Cory Vanthuyne

Legislative Assembly photo

Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Crucial Fact

  • His favourite word was going.
Historical Information Cory Vanthuyne is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly September 2019, as MLA for Yellowknife North

Lost his last election, in 2019, with 36% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Support For Mining Sector June 1st, 2016

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is about our support of a crucial sector of our economy, the resource sector, in particular, mining sector. Mr. Speaker, in the past couple of decades, the northern economy has diversified in many ways. That's positive, and we have a way to go in continuing that work. Not long ago, there were few choices for major economic activity. Beyond the traditional economy, there was government and the mines. The next big hope was oil and gas. Northerners became big supporters, counting on real economic growth. Hopes of a resource-rich northern Texas of sorts have come and gone over the generations. Now, world oil prices are slumping, climate change is a reality, and green energy is emerging. So it's hard to imagine how major oil and gas development may even become a reality. Today, there are other success stories; small business, creative arts and tourism, and that's all good. It's important to seek new and diverse ways to generate wealth. That's the way to build a solid foundation for our younger generations, new Northerners, and frankly, our future.

We should not forget one of the foundations of our economy - mining and exploration. Mr. Speaker, the mining sector has been central to the development of our economy. Mining provides diverse returns - not only jobs, but training, secondary spending, and taxes and royalties to public and Aboriginal governments. In turn, they can develop programs and services to support and empower their communities. Mr. Speaker, my colleague just spoke earlier about capacity building. That is what this is about. Many of the NWT's current mines are maturing, and exploration is on the decline. This is a worrisome sign for the future of this sector and to our GDP. This provides challenges we must face during the life of this Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I believe a successful mining sector can generate wealth for our territory, while maintaining a good and responsible environmental stewardship. The government can take many steps to improve the climate for exploration and mining development. It's time we invite the world to see what we can offer, and that is world class resources. At the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Minister of ITI. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 137-18(2): Provision Of 911 Emergency Telephone Services May 31st, 2016

Finally, Mr. Speaker, will the Minister then commit to revisiting the possibility of establishing a 911 emergency telephone service for the NWT during the life of this assembly? In other words, what would be the expected timeframe to actually have a service in place?

Question 137-18(2): Provision Of 911 Emergency Telephone Services May 31st, 2016

Thank you to the Minister for his reply. That appears to be a positive response. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister be willing to engage with other stakeholders to seek support for funding and partnerships to make a 911 service viable?

Question 137-18(2): Provision Of 911 Emergency Telephone Services May 31st, 2016

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of MACA. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned in my Member’s statement, a 911 emergency telephone service has the potential to be an important public safety measure. Such a system would be available for a relatively low initial cost and a relatively low annual operating cost. The risks of not having such a system are clear. During previous Assemblies, the government has engaged key participants in a 911 stakeholders group and engaged a study which concluded that the NWT is well positioned to implement 911. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the Minister, would the government be willing to restart the discussion with Members about this important basic public safety measure? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition of Visitors on the Gallery May 31st, 2016

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a resident of Yellowknife North, also a former fellow Yellowknife city councillor and assistant to former MLA Wendy Bisaro, Ms. Amanda Mallon. Thank you.

Provision Of 911 Emergency Telephone Service May 31st, 2016

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on an issue of public safety and security that affects residents in the Northwest Territories: the provision of a 911 emergency telephone service for northern communities. Just over a month ago, Yellowknife lost a 35-year-old business in the city to a massive fire. 911 was called, but the call didn't reach emergency responders. Instead, the fire hall had to be alerted by someone driving there. The business was lost, along with the associated jobs and economic activity. Thankfully, it was no worse than that. The City of Yellowknife has long been a supporter of 911. Other NWT municipalities are on board too. In the previous assembly, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs studied the viability of a 911 service and concluded that we are very well positioned to implement it.

So why haven't we moved ahead? We invite visitors to join us in the North through our tourism promotion, our film and television industry, our festivals, fishing camps, canoe trips and hospitality industry. At the same time, we have recently experienced severe fire seasons. We can be grateful for a cool and quiet month of May, but we have the lesson of Fort McMurray to know how important it is to be prepared for emergencies and mindful of public safety. A basic 911 service has been budgeted to cost just over half a million dollars to establish, and only $266,000 a year to operate. Last year, MACA noted that the research is complete for a 911 system. The Standing Committee on Government Operations has recommended that since the value of life-saving potential of a 911 system far outweighs the small cost, it urged the department to move forward with 911. Now is the time for concrete steps to put this important public safety system into place. Mr. Speaker, I'll have questions for the Minister of MACA at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 122-18(2): Seniors' Advocate May 31st, 2016

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks again to the Minister for his response and this will be my final question. Mr. Speaker, the NWT Seniors' Society has adopted a broad action plan that sets goals in four areas: cost of living, eliminating inequalities, improving access to health care, and creating safe communities for elders. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell the Assembly how his department or, as Minister responsible for Seniors, he, is working to support these goals? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 122-18(2): Seniors' Advocate May 31st, 2016

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I certainly appreciate the Minister's response. I'd like to ask the Minister if this government is considering creating the position of an elders' advocate for the NWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 122-18(2): Seniors' Advocate May 31st, 2016

My question is for the Minister responsible for Seniors. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned in my Member's statement, June is Senior Citizens' Month in the Northwest Territories. Some jurisdictions in Canada recognize the importance of the elders in their community by creating the position of an advocate for seniors. An elder advocate is someone who will defend the rights of elders, raise awareness of the challenges they face, and act on their behalf in navigating the complex systems of services and supports for our seniors. Mr. Speaker, my question, in the absence of a seniors' advocate, if an elder resident has an issue or grievance with the government what channels should they follow to find answers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery May 31st, 2016

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Todd Slack and Kelly Cumming for attending. I just want to also welcome other constituents of the riding of Yellowknife North that I may have missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.