have those large, systemic debates we must have. As an example, some years ago, I had a conversation with a man who collected models in downtown Yellowknife. He would collect models from wherever he could, mostly out of the trash, then would slump the bags over his back and walk them out to the recycling depot across town for the few dollars he earned. This was his near daily routine. In fact, Mr. Speaker, if one pays attention, it is a common sight in Yellowknife to see people walking down Old Airport Road with a bag full of recycling slung over their shoulders.
The small and simple solution to address this problem is to offer a second recycling option located in downtown, Mr. Speaker. I had previously asked ENR whether a second recycling station in downtown Yellowknife was possible. They seemed to agree it was a good idea, yet for some reason, it still has not occurred. I am not even asking for a fully staffed second location, just a satellite station that feeds into the main one. There are many different ways this can look. Across the world, there are various vending machines, Mr. Speaker, where you can feed in a few recyclables for some cash. The current depot recently adopted a drop-and-go service. Surely, there is such a way to extend this drop-and-go service to an area downtown for our elderly, disabled, and those with mobility issues. I will have questions for the Minister of ENR about whether we can make life a little easier for those who have to walk across town for a few dollars, and hopefully, we can do it quickly, Mr. Speaker.