Debates of June 2nd, 2021

This is page numbers 2775 - 2818 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was chairperson .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Minister's statement 167-19(2): Tourism Week 2021 and Initiatives

Minister's Culture and Heritage Circle Awards

Homeownership Initiative

Aging in Place with Dignity

State of Housing in Nunakput

Climate Emergency

Suitability of Aurora College Student Housing Facility in Fort Smith

Suitability of Public Housing in Great Slave Riding

Supporting Seniors to Age in Place

Life Skills Courses in Northwest Territories Schools

Emergency and Homeless Shelters

Funding for the Spruce Bough Transitional Housing Facility

Retirement of Dan and Kim Schofield

Jean Marie River and Nahanni Bute Flood Situation

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Aging in Place with Dignity

Life Skills Courses in Northwest Territories Schools

Climate Emergency

State of Housing in Nunakput

Suitability of Aurora College Student Housing Facility in Fort Smith

Suitability of Public Housing in Great Slave Riding

Supporting Seniors to Age in Place

Homelessness Strategy and Emergency Shelters

Funding for the Spruce Bough Transitional Housing Facility

Condition of Housing Units in Behchoko

Lottery Revenues for Hay River Sporting Organizations

Oral question 755-19(2): Funding for the Spruce Bow Transitional Housing Facility

Committee Report 16-19(2): Report on Housing Phase One: Needs for NWT Homeowners and Private LAndlords

Motion to have Committee Report 16-19(2) Deemed Read and Printed in Hansard in its Entirety

Tabled Document 419-19(2): Plain Languages

Summary for Bill 30,

An Act to Amend the Aurora College Act Tabled Document 420-19(2): Government of the Northwest Territories REsponse to Committee Report 12-19(2), Report on the REview of Bill 12-19(2), Report on the Review of Bill 20,

an Act to Amend the EMployment Standards Act Tabled Document421-19(2): Follow-up Letter for Oral question 510-19(2), Universal Childcare

Tabled Document 422-19(2): Plain Language

Summary for Bill 31,

An Act to Amend the Pharmacy Act Tabled Document 423-19(2): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 575-19(2), Northwest Territories-Yukon Border Restrictions

Tabled Document 424-19(2): Plain Language

Summary for Bill 32,

An Act to Amend the Northern Employees Benefits Services Pension Tabled Document 425-19(2): Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation 2021-2022 Corporate Plan

Tabled Document 426-19(2): Redacted Meeting Summaries for the Government of the Northwest Territories-Chamber of Mines COVID-19 Recovery Working Group June 2022-April 2021 obtained under Access to Information

Creation of a Northwest Territories Food Security Strategy

Extended Adjournment of the House to October 14, 2021

Referral of Tabled Document 413-19(2): Emerging Stronger, Planning the NWT's Social and Economic Recovery together to Committee of the Whole

Bill 30:

An Act to Amend the Aurora College Act

Bill 31:

An Act ot Amend the Pharmacy Act

Bill 32:

An Act to Amend the Northern Employees Benefits Services Pension Plan Act

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Hon. Diane Archie , Hon. Frederick Blake Jr., Mr. Bonnetrouge , Hon. Paulie Chinna , Ms. Cleveland , Hon. Caroline Cochrane , Hon. Julie Green , Mr. Jacobson , Mr. Johnson , Mr. Lafferty , Ms. Martselos , Ms. Nokleby , Mr. O'Reilly , Ms. Semmler , Hon. R.J. Simpson , Hon. Shane Thompson , Hon. Caroline Wawzonek

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 2775

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Colleagues, before we begin, I just want to thank you the CPHO and the Department of Health for the great news today for the Beaufort Delta. Everybody up in the Delta is very happy now that they get to travel to the Yukon so I am sure Canadian Tire and everything will be empty by next week.

Okay, Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment .

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Minister's statement 167-19(2): Tourism Week 2021 and Initiatives

Ministers' Statements

Page 2775

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, we continue to navigate our every changing circumstances as the pandemic continues around the world. And After a long winter, I am sure we are all looking for a summer of fresh air and outdoor activities. The Northwest Territories parks are ready for visitors. We have already received a record number of registrations from residents across the territory. In 2020, registrations from Northwest Territories residents booking overnight stays in territorial parks increased by 46 percent and already this year we are see a further increase of 15 on top of 2020's already impressive numbers.

Building off this momentum, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has recently released of a new logo and branding for Northwest Territories parks. This new look will be reflected in all of the marketing and communication platforms for NWT parks, allowing us to position our parks locally, nationally, and globally, as premier wilderness destinations.

With that said, tourism remains one of the hardest hit industries globally. The NWT had been enjoying increases in visitors year over year and people now know, and want to experience what our unique and beautiful home has to offer. Many Northwest Territories' tourism businesses are adapting their company models to make sure they are ready when visitors return after travel restrictions are lifted. And We, as a territory, must support our tourism operators and businesses as best we can. As a government, we must provide the support to help keep them in business.

Mr. Speaker, last week was Tourism Week across the country. This year, to mark this national event, we developed a campaign that involved interviewing Northwest Territories residents who took advantage of the adventures and experiences available across our territory. They enthusiastically recounted their stories and shared their pictures. So many people across the Northwest Territories supported tourism operators and had, in their own words, some of their best travel experiences ever.

It is inspiring to see the resilience operators and businesses have demonstrated, and adapted to focus on opportunities for residents, while we wait for the pandemic to ease. The tourism industry has offered innovative packages tailored to all budgets and opened residents' eyes to the world-class experiences we have right here in our backyards. With every booking, we have shown operators how much we value their contribution to the economy. In return, they have given us a new appreciation that the Northwest Territories is truly spectacular.

Mr. Speaker, Tourism Week is only one way we continue to celebrate and support the tourism industry. Building on the momentum of past supports, like the digital boot camp training for operators to enhance their online profiles and in-market presence in partnership with Northwest Territories Tourism, as well as the Growth and Recovery by Investing in Tourism program, delivered through a funding collaboration with the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

Very soon, we hope to launch the newest support programs to bring relief to the tourism and accommodation industries; the Pandemic Relief Extension Program, or PREP, for licensed tourism operators, and the Supplement for Tourism Accommodation Relief, or STAR, for accommodation providers who have three or more rooms.

The federal government has been a critical partner throughout the year, and they are planning to continue supports through federal recovery programs. However, we know that the STAR and PREP programs are also going to be needed to continue supporting relief measures for these heavily impacted sectors.

Accommodation providers in the Northwest Territories have been particularly impacted by COVID-19. Average occupancy levels for hotels reporting from statistics dropped from 65 percent in 2019 down to 39 percent in 2020.

The STAR program will provide financial assistance for eligible expenses to accommodation providers in the Northwest Territories with three rooms or more and helps to continue the support for the sector that CanNor offered through their Northern Business Relief Fund.

Mr. Speaker, although there are positive signs for our tourism restart as the territorial and national vaccination programs gain momentum, the majority of tourism operators cannot maintain their businesses without some form of support. In the fall of 2020, 75 percent of tourism businesses had reported a decline in revenues of 50 percent or more.

The PREP will provide relief for eligible fixed costs to licensed tourism operators at a minimum of $2,500 to a maximum of $100,000. While home-based tourism businesses were not eligible for the federal relief through the NBRF, they will be eligible for relief funding under the PREP.

