Mr. Silver: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to start by expressing my disappointment in the government for their lack of commitment in improving the mental wellness in our territory. It took them over a year to produce a wellness strategy, and yet I can’t seem to point to anything tangible in the actual report. Where are the steps of implementation, for example? Where is the money to fund such a vast effort? These questions remain unanswered.

Mr. Silver: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this spring, the Premier went downtown to buy a brand-new pair of shoes for budget day and sent an e-mail to all Government of Yukon employees reminding them to buy local. If only the government practised what it preaches when it comes to local purchasing and contracting. The two largest contracts underway in Yukon this year, for example, were both awarded to Outside companies. At the same time as the Premier was trying on his new shoes, the government was busy awarding a multi-million dollar contract for tourism marketing to a company from Vancouver. There has, of course, been no e‑mail to the government employees announcing this decision. There wasn’t even a news release.

Mr. Speaker, what is the value of the contract this government awarded to Cossette Communications, a Vancouver agency for tourism marketing?

Mr. Silver: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to rise today on behalf of the Liberal caucus to pay tribute to National Nursing Week. This year’s theme is, as mentioned: “Nurses: With you every step of the way” — and it could not be more accurate. This week, we pay tribute to the many contributions of nurses, emphasizing just how important nurses are to every stage of life. Nurses play a vital role in our health care system and are often the first persons we meet and, sadly, the last people we see on our journey through life.

Mr. Silver: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this week, the Premier received a scathing letter from the Chief of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in that accuses the Government of Yukon of “bargaining in bad faith” over mining rules. The chief went on to say, “As the 2016 mining season commences, TH is weighing the value of our continued participation in the negotiation process. We cannot point to any concrete gains from our months of engagement. Unless Yukon takes quick action to address the issues that we have been raising, we will be forced to conclude that the political will is just not there.”

Mr. Speaker, if the Government of Yukon’s relationship with Yukon First Nations is as good as it claims, why are we seeing letters like this arriving in the Premier’s mailbox?

Mr. Silver: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to rise today on behalf of the Liberal caucus to pay tribute to International Day of the Midwife. Each year on May 5, we mark International Day of the Midwife. This year’s theme is “Women and Newborns: The Heart of Midwifery”. The theme highlights midwives, ensuring women and newborns receive the quality of care that they deserve during and before and after delivery.