Debates of Oct. 17th, 1996

This is page numbers 1217 - 1274 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 3rd 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 community .

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Minister Absent From The House

Mining Training Initiatives

National Foster Family Week

Financial Support For Economic Development

Addictions Services Reform

Community Name Changes

Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

The Need To Identify Government Subsidies When Reviewing Business Plans

Community Empowerment

Concerns Regarding The Purchase Of Land In The Mackenzie Delta Constituency

Information Being Sought By Ordinary Members

Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Kitikmeot Inuit Association Discussions Regarding Young People

The Need To Communicate The Positive Aspects Of The Deficit Recovery Plan

Proposal To Establish A Mining Institute

Concerns Regarding An

Article Written By A Former NWT Politician

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Return To Oral Question 484-13(3): Broughton Island Airstrip

Return To Oral Question 390-13(3): Negotiations With The Tl'oondih Healing Society

Return To Oral Question 430-13(3): Methods To Achieve Community Wellness

Return To Oral Question 499-13(3): GNWT Policy On Placement Of Aboriginal Children

Return To Oral Question 491-13(3): Reductions To Emergency Measures Funding

Return To Oral Question 459-13(3): Municipal Financing Review And Community Empowerment

Return To Oral Question 506-13(3): Equipment Lost In School Fire

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Alternative Energy Initiatives

Process For Community Name Changes

Improving The Quality Of Northwestel Service

Return To Supplementary Question 518-13(3): Improving The Quality Of Northwestel Service

Mining Training Programs For Nunavut

Property Management Contract In The Keewatin

Breast Cancer Information In NWT Communities

Funding For Youth Involvement And Programs

Re-direct Question 522-13(3): Funding For Youth Involvement And Programs

Trespassing Provisions Of The Gwich'in Agreement

Consultation On Foster Care Rates

Guidelines For Municipalities To Use Local Businesses

Clarification To Question 525-13(3): Guidelines For Municipalities To Use Local Businesses

Deadline For Establishment Of The Mortgage Investment Corporation

Item 7: Written Questions

Purchase Of Land By Homeowners

Item 8: Returns To Written Questions

Return To Written Question 8-13(3): Core Funding For Community Based Healing Programs

Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Item 10: Petitions

Item 11: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents

Tabled Document 113-13(3): NWT Liquor Commission - 42nd Annual Report

Tabled Document 114-13(3): List Of Funds Transferred Exceeding $250,000 For The Period February 13, 1996 To May 16, 1996

Tabled Document 115-13(3): Dene National Assembly Motion Regarding The Negotiation Of Treaty 8 Benefit Agreements With Bhp

Item 14: Notices Of Motion

Notice Of Motion 23-13(3): Support For Community Empowerment

Item 15: Notices Of Motions For First Reading Of Bills

Item 16: Motions

Item 17: First Reading Of Bills

Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills

Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Hon. Goo Arlooktoo , Mr. Barnabas , Hon. Charles Dent , Mr. Enuaraq , Mr. Erasmus , Mr. Evaloarjuk , Hon. Samuel Gargan , Mrs. Groenewegen , Mr. Henry , Hon. Stephen Kakfwi , Mr. Krutko , Mr. Miltenberger , Hon. Don Morin , Hon. Kelvin Ng , Mr. O'Brien , Mr. Ootes , Mr. Picco , Mr. Roland , Mr. Steen , Hon. Manitok Thompson , Hon. John Todd .

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 1217

The Speaker

I wish to thank Elisha and Komo for performing the traditional Inuit spiritual song to open our session today. Elisha and Komo are from Iqaluit. I would also like to thank the Deputy Premier for making the arrangement. Thank you.

Orders of the day, Ministers' statements, Mr. Premier .

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Minister's Statement 118-13(3): Minister Absent From The House

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1217

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise members that the Honourable Jim Antoine will be absent from the House today to attend a funeral in Fort Simpson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 118-13(3): Minister Absent From The House

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1217

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Morin . Ministers' Statements, Mr. Dent .

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Minister's Statement 119-13(3): Mining Training Initiatives

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1217

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, good afternoon. We all want to make sure that northerners benefit from current high levels of mineral activity and particularly from the many mines that will be established in the future. This Government is very active in the area of training for jobs in the mining industry. I want to bring the Assembly up to date on some of the initiatives that are being undertaken.