Mr. Speaker, our tourism operators have demonstrated their resilience through their adaptation and refocus under never-before-seen conditions. When our travel restrictions ease, we are confident our tourism industry will rebound and continue to grow into one of the most robust areas of economic diversification in the Northwest Territories, supporting one of our primary mandates. We know that visitors are looking forward to returning, and we want to make sure our tourism industry is ready to welcome them with the unique experiences and opportunities that make our territory spectacular. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's statement 167-19(2): Tourism Week 2021 and Initiatives

Ministers' Statements

Page 2775

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Education, Culture, and Employment .

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Minister's Statement 168-19(2): Minister's Culture and Heritage Circle Awards

Ministers' Statements

Page 2775

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Mr. Speaker, the arts, culture, heritage and language play an integral

part in creating a strong and sustainable territory. Living without access to live music, art shows, craft fairs, traditional events and seasonal festivities because of the pandemic has highlighted the beauty, tradition, celebration and community that arts, culture, language and heritage bring into our lives. This past year has also shown the resiliency and creativity of the many individuals and organizations who have found ways to continue to bring us together even when we are apart.

In celebration of these individuals and organizations, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce this year's recipients of the Minister's Culture and Heritage Circle Awards, all of whom are leaders in protecting, promoting, and preserving heritage and culture.

In the individual category, I would like to recognize Myrna Pokiak from Yellowknife. Myrna shares her formal and land-based education with her community. She promotes her culture through developing cultural awareness programs and was recently asked to design a celebratory coin marking 150 years since the NWT joined Canada.

In the youth category, Kaysea Fountain from Fort Resolution. Kaysea has emerged as a cultural role model to her peers and a true champion of her ancestral language - Dëne Suliné Yatié.

In the elders category, Rosalind Mercredi from Yellowknife. Rosalind has been a catalyst for many art events, including the 2020 Ice-olation Art Shows which allowed people to enjoy the arts despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the group category, Collège Nordique Francophone from Yellowknife. Collège Nordique has demonstrated outstanding leadership with their efforts to build awareness among Northerners about the importance of protecting, preserving, and celebrating the North's unique cultures and ways of life.

As well, this year a new category was added to recognize the important work of promoting, preserving, and protecting Indigenous languages. This award is presented to any individual or group whose efforts increase the presence, visibility, use, or scope of languages in communities. I am proud to award the first Indigenous Languages category award to Angelina Fabien from Fort Resolution for her work in reviving her ancestral language - Chipewyan.

Each year, Mr. Speaker, I also have the discretion as Minister to present the Minister's Choice Award to an exemplary person or group who embodies the spirit and purpose of the Minister's Culture and Heritage Circle.

This year, I am honoured to present this award to Lawrence Nayally from Wrigley, Pehdzeh Ki. Lawrence was raised by his grandparents, Dora and Boniface Nayally. Through the example set by his grandparents and his community, he developed a love of language, culture, identity and storytelling. Lawrence has volunteered with youth, taught Dené games with the Aboriginal Sports Circle, created music with Juno Award winning artist Leela Gilday, and was featured in the powerful documentary Nahanni: River of Forgiveness.

He has done advocacy work through Idle No More and helped to create Dené Nahjo, a group working to advance social and environmental justice for Northern peoples and promote Indigenous leadership.

Over the years, listeners of CKLB and CBC's Trail's End have been treated to Lawrence's insights into his Dene life, heritage, and language. He regularly offers pronunciation guides, including

definitions of Dene Zhatie words that encourage the revitalization of language.

Early in his life, Lawrence set out to make a difference for the North and the people that call this place home. He has used his life and career to inspire others through his messages of hope and his vision for the future of the Dene. For that, I am honoured to recognize Lawrence Nayally with the Minister's Choice Award.

This year, in light of the current public health measures, we are honouring all of our winners virtually through a celebratory video featuring all of the award winners and further information on their important work. The video can be viewed on the Government of the Northwest Territories YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all Members of this House to join me in honouring this year's Culture and Heritage Circle Award recipients and thanking them for their leadership and passion in promoting and celebrating our incredible Northern cultures, languages, and heritage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 168-19(2): Minister's Culture and Heritage Circle Awards

Ministers' Statements

Page 2776

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Northwest Territories Housing Corporation .

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Minister's Statement 169-19(2): Homeownership Initiative

Ministers' Statements

Page 2776

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, this government recognizes that owning your own home leads to physical security as well as emotional and financial security. Our goal, our mandate, is to increase the number of affordable homes and reduce the core housing need across the territory. Throughout my time being responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, I have made it my priority to listen to community members and look for resolutions to the barriers that have been identified.

The NWT Housing Corporation has been working diligently, and in partnership with Indigenous groups, community governments, and the private sector, to meet this commitments through a variety of programs and initiatives including the Home Ownership Initiative.

This initiative targets current Housing Corporation rental clients who have the ability to manage and succeed as homeowners. Part of that means the financial resources to pay for the shelter costs and utilities involved in being a homeowner. Another

part involves taking care of the maintenance issues each year to ensure greater longevity of their homes.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT Housing Corporation recognizes that we must also support these households in their transition. Moving from renter to homeownership brings on more responsibilities, and people need to be prepared. To ensure this, tenants will be provided with the tools to become successful homeowners such as additional counselling, as well as maintenance and repair courses, and courses on developing financial skills.

Mr. Speaker, under the initiative, rental clients enter into a forgivable loan agreement with the Housing Corporation that facilitates the transition to homeownership. Forgivable loan agreements are for a period of three years or five years depending on the value of the home. Approved program participants are also eligible for $20,000 in financial assistance for desired upgrades to their home. I strongly encourage anyone who may be interested in this program to reach out to the Housing districts or check the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation website for more information on this program. Communication is also going out directly to the tenants, as well informing them of the initiative.

Mr. Speaker, the homeownership initiative provides a great opportunity to add more homeowners to the Northwest Territories. Being a homeowner is something that many of us ourselves and our families need. I am pleased that this program will be able to help make this ambition a reality for many residents. I also want to thanks the Housing Corporation staff who have worked diligently to find solutions, expressing ideas, programs to meet the needs of our future homeownership clients. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 169-19(2): Homeownership Initiative

Ministers' Statements

Page 2776

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member for Hay River South .

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Aging in Place with Dignity

Members' Statements

Page 2776

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the priorities of this government is to enable seniors to age in place with dignity. It is great a sound byte with no real plan and limited action from this government.

Mr. Speaker, there are seniors living in their homes who are bedridden with limited support. There are seniors housebound because they are in a wheelchair and without a wheelchair ramp. There are seniors living in homes that are in need of major repair. We have seniors living in homes where the wooden basement and structure is being compromised by frost heaves. We have seniors without homes who are living on the street. We evict seniors from public housing units. We have seniors locked up in extended care facilities with limited interaction with others.

We promise more homecare support but have no plan and no budget. We house seniors from the south while those born and raised here go without. We have seniors who are abused by family members and we do nothing. And we have seniors who are abused and neglected by this very government and, again, we do nothing.

Mr. Speaker, I can go on and on but the reality is that this government needs to step up and address all these issues I mentioned. It is not the responsibility of one department; it is the responsibility of several and all of us working together. To start, we all need to show compassion and respect for seniors. We need to listen to all seniors and not just those that have the means to get our attention.

