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In the Legislative Assembly

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Crucial Fact

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

Last in the Legislative Assembly November 2015, as MLA for Thebacha

Lost his last election, in 2015, with 39% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Question 22-13(2): Departmental Position On Chiropractic Services February 14th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to thank the Minister for his very positive reply. I have one supplementary question and that's with regard to a possible liability given the lack of legal standing. Are we also, in relation to that possible dilemma, in any of kind of dilemma due to the fact that I believe WCB makes use of services and I believe it's covered under GSMIP, which is part of the government's benefit package? So, we're making access to a service that for all intents and purposes, has no legal standing. Thank you.

Question 22-13(2): Departmental Position On Chiropractic Services February 14th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. I would like to ask the Minister, if he would be so kind, to give his department's position on the practice of chiropractic, which I'm aware is practised in the Northwest Territories but I don't think has any real legal standing. I think its an area of potential benefit to the North. I would like the Minister to give his department's position. Thank you.

Community Sports Versus Arctic Winter Games February 13th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to state the concern today that I have about sport and recreation at the community level. I believe over the years, since 1970, it has suffered, and it has suffered as a result of the Arctic Winter Games. I think the Arctic Winter Games have become too big, too expensive, are held too often; and sport and recreation at the community level has, as a result, suffered. I think, especially in these times of fiscal restraint and the move towards community empowerment and the focus on the community as the source of all the things that we want to do, that it's time, once these Arctic Winter Games are over, to have a serious look at our involvement in this very costly enterprise that has become like a mini-Olympics. I think we're losing a lot of the good trades we used to have when I was a kid in the communities, where you had lots of competition, there were a lot of leagues, there were intercommunity competitions going on; and that has gone in the quest to get on the all-star team or to get on a team that may go to the Winter Games.

As we're telling people that we can't afford the government we do have, we're spending $7,000 to ship dogs around to go on dog races, or food for dogs. It puts us in a dilemma: where are our priorities? I think, as the honourable Member for Hay River said, we have to keep in mind what we want for our children. What do we want them to learn about sport and recreation and where do you learn these things the best? And where do all children get that best opportunity? That's at the community level. Only a very few will make it to the Arctic Winter Games, so I think we have to seriously look at our involvement in this enterprise. Thank you.

Motion 16-13(1): Appointment Of Deputy Chairpersons Of Committee Of The Whole December 13th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS there is a requirement for the naming of two Members to hold the positions of deputy chairpersons of Committee of the Whole;

AND WHEREAS it is desirable to appoint two Members;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Natilikmiot, that the honourable Member for Hay River, Mrs. Jane Groenewegen, and the honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Vince Steen, be appointed as deputy chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole.

Motion 14-13(1): Appointment Of Independent Commission On MLA Compensation, Carried December 13th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to deal with Motion 16-13(1), Appointment of Deputy Chairpersons of Committee of the Whole.

Item 9: Replies To Opening Address December 13th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I rise to speak, I'm ever mindful of the tremendous record for duration and length of replies to the opening address. I want people to rest assured that I won't be anywhere close to that today.

I would like to publicly go on record today, before we break for Christmas to indicate that I've had input as an MLA through Caucus and through the new committee structure into the contents of the Premier's statement yesterday, and that I fully support the direction being taken by this Assembly and the government and the need to address the deficit in the decisive and clear manner that is fair and equitable and keeps in mind the need to protect the communities and those who can least afford to take major cuts. I think it's important, at least to me, that I go on record to say this now because when I go home, I want to be able to say and have it known that I support this, that I was involved in this process and I will continue to state my case in this regard.

I think, as the Minister of Finance has indicated, that this is a manageable situation. If we make careful, wise decisions we can deal with this. We have to do it quickly so that it doesn't take over our agenda. But I will be out there and I will go where this Assembly asks me to go to make this case to people to justify our decisions and support this initiative.

In closing, I would just like to clarify. There were a few questions raised at break, but I did wish to extend the best season's greetings to each and every one of my constituents in Thebacha. Thank you.

---Applause

Question 12-13(1): Number Of NWT Grade 12 Graduates December 13th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is my final supplementary. Does the Minister see a benefit to programs such as the Western Arctic leadership program in terms of contributing to the number of graduate students across the Western Arctic and from small communities where there have been no graduates before?

Question 12-13(1): Number Of NWT Grade 12 Graduates December 13th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In our briefings earlier in the month and last month, it was indicated to us that the number of graduates for the amount of money spent is not very high. Does the Minister see any bright spots on the horizon with programs like the Western Arctic leadership program that would improve things so we could get more graduates? Thank you.

Question 12-13(1): Number Of NWT Grade 12 Graduates December 13th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. You made reference, very fleetingly, to the need for a greater number of graduates from grade 12. Then you switched over from reference to graduates to participants and numbers of people enrolled in grade 12, indicating that the numbers had gone up to 761, I believe, which is a doubling in the last five years. Could you indicate to the House the number of grade 12 graduates? Are they as similarly impressive? Thank you.

Christmas Greetings To Constituents And Staff December 13th, 1995

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Firstly, I would like to thank you for the fine repast you provided for us at lunchtime. It was the first, I'm sure, of many turkey dinners, but it was well worth eating.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to briefly wish the people of the Northwest Territories and each and every one of my constituents, as well as the very capable staff of the Legislative Assembly, a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year. And, a special wish of well-being and happy yuletide to the capable Members of this House. I am honoured and proud to be one of the Members here, and I wish you all Godspeed when you go home to your communities and look forwarding to meeting with you again early in the new year.

---Applause