Training programs must proceed in a coordinated manner and they must meet the needs of industry and northerners. During the summer, I established a Committee on the mining sector, to give me advice on how to improve the development and delivery of mine training. The Committee includes industry, government and Aboriginal representatives. The Committee has met regularly during the past several months and initiatives are proceeding in a number of areas. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has invested $300,000 this year to support mine training programs delivered by the public colleges.

Aurora College has developed a pre-employment mine training program, that has produced a number of successful graduates in several communities.

Mr. Speaker, 22 students successfully completed a six-week job-shadowing course sponsored by the Community Mobilization Group, in which the Department is a partner, along with the private sector and other Government departments. The Department assisted with funding for courses in Kugluktuk and Hay River which gave participants a better understanding of the job opportunities available and helped them build practical skills. The Department is sponsoring similar programs in Rae Lakes, N'dilo and Detah.

Small business management courses are being run in Rae, Rae Lakes, N'dilo and Detah to prepare people to set up their own businesses to provide services to the mining industry.

As well, the Department is co-operating with a number of partners to provide a pre-engineering technology program through Aurora College. Fifteen students are enroled and we anticipate that the graduates will have direct access to engineering programs at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

The Department is also working with several partners to deliver a 12-week heavy equipment operator program in Yellowknife for 10 people. The partnership includes the North Slave Metis Alliance, BHP Diamonds, RTL Robinson Enterprises, and Aurora College. The College has also developed a mill operator training course and prospector training.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT Apprenticeship Program continues to be an important means of preparing northern residents for jobs in the mining industry. Education, Culture and Employment is supporting PCL Construction in its work to identify and train apprentices at the BHP mine site.

To ensure northerners know about the variety of jobs and training opportunities in the mining industry, the Department has developed a booklet called "Jobs in Mining." It has been distributed to career centres, schools, adult education centres and college campuses. Aurora College has also developed a handbook that describes the college programs that will help prepare people for these jobs.

Mr. Speaker, growth in the mining industry will continue to translate into jobs for northerners. NWT residents are ready, willing and able to take those jobs. Because of this Government's initiatives, considerably more will be well-prepared in the very near future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 119-13(3): Mining Training Initiatives

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1218

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Ministers' Statements, Mr. Ng .

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Minister's Statement 120-13(3): National Foster Family Week

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1218

Kelvin Ng

Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker National Foster Family Week runs from October 20 to October 26.

In recognition of this week, the Department of Health and Social Services, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the people of the north would like to extend their gratitude to foster families.

Foster families care for children in need and contribute to protecting our children and our future.

Fostering is a challenging and demanding responsibility, and requires great courage and energy from those involved.

Communities and the child welfare system depend on foster families, whose services allow children to remain in their community when they cannot live with their own families.

It is also important that children be placed with foster families from the same cultural background wherever possible.

Although every community needs foster families, some communities do not have enough families willing to perform this important service. This means that some children will have to leave their own community to get the care they need, disrupting their school and support system.

I hope more families will join the fostering program so children in need can have a better chance at success as they will receive quality care in a stable environment until they can return to their family home.

Mr. Speaker, I call on the Members of this House to join with me in recognizing foster families for their efforts, diligence, and tireless caring. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 120-13(3): National Foster Family Week

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1218

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Ng . Ministers' statements, Mr. Kakfwi .

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Minister's Statement 121-13(3): Financial Support For Economic Development

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1218

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday we acknowledged the important role small business plays in our lives. Business people and their employees represent just over half of our northern workforce. It is within the mandate of the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development to provide financial assistance and support to aid in the expansion of this essential part of our economy. Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight what we are doing

with respect to financial support to stimulate the small business sector.

In the last six months, the department has approved 147 grants to small businesses totalling $300,000. Eligible businesses are small and include arts and crafts producers, commercial renewable resource harvesters and other businesses, most of which would be considered "cottage industry."

The Business Development Fund offers larger sized contributions to businesses for such purposes as business plans, start up costs, market and product development and improving business skills. Since April 1996, 208 contributions, total $2,682,561, have been awarded to some 200 northern businesses. Through this program Wha Ti Development Corporation has purchased surveying equipment and will offer survey training to local residents. An Aklavik resident is establishing a local tourism venture. A Pangnirtung resident is starting a welding business and Pelly Bay businessman is attending a financial business management workshop.

As Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development , I am also responsible for two corporations that are important players in stimulating economic development. The NWT Business Credit Corporation provides loans to territorial businesses, In 1995 the Corporation provided 85 loans for a total of $8 million, so far this year, 49 loans totalling $3,900,000 have been approved.

The Northwest Territories Development Corporation manages businesses in 19 of the smaller communities. About 400 people are employed through these operations.

Mr. Speaker, our Government knows that growth of our economy depends upon the private sector. The Northwest Territories is rich with natural resources. With their knowledge of the land, northerners have some special abilities that can be applied to mineral exploration. One of our small but successful programs, has been providing grubstakes and training for potential prospectors. This year, training courses were held in Arviat and Kimmirut and $90,000 have been provided to 22 prospectors.

The last area I would like to highlight is the traditional economy. This is the oldest sector in our economy, so I suppose we could say that the men and women operating in this sector are the longest established independent business persons in the Northwest Territories. They harvest the bounty of the land and waters using the results of their labour and experience to feed themselves and their families. They manufacture products for their own use and to sell to others. Some of their effort may generate some seasonal income.

The work these people do is not always recorded in the employment and income statistics, but it is an important part of our economy. The estimate value of the wildlife harvest alone, excluding commercial operations, is over $35,000,000 a year. We know that over 90% of Aboriginal households participate in these activities and this work fulfils the same basic needs for food, clothing and shelter as wages and profits do in the wage economy. As well, these activities maintain the traditions and skills of our northern cultures.

To support the traditional economy, approximately $1,000,000 has been provided this year to purchase equipment, access harvesting areas, encourage trappers to produce well-handled, high quality furs, teach harvesting skills and conduct organized hunts for communities. For seven years, the Department has also provided funding for projects that demonstrate new ways to use renewable resources or promote environmental protection.

Since the beginning of the fiscal year 30 projects have received a total of $80,000 to test outpost camp incinerators in Southern Baffin, to test a heater that will use waste oil in Inuvik, and to conduct salt water fishery tests for cod in Hudson Bay. Regional land claim organizations and communities are also developing their harvester support initiatives by matching funds with the $5 million they will receive from the Department.

Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to expanding and strengthening the northern economy. These are a few examples of how public funds are working to benefit our residents and economy. Thank you.

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Minister's Statement 121-13(3): Financial Support For Economic Development

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1220

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi . Ministers' statements, Mr. Ng .

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Minister's Statement 122-13(3): Addictions Services Reform

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1220

Kelvin Ng

Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to provide the members with an update on Addiction Services Reform.

The Department of Health and Social Services has undertaken an extensive review of the way in which it administers Addictions Services.

While the Department has traditionally allocated large amounts of funding to address the problems of addiction, there have been varying perceptions as to the effectiveness of this program.

The reforms will address some historical funding equities, such as the over- and under-funding of community programs, and the lack of services for youth, while at the same time encouraging greater community ownership of community problem, and potential solutions.

I would like to provide Members with a brief

summary of the steps the Department is taking.

The Department is reviewing the feasibility of formula funding Addictions Services to communities.

We will continue to move towards per diem treatment centre funding. There are alternative ways of doing this, which we will explore.

These are extremely complex issues and Department staff are presently reviewing the implications of moving control for Addictions Services to communities and regions.

In two years time we anticipate that treatment centres will be 100% funded on the basis of a fee-for-service.

This process will result in treatment centres being more responsive to people's needs and offering a broader range of services. As well, it will allow centres to explore other markets.

Mr. Speaker, the Department also recognizes the need for early intervention and is therefore committed to directing more funding to youth services.

Initiatives like youth treatment will be supported; however, to do this existing addictions funding will have to be re-profiled.

We must move to address addictions' issues when they first emerge, rather than waiting for them to escalate into full-blown treatment situations.

We will address the issue of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect and try to prevent these problems, rather than allocating our resources to deal with them when they have already occurred.

Mr. Speaker, the referral process is also being reviewed and a much less confusing system will be in place by the new year.