Mr. Speaker, seniors want to see a commitment and a plan from this government that will allocate the financial and human resources that will allow them to age at home with dignity, that will provide those without a home with suitable housing or accommodations, that will provide them the care they require to stay healthy and safe, and to provide each with a quality of life and a quality of living that we would want for our own parents.

Mr. Speaker, I ask each of the Ministers sitting across from me if they are up to the challenge? Will they commit to making a difference for seniors, and I ask each if they will start now. And before answering that, to consider what they would want and find acceptable for their own parents. Thank you.

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Aging in Place with Dignity

Members' Statements

Page 2776

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South . Members' statements. Member for Nunakput .

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State of Housing in Nunakput

Members' Statements

Page 2776

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in March of last year, I brought up the urgency of housing and the housing crisis in Nunakput. Since then, I've had more concerns from my constituents regarding the state of housing in the communities. There are no market housing in the communities in Nunakput, and the NWT Housing Corporation does not have enough houses to address the issues. The lack of housing we have in the public housing.

Public housing units in Nunakput are ageing, Mr. Speaker. Houses are that we have built in 1970 and the '80s now need retrofits. I'm getting messages about needing new windows because when a certain wind blows, it's blowing snow right into the unit now. We need new windows and doors. In Paulatuk, I got a call from the mayor saying that he was at his daughter's house one night and he could almost -- he had to put blankets on the floors for them to walk in because it's so cold.

So the overcrowding, again, Mr. Speaker, with that needs is a big issue in my riding, especially with everything happening with COVID and the pandemic. Overcrowding in the houses is extra stress, frustration, making an already severe crisis and addictions and mental health and challenges make worse for families being overcrowded. There's still a lack of single units in each community. How young people are supposed to return to home to their communities and start families or just come home to live and work? Some people have to live in overcrowded shacks as they have been evicted and are waiting for housing, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the local housing organizations are doing their best with what limited resources that they have, but -- I'm grateful for the work that they do, but we require additional support from the NWT Housing Corporation. We need to work together with the Minister, Mr. Speaker, for the small communities outside of Yellowknife. We need to -- she needs to see this firsthand, understand the urgency of the situation that we're in in my riding.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister later today. Thank you.

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State of Housing in Nunakput

Members' Statements

Page 2776

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput . Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake .

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Climate Emergency

Members' Statements

Page 2777

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. In our last sitting, I made a statement on this government's less than adequate first attempt at integrated climate change reporting. Unfortunately, there was not much to report given the lack of progress over the last year. This may have been partially due to COVID but is also rooted in the faulty design of the climate change approach from the last Cabinet that carries over into this Assembly.

So what's changed since February? Our neighbour to the west has joined a growing international movement to plan and implement more stringent emission targets to keep this planet from going completely off the rails. The Yukon government has committed to a target of net zero by 2050. While doing this, the Yukon also established and held its first meeting of a youth panel on climate change.

Meanwhile in Europe, a group of German youth took their government to court over climate change inaction and they won. Germany's constitutional court, on April 29, sided with nine young Germans against their federal government. The court agreed the country's landmark climate legislation, passed in 2019, put too much of a burden on future generations and didn't take enough responsibility in the present. Gee, the same thing could be said about our weak and totally unachievable climate change approach that is back-end loaded with Taltson expansion for which there is no funding, no buyers, and no plan.

An Ontario youth group is also taking their provincial government to court over inaction during the climate emergency and another group of youth are taking our federal government to court. I suspect that NWT youth are also watching these court cases closely.

Meanwhile, our dinosaur approach from the last Cabinet continues to creep mostly backwards with only a commitment to review where we are at in 2023 at the conclusion of this Assembly - a recipe for inaction and disaster. I will have questions for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources as the apparent lead Minister on climate change. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Climate Emergency

Members' Statements

Page 2777

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake . Members' statements. Member for Thebacha .

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Suitability of Aurora College Student Housing Facility in Fort Smith

Members' Statements

Page 2777

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, further to my statement from yesterday about ageing school infrastructure in Fort Smith, I want to discuss the student resident building that is currently being used by Aurora College in Fort Smith. Aurora College Thebacha Campus is currently using a former residential school building called Breynat Hall as a single-student resident facility for students attending Aurora College.

Mr. Speaker, Breynat Hall was built in 1957. Given the undeniable historical legacy of this building, it's no surprise that Fort Smith constituents feel uncomfortable, to say the least, with its continued presence in our community, especially in conjunction with its present use and function as a single student residence facility. With residential schools once again coming to the forefront of a national discussion, I want to harness this moment and really emphasize that for many people, there is much pain, trauma, and suffering that's associated with Breynat Hall. Therefore, there's a strong community desire to see it decommissioned and replaced.

Mr. Speaker, all things considered, the reality is that the sad situation in Kamloops, BC has far-reaching effects on survivors, their families, and the communities where these facilities still stand. Fort Smith still has several such facilities remaining. We must address these issues and if means going to the federal government for 100 percent financial coverage to remove and replace these reminders of federal day schools and residential schools, then let's do that. As a government, we need to be doing that.

The same goes for the other former residential school buildings in Fort Smith that I talked about in my statement yesterday. So it's no wonder, then, that both Fort Smith and other NWT residents feel uncomfortable, wary, and off-put about Breynat Hall still standing and in active use.

All buildings that were used for residential schools need to go, period. I am very mindful and concerned about the social and psychological scars which those buildings represent. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mr. Speaker, everybody talks about healing from wounds of residential school, intergenerational trauma, and colonization. But how can we do that when we continue to maintain the structural relics of the former residential schools themselves? Our government is spending good money on bad infrastructure. We cannot continue to have band-aid solutions in addressing the major institutional and structural issues of colonialism and its ongoing effects in our everyday society.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, as our government moves forward with the transition of Aurora College into a polytechnic university, one aspect that we must also consider is a student residence. Given that Breynat Hall student residence is a severely outdated and carries with it the traumatic dramatic memories of residential school, I believe that the Department of Education needs to invest in a new student residence at Aurora College Thebacha Campus.

We must be ready for the eventual polytechnic transformation to take effect, and I hope to see with a brand new single student residence which will reflect Indigenous culture. I will have questions for the Minister of Education later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Suitability of Aurora College Student Housing Facility in Fort Smith

Members' Statements

Page 2777

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha . Members' statements. Member for Great Slave .

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Suitability of Public Housing in Great Slave Riding

Members' Statements

Page 2777

Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Since I began my term, the most pressing issues from my constituents stem from housing issues. My district is home to many of the apartment buildings used by the Housing Corp for their clients in Yellowknife, with Simpson House and Norseman Manor the subject of the majority of complaints. One constituent, who moved to Yellowknife from their home community to be closer to needed medical services for their child, routinely has issues with their family's unit. These issues range from an overflowing toilet to ants on their countertops crawling in their cupboards and over their infant children while they sleep.

The provided solution always seems to be to use pest control chemicals; however, how they interfere with their child's medical issues is unknown.

The unit located next door has been boarded up for an extended period of time and one has to ask, why is a profitable unit not being used? I can only assume it is due to an issue like mold which makes me concerned for my constituents. But when asked, the Housing Corporation had no idea why the unit was boarded up and it hadn't occurred to them to ask. In my constituent's unit a window has been broken for months in freezing temperatures without replacement. I ask you, Mr Speaker, is this unit suitable to raise children in? Particularly one with compromised health.

