Will this project be retendered or sent out for RFP fairly soon?

Knowing the work that it takes to prepare a tender such as this, and knowing that only two tenders were received, has the Minister's department met with or considered meeting with the lower bidder to explore options that would bring the project within budget and keep the work, I guess, in Hay River?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The question that I have today is for the Minister of ITI. Recently, the tender for the construction of a fish processing receiving plant in Hay River was cancelled. When I saw this, I concluded that it was due to the bid amounts received, which were considerably over budget. Can the Minister confirm the reason for cancelling the tender at this time? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to recognize my wife, Bette Lyons. She is here, and she is keeping me fed and the Minister of ECE, as well. We appreciate her showing up in Yellowknife this week. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to talk about the commercial fishery on Great Slave Lake. If you look at the various industries that have come and gone in Hay River, you will find that the commercial fishery has outlasted most of them. This is remarkable considering the harsh elements these fishers face, whether it be the winter fishery or the summer fishery. The financial return to these fishers is minimal when you consider fish prices have never kept up with the increased operating cost related to fuel, equipment, labour, and insurance.

Mr. Speaker, the fishery is constrained by government legislation and an overbearing government bureaucracy that is still operating using colonial methods. To make a living, these fishers need the time to ready their equipment and to be out in the lake fishing. Instead, they find themselves caught up in ever-increasing government red tape while being held hostage by government programs that are used to pit one against the other.

Mr. Speaker, when we hear fishers' concerns, our government's fallback answer is always that fishers are split on what direction to move, that they do not get along, and that there is no consensus among them. Just as the people of the NWT decided they want a change in this government, it may be time to change out some of our bureaucrats in this file and replace them with a fresh set of eyes, new ideas, and a new approach that will engage and empower the fishers and not diminish their trust in us.

Mr. Speaker, if this government wants to revitalize the commercial fishing industry, we need the fishers. We cannot do it on our own. Our role as government should be to support NWT fishers through ongoing and meaningful discussions with them. We should reduce and remove obstacles that hamper their ability to do their job. We should be assisting them in identifying practices that work to increase their return.

Mr. Speaker, this government over the years has spent millions of dollars, studying, reviewing, meeting, discussing, and travelling to look at ways to revitalize this industry. We continue doing the same thing over and over while piling up multiple reports and really getting nowhere. The reality of this industry is that fish prices are still low while equipment, equipment repair, labour, and insurance costs have all risen substantially, which diminishes the return to the fisher. We need to find a way to increase return to our NWT fishers through a combination of higher prices while reducing operating costs. Failing this, we may ultimately lose the commercial fisher. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'll have questions for the Minister of ITI later. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a few people in the gallery, as well: my wife, Betty Lyons, who travelled here with me for this; and my daughter-in-law, Chantelle Lafferty, hiding over there; and a friend of mine, Donna O'Brien. As well, I'd like to recognize Mr. Ernie Daniels, who I haven't seen in years. It's nice to see you again. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very fortunate to be standing here today, and it is important that I thank the good people from Hay River South for making that happen. It is now up to me to represent each and every one of them fairly in this 19^th Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, prior to and during the election, I would like to acknowledge the support received from my family. That support never wavered since I made the decision to run, and it has not wavered since. The only advice my wife had for me was, "Don't ruin RJ's chance of being elected." She was relieved when he was acclaimed.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my official agent, Jo-Ann Jensen, whose help and hard work is appreciated. With respect to a campaign manager, that position was shared between quite a few people, including Beatrice Lepine, Badgie Courtoreille, Terry Courtoreille, Eileen Gour, Dee-Dee Lepine, Eddie Lepine, John Brockway, Darren Robertson, Rod O'Brien, Danna O'Brien, Abbie Crook, and my family. I thank them for that support.

As well as having all of these people and others volunteer their time, I would be remiss not to mention the 6:30 a.m. coffee crowd at the Ptarmigan Inn, all of whom provided and continue to provide their wisdom to me, which I very much appreciate.

Mr. Speaker, while going door to door, I had Mr. John Brockway as a driver for the 350-plus doors I knocked on. He had me running from house to house, so I lost a few pounds there. It was the door-to-door interaction that I found very enjoyable. I had the opportunity to visit with many old-timers and people that I often wave at in Hay River but never seem to get a chance to talk to. In addition, I met many new residents who provided an inspiring outlook on what Hay River can be.

Mr. Speaker, I do not take the position of Member for Hay River South lightly. Prior to making or voting on any decision during the term of this 19^th Legislative Assembly, I will always ask myself, "Is this decision in the best interest on the people I serve?" and will vote accordingly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize Beatrice Lepine. She's Member Simpson next to me's constituent, but she helped me out in my campaign and supported me and always supports me. She does lots for the community, and I would like to thank her for that.

I would also like to recognize Ms. Joyce Stewart, as well, from Hay River. I think she's still from Hay River. Anyways, her dad, Mr. Don Stewart was a Speaker here as well in this House many years ago and a well-respected politician, as well.

One other person I would like to recognize is Mr. Jim Thom, as well. He's got an important job. He drives the Commissioner around, so we have to make sure that he is looked after, as well. Thank you.