Community-based addictions projects standards and treatment centre standards will be in place for the new fiscal year.

These will provide long-needed guidelines for staff and the ability to monitor program effectiveness on an ongoing basis.

System reform should promote greater accountability for funding, improved after-care for clients, and a clear justification for why communities are funded at specific levels.

Mr. Speaker, many of the changes I have discussed have financial implications, however, it is very important to note that these changes will improve Addiction Services to those requiring treatment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 122-13(3): Addictions Services Reform

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1220

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Ng . Minister's Statements, Ms. Thompson .

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Minister's Statement 123-13(3): Community Name Changes

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1221

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my culture when babies are constantly upset or ill we change their names. We change their names to give the babies a new life and a new more positive attitude. I am not suggesting that changing a name is always used when there is a problem. What I am saying is that in my culture we are used to changing names. We will often change a name to suit a new situation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand today to recognize the name change of Coppermine to Kugluktuk, which in my language might mean that there is falls over there - water falls, and Lake Harbour to Kimmirut, and there might be a place there that looks like a hill according to the name change. While the former names have great historical value, they did not recognize the traditional names that have been used by the peoples of these areas.

Mr. Speaker, these name changes also recognize that communities are taking great pride in their traditions and culture. These names are not new. They have been used for generations by the people who live there. These names have more geographic meaning. They express a cultural and social meaning to the people.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and all the Members of this Assembly to join me in congratulating the people of Kugluktuk and Kimmirut for these historic name changes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 123-13(3): Community Name Changes

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1221

The Speaker

Thank you, Ms. Thompson . Ministers' statements. Members' statements, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1221

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The people of the Western Territory have an opportunity before us. A committee of western MLAs and Aboriginal leaders have met over the summer months and have released a Draft Constitution for public consultation. I trust everyone agrees that it would be good to dwell together in harmony and unity.

The guiding principles are the foundation of partners in a new beginning. If we agree to these principles, we have a good start.

The model being presented is a draft. As much as I doubt that the majority of my constituents will embrace this specific model, I recognize that Aboriginal leaders will face similar challenges in arriving at a deal that their constituents can support.

It will only be a good and workable alliance if all parties can willingly participate because they see the proposal as balanced and fair. Let us stay focused on what we are trying to achieve bringing public and Aboriginal self-government together in partnership.

Representation is a key issue, because the people see it as their vehicle of significant, and clearly defined, participation through elections. A large and costly central government is contrary to the trend of the diminishing role of our central government. Communities through community empowerment and regional Aboriginal self-government through devolution of powers and authorities are assuming more and more control.

Powers of the central government are supposed to flow up from the communities and the regions as opposed to powers being devolved downwards. In that regard, in this draft, I do not necessarily see protection for those governments. I have no problem with guaranteed representation in a partnership agreement, however, I believe that there may be more equitable models of representation presented in the original one-house and two-house models contained in appendices, other models considered.

The demographics of the 14 existing ridings, ranging from populations of 800 to over 4,000, is already fairly generous in terms of regional representation. Ten of the 14 ridings are predominantly Aboriginal in make up and will continue to be for some time to come. To add eight guaranteed Aboriginal seats to this mix raises the question of perception of fairness and balance.

I also have some concerns regarding ratification of the constitution, but it may be premature to address this until a plan has been proposed and defined.

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1222

The Speaker

Your time is up.

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1222

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River

I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1222

The Speaker

Member for Hay River is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays, Mrs. Groenewegen , you have unanimous consent.

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1222

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A lot of work has gone into this document. It is based on good principles. It would be a shame to see it break down, but concerns on all sides must be respectfully addressed. I remain confident that northerners have the capacity to do that. We need to ask the necessary questions, we need to search for the right answers, and we need to do that together. If we proceed with good faith, with common sense, and with a willingness to hear and observe other points of view, our chances of being collectively successful will increase considerably. I look forward to returning to my constituency and starting this process of consultation. Thank you.

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1222

The Speaker

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Members' statements, Mr. Steen .

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1222

Vince Steen

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Constitutional Working Group for all the time and effort they have put towards the presentation of this Draft Constitutional Proposal. It should be noted, however, that this is only a draft proposal for discussion purposes only, and that the document in question still requires endorsement of each individual Aboriginal group.