Another common constituent complaint is of drug- and alcohol-fuelled parties with people then using the common areas of the building as a toilet. During one such incident the excrement was not cleaned up for several warm days leading to an offensive stench throughout the building. In my own experience, I was cat-sitting for a friend and found myself having to step over puddles of urine in the building foyer for days before they were ever cleaned up.

Being harassed and asked for money or cigarettes is a common occurrence for my constituents. Fire alarms are often pulled in the middle of the night and laundry rooms are shut down due to escalating repair costs from vandalism. Many housing clients no longer have the ability to wash their clothes onsite, which adds more stress, costs, and time to their burden.

Recently I toured these buildings and found that they're in an advanced state of disrepair with several housing programs operating in the buildings with little to no integration. The landlord's manager, who was kind enough to show us around, presented me with a thick file of complaints and invoices for repairs and costs associated with false alarms. He indicated that 24-hour security is badly needed in the buildings in order to provide a deterrent to those creating problems. It is my belief that the cost of security would be far less than what is currently being paid for repairs and callouts.

And when one factors in the well-being and peace of mind this would bring to my constituents, it is invaluable. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Suitability of Public Housing in Great Slave Riding

Members' Statements

Page 2777

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave . Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake .

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Supporting Seniors to Age in Place

Members' Statements

Page 2777

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our seniors and elders are the fastest growing population in the NWT. Before I'm an empty-nester, our seniors population over 60 will increase by 56 percent and the demand for home care by 80 percent. Historically, Canadian elder care is lost in the fog between housing, social assistance, and health care. But this government committed to empowering seniors and elders to age in place and to an elders strategy. If we are going to achieve either of those, Mr. Speaker, we have work to do.

In March, Health and Social Services announced a decrease in its projected need of long-term care beds from 435 to 169 beds. How accurate that is remains to be tested. But what does remain is the fact that seniors who once anticipated a future in a long-term care facility will now need to be accommodated through an integrated approach to home care, multigenerational accessible housing, and an aligned government policy and programs.

Today, 40 percent of elders live in poverty with an annual income less than $25,000, meaning they rely on income assistance. The 2019 home and community care review found that seniors and elders who live in public housing often pay too much for rent when they live with family and that rent tied to household income creates a disincentive for adult children to live with elders. Mr. Speaker, this decreases family supports for elders ageing in place.

It's also important to note that 40 percent of NWT seniors are homeowners. Seniors living in their own homes can only access income assistance accommodation allowance if they're on the public housing waitlist. But homeowners are ineligible for public housing, which means this policy also makes them ineligible for the accommodation allowance to help pay the high cost of housing with income assistance. Income assistance policies require an elder applying for financial assistance to sell their home to receive the income assistance accommodation allowance.

The Housing Corporation is currently driving homeownership and also does not have the public housing stock to support this policy. Rather than providing a support where people are at, we have a policy vortex that creates stressful barriers for seniors while driving our need for government care institutions.

Mr. Speaker, government policies that serve our elders are fragmented and inconsistent with our priorities. It is time to reshape elder care into something we are proud of in a system that celebrates the equality of life -- or quality of life of our parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supporting Seniors to Age in Place

Members' Statements

Page 2778

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake . Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho .

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Life Skills Courses in Northwest Territories Schools

Members' Statements

Page 2778

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak about an aspect of a young person's journey in education. It may very well encourage them in a career path.

As parents or educators, we always strive to get the best quality education for our young students so they can have success in life. Many will reach the biggest milestone of their young school life in obtaining their grade 12 graduate diploma. For many, the realization that graduating from grade 12 that it is not all that it is cut out to be when they realize the grade levels are not on par to get into post-secondary studies. Many have struggled with post-secondary studies and soon leave to return home. Most feel they are stuck between a rock and a hard place with nowhere to go.

Many do not have peer support groups to discuss their dilemma. For most of our students who have gone through school systems in our small centres, they were inundated with school books on basic sciences, basic math, basic reading and writing. Now throw in virtual learning sessions, which they may get nothing out of as they are already struggling with just trying to achieve credits in order to graduate.

Mr. Speaker, perhaps we need to take a closer look at education learning outcomes for the small centres. Perhaps they would be very interested in education if we offered more than just school books. Perhaps we need to seriously look at incorporating life skills courses into the schools in small centres.

The purpose of a life skills course or training is to realize the student's full potential and develop self-esteem by learning practical skills required for everyday living. This also improves social skills, community connections, and most of all, increasing independence.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Education Minister at the appropriate time. Mahsi.

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Life Skills Courses in Northwest Territories Schools

Members' Statements

Page 2778

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Deh Cho . Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes .

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Emergency and Homeless Shelters

Members' Statements

Page 2778

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What is the future plan of emergency in homeless shelters of the Northwest Territories? I spoke about our emergency homeless shelter in Inuvik last week, and it was something that was raised to me by many constituents, their concern that the shelter had closed with the weather still cold. And just so everyone here knows that the weather is still dipping below zero, and it was snowing this morning in Inuvik.

We've also heard from my colleague the struggles of the funding of the Hay River homeless shelter. In recent news, the Yellowknife day shelter is closing. Then the flood-damaged homeless shelter in Fort Simpson.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister has mentioned there is a homeless strategy. Where is this strategy, Mr. Speaker? Our homeless are still NWT residents, and the NWT needs to ensure that their basic needs are met. So instead of waiting for a strategy, let's get moving and assist, come up with some real solid solutions to provide a place for them. Let's secure some long-term funding for NGOs so that these boards, these volunteer boards that are made up of community members that care, they have enough to do the work that they do and be able to hire adequate staff and pay for operations.

The Minister committed to a staff person in the regional office to support the shelter board and the staff and, specifically, in Inuvik. This is needed in all regions, and I hope the Minister is committed to having this support position ongoing as we know that our emergency shelter has struggled along the way. How long do we expect some of our most vulnerable to wait for a strategy when they have nowhere to go now? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll have questions for the Minister responsible for Homelessness .

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Emergency and Homeless Shelters

Members' Statements

Page 2778

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes . Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Funding for the Spruce Bough Transitional Housing Facility

Members' Statements

Page 2778

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does everyone have a right to housing, a right to a place to sleep at night, a roof over their read, and a secure place to store a few possessions with access to privacy? Well, Mr. Speaker, from the actions of this government, it's clear that they do not. Mr. Speaker, less than three percent of our capital budget was spent on housing this year. Mr. Speaker, and even our own processes don't guarantee a right to housing. Mr. Speaker, once again, the Spruce Bough, formally the Arnica, future's is uncertain.

Mr. Speaker, the Yellowknife Women's Society has been running, what was originally supposed to be a place for the homeless to isolate for the pandemic, has become a community of people who have come to call the Spruce Bough home. The Yellowknife Women's Society has been advocating since 2016 for a place to run their programs, and it was only because of the pandemic that our government was able to provide any funding through COVID relief to make it possible. However, Mr.

Speaker, the Minister of Health and Social Services herself has stated that the department recognizes the value of the program at the Spruce Bough and it manages some of the two best practices together, which is a managed alcohol program dealing with addiction and homelessness at the same time. However, Mr. Speaker, the contract for the Spruce Bough has only been extended by six months to September, leaving all of its residents wondering if they will have a home, leaving all of its staff wondering if they will have a job.

