Steven Nitah

Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Historical Information Steven Nitah is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly November 2003, as MLA for Tu Nedhe

Lost his last election, in 2003, with 18% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Records Management March 28th, 2000

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So my understanding is that the subsidy may not be realized at the pumps because we are afraid others will enjoy that subsidy when they really do not need it.

If we look at the price of fuel, especially in the small communities where the income level is hovering around $30,000, a lot of people fall through the cracks when it comes to subsidies and other government programs.

When fuel prices hike up dramatically the way we have experienced through the ten cent increase in the beginning of the year, through the actions that might be taken through the department to get back some of the cash from the recent increases in the price of fuel, I would argue others that have fallen through the cracks may become users of income support.

There are a lot of people in smaller communities who are just barely meeting their needs with their jobs now because their fuel costs increased. They do not make more money when they are on income support. This puts more pressure on this government, especially where hunting and trapping are used for country food to help with their income. The cost of fuel is so important.

If we cannot, with the 17 projects that we have, all of which are in small, isolated communities that really depend on hunting and fishing...they really rely on the fuel. If we cannot take care of the subsidy of the pumps, then it just leaves more administration problems for this government to deal with down the road, which is going to cost more money to this government. I would strongly encourage the department to consider all these factors when and if they decide to raise the price of fuel in the communities.

Records Management March 28th, 2000

Thank you. At this committee meeting, Members also recommended that by absorbing increases in the price of fuel, there may very well be savings for government in other activities, such as in the social envelope. Am I to understand now that it is up to the Financial Management Board to make that decision?

Records Management March 28th, 2000

Thank you. In our committee meetings, you agreed to provide a fuel pricing rationale for review by Members. I have not seen this rationale yet. Is it forthcoming?

Records Management March 28th, 2000

Does the department have any influence on the Financial Management Board when it makes a decision on this?

Records Management March 28th, 2000

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Add to the savings or add to the price of fuel?

Records Management March 28th, 2000

That would mean there would be a savings of 13 to 14 cents a litre by the consumers?

Records Management March 28th, 2000

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can the Minister tell me what percent of subsidy is provided to a community where the department operates the storage and distribution of fuel products? What is the savings per litre for people purchasing that fuel?

Oral Question 155-14(2): Sport Funding To NWT Schools March 28th, 2000

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not certain, but almost certain, that once he does his inquiries, he will find that the resources available to the district education boards will not be sufficient to supply necessary funds and resources to sporting teams in the community. Would the Minister then undertake, based upon information he receives, to rectify potential problems or come up with solutions that will address the very limited access to resources for full participation of sporting teams in small communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral Question 155-14(2): Sport Funding To NWT Schools March 28th, 2000

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister responsible then, approach the district education boards to start a process to answer some of the questions he has asked and bring back that information to the House, so that everyone understands the processes available to sporting teams and sporting committees within communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral Question 155-14(2): Sport Funding To NWT Schools March 28th, 2000

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We all know that most of the communities, especially those that operate in the social envelopes on behalf of their communities and to a certain extent this government, are having great difficulties with their financial resources. We know the importance of sports and recreational activities and the healthy choices that young people make today. In light of that, would the department consider an increase of block funding or allocation of funds to divisional boards of education, so that sufficient resources are made available for young people to participate in sport events in and outside of the community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.