Mr. Speaker, there have been multiple questions to the Housing Corp about what is the future of the Arnica or the Spruce Bough's funding but its CMHC program has once again been delayed. And if it wasn't for the generous support of the owners of the Spruce Bough, who have been a saving grace for the Yellowknife Women's Society, this process would not go forward at all.

Mr. Speaker, the process of the Housing Corp and the CMHC is a detriment to using any pre-existing buildings in the NWT. There are multiple barriers, multiple hoops to jump through just to use an existing building to provide people with housing, Mr. Speaker. This is why we need to stop waiting on the federal government, and we need to fund these programs ourselves. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services later today to see where we are in providing the Spruce Bough and its residents a safe future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Funding for the Spruce Bough Transitional Housing Facility

Members' Statements

Page 2778

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North . Members' statements. Member for Monfwi .

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Retirement of Dan and Kim Schofield

Members' Statements

Page 2778

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Dan Schofield and his wife Kim, long-time Northerners and public servants, will be retiring and leaving the North. Today I would like to acknowledge the impact he has had on many of the youth, including my own children.

Mr. Speaker, Kim Schofield has served in the North within the Justice Department. That and serving in the capacity of recreational leader, community development, director of school community government, and COVID Secretariat. The role I know Dan's best, however, as a coach, advocate for the youth.

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Dan for countless hours here he put into youth across the Northwest Territories. He coached soccer for Canada Summer Games. He was a president of Basketball NWT. He initiated Arctic Shoot-out, the Cager high performance team, initiated the still, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, Dan Schofield has coached hockey in the NWT for well over 30 years and has affected the lives of hundreds of Northern youth. Dan's team completed nationally and internationally, at Arctic Winter Games, Canada Games, and Europe Challenge. He coached both male and female players, many of whom who went on to complete at higher level in the south, Triple A, Junior A, NCAA University, WHL, Royal Hockey under 18 hockey championship.

Mr. Speaker, Dan is a tough coach. He expected the best of his players and worked them hard. But no one worked harder than Dan. He scored extra ice time for his teams, coordinated training and tournaments, arranged multiple fundraising opportunities so that the team can travel. He was constantly raising the bar, pushing his players to do better. His influence extended far beyond the bench. Dan's lessons were life lessons.

In the words of my son, Jayde, Dan was a very strong influence. The main key for the hockey experience. He gave me more opportunities than I have ever asked for. He motivated me to be the best hockey player possible and version of myself, pushing me every time. Even if I want to give up, he trusted me. He believed in me. Those teachings also transfer to life lessons - to never give up and keep pushing for what I want. Thank you, Dan for everything, and thank you for being the best coach.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of many players, coaches, and families affected by generosity and dedicated spirit, I would like to thank Dan Schofield for his dedication to his sport and youth in the NWT. Masi cho, Dan.

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Retirement of Dan and Kim Schofield

Members' Statements

Page 2779

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi . Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh .

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Jean Marie River and Nahanni Bute Flood Situation

Members' Statements

Page 2779

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is very sad to see the plight of flood-affected families and we all must come forward to help each other in the hour of need. This includes the GNWT as we work on doing their best to assist the affected families and evacuees during the 2021 flood for the communities of Jean Marie River and Fort Simpson. As a person who was in one of the communities during the flood and in contact with the other community, the GNWT did a great job. What I saw and witnessed was the departments doing their best to support each community as we dealt with the flood.

The GNWT response started with the regional EMO team that is made up of departmental staff who helped and assisted the community staff and team. They showed great leadership and willingness to help and get things done as quickly as they were asked. This process started in January/February. Was it perfect? No. Did we need to adapt and modify the plan daily? Yes. Did we learn what needs to be improved next time? A big yes.

As I said in my previous member's statements, I know I am missing things the GNWT did but what I did see was nothing but amazing. They were there for the communities. I have attached appendixes with the various departments and staff lists that helped with the flood response. I would like to deem them as read.

Mr. Speaker, Deh Cho Health and Social Services moved our long-term care elders to Norman Wells with four staff, homecare elders to a B&B on the mainland, had community and regional staff available to provide necessary services and a M.A.S.H.-style mobile health unit.

Infrastructure had airport staff working to accept flights in with food, supplies, and transporting evacuees to Fort Smith and Hay River. They worked to get the ferry up and operational, ensuring it was done in a safe manner, so supplies could get into the community. As well, Infrastructure ensured the JMR access road was maintained.

The Power Corp did an amazing job in both communities. They had staff look after the power plants and shut them off in a timely manner. Unfortunately with the plants being shut off, they had to bring in a temporary plant to Jean Marie from Fort St. John, BC and start up an alternate plant up on the mainland.

They brought in staff from outside to help the community ensure that they had power and made sure, as the water receded, the power was hooked up safely.

ENR - they were a great asset during the flood. They helped bring in a mobile unit so staff had a place to stay in Jean Marie as they dealt with wildfire, wildlife issues. They helped the residents that stayed behind in both tent city camps. They brought in shower facilities and additional wall tents for Fort Simpson. They transported goods in the community and between both communities.

Municipal and Community Affairs provided - as food was needed, the department purchased 210 food hampers for Fort Simpson and Jean Marie. This was a big help for the residents that stayed in the community. The department put another 300 hampers together as evacuees started returning home.

Mr. Speaker, this is a small amount of support the GNWT offered during our difficult time. On top of this, the Government of the Northwest Territories donated $150,000 to the United Way in support of those impacted by flooding in the Northwest Territories. All I can say is thank you, thank you, and mahsi cho.

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Jean Marie River and Nahanni Bute Flood Situation

Members' Statements

Page 2779

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nahendeh . Colleagues, please be mindful of the clock. It was like two statements there but we will let it go for today.

Okay, Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Acknowledgments. Sorry, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River South .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 2779

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I didn't see the Member for Hay River North jump up so I would like to recognize Anne Danielson, the CA for the Member for Hay River North , and welcome her to the gallery and it is good practice for us, I guess, to finally start getting people in here. And welcome, Anne.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 2779

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South . Welcome to the gallery; I hope that you are enjoying the proceedings today. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Monfwi .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 2779

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker.

[Translation] Mr. Speaker, we have interpreters here in the House for us. On some days, we don't have the complete

interpretation but

interpretation is very important. Today we have Mary Rose Sundburg and Harriet Paul interpreting for the language. Even though no one is here, we are being recorded so the recordings will also be recording into the future. So I would like to say thank you to them. Masi. [Translation ended]

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 2779

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would also like to recognize our interpreters that are doing a great job and keeping up to our Members even though -- well, actually, everybody kind of slowed down a bit here. So thank you, once again.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member for Hay River South .

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Oral Question 744-19(2): Aging in Place with Dignity

Oral Questions

Page 2779

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd ask the Minister responsible for Health and seniors to confirm where her department is with respect to developing a home care strategy that is in line with this government's commitment to supporting seniors, aging at home, with dignity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 744-19(2): Aging in Place with Dignity

Oral Questions

Page 2779

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South . Minister responsible for Health and Social Services .

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Oral Question 744-19(2): Aging in Place with Dignity

Oral Questions

Page 2779

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is a very important commitment to me. I plan to age in place here. I know some of my colleagues do as well, and their parents as well. And so the services provided are very important.

In the 18th Assembly, the department commissioned a home and community care study. It was delivered in September of 2019. It had 22 recommendations. And the department followed up by responding formally to the home and community care review. And so that is basically our strategy for what we're doing with home and community care; how we're addressing those 22 recommendations.

In this fiscal year, there are six new positions in home and community care, a total of spending of $1.42 million. And the priorities for this year are to hire three new regional home care nurses who will provide oversight for home care in their areas, two territorial wound care nurses, support for additional home care services after hours and on weekends, and for people who are palliative, and a project manager in Yellowknife. So there are a lot of things going on in home and community care to better meet the needs of residents of the NWT, recognizing that our population of people who are aging need these services. Thank you.

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Oral Question 744-19(2): Aging in Place with Dignity

Oral Questions

Page 2779

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I guess you provided me with -- the Minister provided me with the number of supports that are going to be coming out. And I'm just wondering on the timing of them, if some are out already, if we're moving ahead, or are some going to be in place later on, if she can just come up with some idea of time for me. Thank you.

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Oral Question 744-19(2): Aging in Place with Dignity

Oral Questions

Page 2779

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm not sure when these six positions will be filled or if they've already been filled so I'll have to come back to the Member with that information. Thank you.

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Oral Question 744-19(2): Aging in Place with Dignity

Oral Questions

Page 2779

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister confirm if her department is working with the Minister of Housing and ECE to collaborate on effective programs and support for seniors? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 744-19(2): Aging in Place with Dignity

Oral Questions

Page 2779

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are taking a whole of government approach to seniors aging because it cuts across many different departments. And one of the things that we're working on together is an elders strategy which will look in more detail at the gaps that exist across government in services for seniors and to make a plan to fill those gaps. So that includes housing. So we recently -- the Minister of Housing and I recently went to Fort Good Hope for the opening of their new seniors housing.

And the collaboration there is that the Housing Corporation built the facility, and the nursing unit in Fort Good Hope provides the home and community care so that the people who are living in the housing can stay in the housing. Thank you.

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Oral Question 744-19(2): Aging in Place with Dignity

Oral Questions

Page 2779

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Hay River South .

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Oral Question 744-19(2): Aging in Place with Dignity

Oral Questions

Page 2780

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the issues that arise, and I know it is in Hay River, is that some seniors don't have access to transportation to get to the health centre. You know, they may have to take a taxi and some may not have the funds. And I know that there are vouchers that are provided at some times. But can the Minister confirm with her department about considering providing financial support to communities without adequate means of transportation to health centres so that they can make it there. Thank you.

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Oral Question 744-19(2): Aging in Place with Dignity

Oral Questions

Page 2780

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, transportation is an issue in every community, including Yellowknife. Getting seniors to program sites, health sites, shopping, and so on is an issue all around. This is not something that the department has taken on but it's something that I can inquire about. The department provides the individual support. So if somebody needs a walker, for example, then the department would assist them in obtaining that but not necessarily a ride to the health centre. Thank you.

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Oral Question 744-19(2): Aging in Place with Dignity

Oral Questions

Page 2780

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho .

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Oral Question 745-19(2): Life Skills Courses in Northwest Territories Schools

Oral Questions

Page 2780

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are related to my Member's statement presented earlier regarding suggestions to incorporate life skills courses into schools to pique interest in career paths for students. Can the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment provide an update as to development of this initiative. Mahsi.

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Oral Question 745-19(2): Life Skills Courses in Northwest Territories Schools

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Page 2780

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As what the Member was asking about teaching life schools in school, and I don't have specific information about a life skills initiative but I can talk a bit about what is done in schools in a broad sense, understanding that what happens in the school is highly dependant on the DEA, the community, and the teachers at that time. And there could be a lot of variation and there could be heavy focus on life stills depending on those influences. So in schools of course we have the courses like career/life management that people are familiar with.

We also have courses like career and technology courses where you can take more practical hands-on type courses as opposed to theoretical thins. We are introducing career and education advisors across the territory, and those individuals can help students figure out what path they want to go on in terms of education. So these students I guess aren't aimless in their education. They can really focus on what they need and get the skills that they need which in and of itself is practical.

Of course we are also engaging in a curriculum renewal and one of the criteria that we are looking at is a curriculum that is not so much focused on just memorizing things but focused on gaining skills, competencies that you would need to use in everyday life. So those are some of the things that we're doing. You know, if there's something more specific that the Member has in mind, I can try and speak to that as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 2780

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for that. I know he states there's hands-on experiences but I think shop centres and trade centres were built and developed for the larger centres and not necessarily the small centres. We really want to see some change to increase changes of students' success that could create a positive learning experience for them, then, you know, cost should not with be a stumbling block and waiting for decisions to be made others. I just reiterate again, will the Minister develop an action plan to initiate this initiative? Mahsi.

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Page 2780

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So we're not looking at an action plan, to initiate something like that. However, I can say that I have had conversations with the education leaders across the territory, so the chairs of the regional boards and the local DEAs, and there has been a focus on the hands-on type learning, and you know, it's clear that there is a lack of those facilities in the smaller communities, and I even hear in the larger communities it is difficult to staff a lot of those facilities.

There is a shortage of journeypersons across Canada and not every journeyperson wants to be a teacher. And so, you know, there has been difficulties in Yellowknife and in the communities in staffing those positions. However there is a renewed focus on that with the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university.

We're looking at expanding the reach of the college in to every single community in the territory and hopefully that will help us strengthen the relationship between the college and the JK to 12 system so that there can be some of those hands-on skills taught in a -- by the college or to high school students and have some perhaps dual credit courses where students can take high school courses to get credits for the college. So that is focus of what we're doing.

We understand that we need to prepare people for the job market. We need to prepare people for the real world and there is a focus on ensuring that we take the steps now to do that without a specific strategy as part of our overall goal. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 2780

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Minister for that answer. Mr. Speaker, I want to relay my personal experience while attending school at Sir John Franklin, more of a comment to the Minister.

Coming from a small centre, this was a humbling experience. There were music classes, photography classes, automotive, mechanics classes, carpentry classes, coupled with drama and the arts. There was quite a bit of action happening at the schools. I just can't quite recall but I think I took them all. There may be logistical challenges but I believe we can overcome and meet those challenges head on. And I thank the Minister again for not discounting I guess initiative. Mahsi.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Taken as comment.

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Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Thank you.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake .

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Oral Question 746-19(2): Climate Emergency

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Page 2780

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. My question's for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources who should actually be the Minister of Environment and Climate Change - still waiting for that change.

In my statement earlier today, I noted how the Yukon government has established a youth panel on climate change and that they met virtually for the first time in January of this year. Can the Minister tell us whether we will ever get a similar body for interested youth in the Northwest Territories and if not, why? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 2780

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake . Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources .

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Oral Question 746-19(2): Climate Emergency

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Page 2780

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The NWT Climate Change Council was established in March 2021 and so they have been having meetings. Part of the development of this council is panels, and we do have a panel for youth and we are trying to getting them engaged. This summer, ENR has some opportunities for youth to be involved. But other youth have had the opportunity to reach out to me, and I've had the opportunity to meet with them. In my former life, youth were important. I always say our foundation of our elders and our future is our youth. So I'm more than willing to meet with them.

We do have the panel and I can tell you that the council during their meetings are really interested in developing that youth panel. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 2780

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President, I wanted to recognize the work that the Member has done with youth -- or the Minister, I should say. There are a number of court cases in Canada against the federal and provincial governments due to their inability or unwillingness to deal with climate emergency without fobbing off responsibility in to the future which is what our government's approach is really all about. Can the Minister indicate whether our government is watching these court proceedings and perhaps watching over its shoulder for NWT youth? Merci, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 2780

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is aware of these cases. The Department of ENR follows the shifts in climate change best practice and legal actions as part of their comprehensive approach to addressing climate change. Youth have a particularly important role and stake in climate change. As we all say, that's our future. At the people are going to be looking after this -- looking after us and our planet.

ENR continues to take active advantage of and providing opportunity to youth involvement, including the youth advisor group and youth gathering. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that. Of course one of the principles of these court cases is intergenerational equity and that is actually one of the considerations that is supposed to be used in drafting a statement of environmental values that -- sorry, quote: "Statement of environmental values that explains how environmental considerations, including the right to a healthy environment, will be integrated into decisions that might have a significant impact on the environment." End of quote.

Mr. Speaker, that quote is from the Environmental Rights Act that was passed a year and a half ago in the last Assembly. We still don't have that statement of environmental values. Can the Minister tell us when Cabinet will finally obey its own law and bring forward the statement of environmental values for public consultation and explain how the climate emergency was considered? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 2780

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Member for the question. The statement of environmental values required under the Environmental Rights Act will outline how the environment will be considered when government decisions are made that may have a significant impact on the environment.

Specifically to the Member's question, ENR has prepared a draft statement of environmental values that will be ready for a 90-day public comments period by the end of this summer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 2780

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Frame Lake .

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Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President; I want to thank the Minister for that. Sometimes I feel like, and I probably even look like a dinosaur, Mr. Speaker. But the real dinosaur here is our climate change approach, which I think is headed for extinction as it's not going to be successful in doing our part to meet emission targets that are required to save this planet. So I'm not prepared to wait until another two years for Cabinet to only find out that it's not on track. It's back-end loaded with projects that will never happen.

So can the Minister tell us when Cabinet is going to review and revise the faulty climate change approach from the last Cabinet? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this required a lot of details and I thank the Member for giving us advance notice on it so it's going to be a little bit longer but I need to share this important information.

The 2030 Climate Change Strategic Framework in the 2019-2023 action plan were developed collaboratively with Indigenous governments and organizations and other partners in NWT after extensive engagement. As reported in the annual report released early this year, the GNWT and our partners are making a lot of progress in implementing the action identified in the 2019-2023 action plan.

I am pleased to report that all 104 action items in

part 1 of the action plan have been initiated and are in process. The NWT Climate Change Council is established and its panels get off the ground, they will further prioritize future actions.

Progress is being made on some parts to action areas; for example, funding was secured to develop a climate change adaptation plan for wildlife in the NWT. Additionally, the last fiscal year, 15 positions were funded across five GNWT departments to support actions on climate change. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput .

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Oral Question 747-19(2): State of Housing in Nunakput

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Page 2781

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like -- today my questions -- or my Member statement was on housing. You know, we have the overcrowding. We have houses that are sitting dormant. We have old housing that needs -- in dire need of repair. I'd like to ask the Minister if she's willing to commit to doing a constituency tour with me to see firsthand and hear it from the people on what's happening with the community and the housing situation that we're in. And when we're doing that tour, to bring a staff member to travel with her to see what's needed, like ordering windows and doors and that.

I don't have very many houses in my riding in Nunakput, but I think what we could do is do a list because I know MTS is going to be coming and getting ready for the barging season and hopefully we could do it before then and get -- if they don't have that information already to do the proper renovations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput . Minister responsible for Northwest Territories Housing Corporation .

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Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I will commit to go into Nunakput to do a constituency with the MLA. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to that day.

Can the Minister provide an update regarding the summer retrofit programs in renovation season specifically for Nunakput before MTS day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did receive a list from my department. Currently we have in Ulukhaktok we have four units, Paulatuk four units, Sachs Harbour two, and Tuk nine as well. I also requested from my department the activity that had happened over the past five years, and it's quite detailed and I will provide that to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I should have asked her last week, it's so good news. Now we need windows and doors, Mr. Speaker, and insulation for the floors. You know, I really -- this last about a month ago, you know, I really got a disturbing text message in regards to Sachs Harbour, one of the housing members there that's really going through a tough time. The house is in really dire need of repair. I really look forward to seeing him and the individuals that sent that message in regards to bring the Minister to hear it from them as well to get the problem fixed.

The renovation, can the Minister make sure that we're committing to local contractors in the communities, the work that's provided that's being put out for renovations, making sure they're local content. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Working with Indigenous partnership is a priority of our department and my leadership as Minister as well. When we had announced the $60 million co-investment and the allocation of the government's 25.5 million, all Indigenous leaders were consulted. So I will follow up with the Member to see if there's any interest at the community level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Nunakput .

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Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With all the work, for instance, in Tuktoyaktuk that's happening with regards to the housing units, they got a note from the mayor regarding the gravel haul and working together with the school and piggy-backing at the same time because the gravel trucks are so wear and tear on the road in the community, and I'm hoping that they could -- Housing and Minister Archie to work together to get the gravel haul at the same time if it's possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Member for the question. I will follow up with my colleague, Minister Archie . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Thebacha .

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Oral Question 748-19(2): Suitability of Aurora College Student Housing Facility in Fort Smith

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Page 2781

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the Aurora College foundational review paper, Breynat Hall is described as an outdated student residence which does not conform to generally accepted student housing standards. The paper also mentions the fact that Breynat Hall is a former residential school which has a discouraging effect on students attending Aurora College Thebacha Campus. Can the Minister tell us if he considers this point to be problematic? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 2781

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha . Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment .

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R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes.

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Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell us if the fact that Breynat Hall, as a former residential school, is considered in its future planning use for polytechnic university and the Department of Education. If so, how does the department contend with that fact? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 748-19(2): Suitability of Aurora College Student Housing Facility in Fort Smith

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R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

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Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, would the legacy of the Breynat Hall, being a former residential school, would the Minister consider building a new single student residence for the future polytechnic university? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So as part of the work to transform Aurora College into a polytechnic university, we are undertaking a facilities plan which is going to look at the existing facilities across the territory of the college as well as the needs for the three campuses as well as each community four community learning centres. That work will begin shortly. The final product will be a short meeting and long-term plan for the infrastructure and that residence has clearly been identified as one we need a new one of. You know, and I'm not breaking any news here.

I've stated this before that there are a few infrastructure requirements for the new polytechnic and a new residence in Fort Smith would be one of those. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Final supplementary. Member for Thebacha .

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Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, I don't know if I should ask the next question but I'll do it anyways. Mr. Speaker, considering that Breynat Hall is one of the few residential school buildings still standing in Canada, would the Minister seriously consider replacement of this infrastructure as a priority for technical assessment and evaluation with 100 percent federal funding? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 748-19(2): Suitability of Aurora College Student Housing Facility in Fort Smith

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Page 2781

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We'd love 100 percent federal funding. We do have to pay for this somehow. You know, that's the big question obviously. We want a new residence. We understand that it's not suitable for what we want to do with the polytechnic. And so how we're going to pay for it is the question yet to be determined. So I can stand here and I can say we need a new one. I can't say that I have it in the budget yet, but we have already begun approaching the federal government and we will continue to do so aggressively until we get something on the ground. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 2781

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Great Slave .

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Oral Question 749-19(2): Suitability of Public Housing in Great Slave Riding

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Page 2782

Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was hoping to go after my colleague so I could capitalize on the Minister saying yes to everything. So my question is for the Minister of Housing . Will the Minister commit to working with private landlords, such as Northview, to provide 24-hour security in buildings where there are chronic issues with client damage and nuisance; in particular, at Norseman Manor and Simpson House? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 749-19(2): Suitability of Public Housing in Great Slave Riding

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Page 2782

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave . Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation .

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Oral Question 749-19(2): Suitability of Public Housing in Great Slave Riding

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Page 2782

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The buildings that the Member is questioning are leased buildings in Yellowknife. We don't own them. They aren't Housing Corporation assets. But it doesn't stop us from having that conversation with the landlords as well in regards to providing security or how are we going to work with the clientele in those buildings and also the tenant damage that the Member had also spoken about in her statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm glad to hear the Minister acknowledge that while they're not the owners, there is a responsibility of the Housing Corp. These are our clients that are being put into these buildings that are creating a lot of this damage. It's not fair to expect that Northview and other landlords will pay for it always. Will the Minister commit to facilitating monthly meetings between the Housing Corporation, the local housing authorities, and private landlords in order to work together to address the problems as they arise before they become chronic? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is an encouragement I have throughout the Northwest Territories of the LHOs working with the Housing Corporation as well to try to alleviate the situations that we currently experience. I just also wanted to highlight as well that annually the Housing Corporation does receive $400,000 annually in tenant damage, so this is a way that we can work with the local housing authorities to come up with solutions and working more effectively with our tenants and clients as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm going to mix it up on the Minister a bit and move to my last question so I hope she's listening, because it relies to her response there. I'm glad to hear the Minister say that. Will the Minister commit to the creation of a maintenance or repair unit to help support private landlords in the upkeep, repairs, and damage that's caused by the housing clients in the buildings. Often this service is contracted out by the private landlords and it's costing them a lot of money plus there's often time delays.

I'm wondering if perhaps rather than us being charged by the landlords for the damage our tenants do, that perhaps we could actually be proactive and create a unit that gives employment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 2782

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tenant damage is something the Housing Corporation has worked with the tenants as well where we're charging back the damages that were occurred -- that did happen by the client and looking at those recoveries. But this is a time to do things differently. We do have a lease -- an agreement between ourselves and the landlords here in Yellowknife, and I'm opening -- I'm open to having those conversations and to look at how we could further more work with our agreements in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 749-19(2): Suitability of Public Housing in Great Slave Riding

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Page 2782

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Great Slave .

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Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm really glad to hear that. It's my understanding that maintenance units within the private landlords have been cut a lot recently so if there is some way to think outside the box where we can both take on some of that responsibility and work together, that would be great. My last question is will the Minister commit to providing special needs housing clients with suitable accommodations? I have had constituents who cannot walk properly who are in buildings with stairs and no ramps.

So I'm asking for the Minister to commit that she start to look at the types of accommodations for our disabled clients and helping them to be in suitable units. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 2782

Paulie Chinna

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is -- I would like to explore this idea as well to see how many special needs units we may need with tenants that do have limited mobility. I will have the conversation with my department, and I will get back to the Member on the numbers that we may require throughout the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Oral Question 749-19(2): Suitability of Public Housing in Great Slave Riding

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Page 2782

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake .

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Oral Question 750-19(2): Supporting Seniors to Age in Place

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Page 2782

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister responsible for Income Assistance and the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Mr. Speaker, many elders and seniors in our territory live in poverty and we have a high cost of living here in the Northwest Territories. The income assistance policy requires seniors to add their names to the public housing waitlist however seniors, who need additional financial support and who own their own homes, cannot add their names to the public housing waitlist.

Many remote communities struggle with housing resale and the Housing Corporation is currently encouraging homeownership as they do not have the public housing stock to accommodate the housing needs of all NWT residents that are currently on their waitlist. As such, will the Minister reduce barriers for seniors by removing the income assistance requirements that requires seniors to add their names to the public housing waitlist? Thank you.

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Oral Question 750-19(2): Supporting Seniors to Age in Place

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Page 2782

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake . Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment .

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Page 2782

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So if a senior owns their home and there's no mortgage on that home, they don't need to add their name to the public housing waitlist. If they have a mortgage, income assistance can support them with some mortgage payments. However, income assistance doesn't generally pay down debts. So, yeah, I just want to make clear if you own your own home free and clear with no mortgage, you do not need to have your name on the public housing waitlist. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 2782

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral Questions. Member for Kam Lake .

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Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, aging in place depends on family support. And without family support and multigenerational living we would need far more than the original projection of 435 long term care beds. The income assistance policy currently states that rent can be paid by an adult child on behalf of a parent if the dwelling is in a separate living quarter approved by a secondary suite in accordance with the local municipality.

Quite simply, Mr. Speaker, this is not a realty for life in the North. So will the Minister support multigenerational housing by removing policy barriers that stand in the way of seniors using income assistance to age in place with the support of family? Thank you.

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R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That's a very specific question. I believe it's -- she's quoting page 76 of the policy manual, if my memory serves me correctly. But the Member makes some good points, and I'm endeavoring to find out why exactly that requirement is there. Perhaps there are other laws or fire code issues related to it. So I want to find that out, and then I can get back to the Member. Because if there are some easy wins, I'm always happy to do those.

But I want to note that we are also working on a seniors specific income assistance stream, recognizing that there are differences between individuals who are out of the workforce, perhaps for a short amount of time, and those who have aged out of the workforce, that they have difference needs and there's no need to treat them identically in the same program. So things like this are exactly what we want to look at for those types of programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for both of the questions I just asked, both of those items are very clearly -- and the Minister is right -- on page 67 to 69 of the policy manual handbook for income assistance. And, for example, with my question with the waitlist, those items are listed in the policy manual. And so when we talk about inconsistencies with policies for seniors, this is where the inconsistencies come from. If people are applying the manual book, and they're applying it differently or on a case-by-case basis, you're ending up with a different rule for one senior than you are for another. So if it's not a rule, take it out of the manual.

My other frustration here today is that a lot of what I'm bringing up here are long-standing income assistance policy issues that have been brought up by multiple Assemblies and by multiple people and even people that have been commissioned by the GNWT to create reports. One of them is the ICM report. And so I think that waiting for the end of a review to see these changes happen, just isn't good enough and we need to see change quickly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My question for the Minister is how does the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment intend to work with the Minister of Health and Social Services on the elder strategy so that we can bring these policy inconsistencies together? Thank you.

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Page 2783

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Integrated service delivery is an approach I talk about often. It is the approach we are moving towards where we design programs for the residents, not for government, and that means not thinking what our department can do but what the person needs and then using a whole-of-government approach. And with that in mind, I can confirm that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment along with the Department of Housing and Health and Social Services are part of a interdepartmental working group.

I believe they met earlier this -- well, I guess in May now, and are going to continue to meet and we're focusing on these types of programs, what can we do for seniors to help them age in place, how can we adapt our programs, what gaps are there in programs. So this work is happening at the officials levels, and I am constantly pushing it at the Cabinet level as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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