Mr. Speaker, my statement today has more to do with the ratification process. In a recent western caucus meeting, a member of this Cabinet strongly suggested that the ratification process may not be a plebiscite of one man - one vote, but rather block voting by the concerned groups on the name for the new territory. This option was again voiced in the recent Constitutional Development Steering Committee in regards to the ratification of the constitution in total.

I also have here, Mr. Speaker, a memo from the chair of the Western Caucus suggesting a meeting on options for ratification of the new constitution.

Mr. Speaker, this Government and this country as a whole, has in place an accepted form of ratification called the public plebiscite, and I for one will not even consider any other form of ratification than one man - one vote. This issue of Division of this territory was decided in this manner. It follows that ratification of the constitution of the new territory should follow the same pattern.

Mr. Speaker, I would not support funding of the ratification process, other than the normal and accepted form. I would also not support funding at the Constitutional Working Group, as this group will be touring the communities for the following reasons:

1. The group would be seen and perceived as the group responsible for selling this proposal to the public.

2. That in these times of restraint financing... Mr. Speaker, I would request unanimous consent to finish my statement.

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1222

The Speaker

The member for Nunakput is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. You have unanimous consent, Mr. Steen .

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1223

Vince Steen

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2. In these times of restraint financing, we as a government cannot afford the funds set for a large touring group, while at the same time we cut 3 or 400 positions.

Mr. Speaker, I could and would, however, support funding a small panel of three impartial persons with constitutional background experience to undertake the responsibility of touring the communities and seek comments and in the end bring back to this House a final draft for consideration and ratification by the public at large.

Mr. Speaker, I am concerned as to what the position of this Government is in regards to an accepted democratic constitutional process, and I will be asking the Premier for his position on this at the appropriate time today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1223

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Steen . Members' statements, Mr. Henry .

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1223

Seamus Henry

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday the process of developing a constitution for the new Western Territory took a big step forward with the release of the Proposed Draft Constitution. We all know that this is not a perfect document. In fact, the final constitution of the Western Territory may very well be quite different, but it will serve as a starting point for public discussion.

The citizens of the Western Territory now have the opportunity to study the proposal, to look at some alternatives, and to make suggestions and criticisms if necessary. There are elements of this proposal that many will appreciate. On the other hand, there are many elements that many will find distasteful. While I hope the debate over the constitution will be civil, I do not expect it to be one-sided. I am quite prepared to listen to feedback from all residents of the western NWT even though I know much of the feedback will disagree with the proposal or will disagree with my thoughts and opinions on our future constitution.

Anyone who thinks this draft constitution is going to sail smoothly through the seas of public opinion is sorely mistaken. So, for any Member of this House to respond to criticism of the draft proposal with demeaning or disrespectful comments is completely unacceptable. I sincerely hope that every Honourable Member in this House can keep an open mind in preparation for the feedback that will come from the public regarding this draft proposal.

One of our Honourable colleagues from the east often tells us, and this House, about the need to have a thick skin. Well, he is right. We are not here to assume that the public will always agree with us or even that we will always agree with each other. We have to be adult enough to accept criticism, to treat it with respect and to use it as a base for debate and discussion that will lead to solutions that will benefit all northerners. To do otherwise is small minded and petty and I expect better from my Honourable colleagues in this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1223

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Henry . Members' statements, Mr. Miltenberger .

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The Need To Identify Government Subsidies When Reviewing Business Plans

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1223

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, beginning on Saturday, Members of this House will be looking at the Business Plans for 1997/98. Over the past year many of us have stressed the need for an integrated approach to managing the budget.

It is not enough for departments to look at individual programs, we need to look at how these programs interact with other programs across the Government.

One area which is clearly tied to this idea of integration and which has not received any attention is the whole area of subsidies. After making queries in the standing committee meetings, it is apparent that, as a government, we do not have a comprehensive list of the many subsidies that we provide. As a government we do not know where all the subsidies are and more importantly how they are linked. The subsidies seem to be created by the Minister in an uncoordinated fashion. No one is looking at the big picture it would appear. It is quite possible that there is significant duplication, overlap, in these subsidies that we provide the individuals, communities and organizations.

However, unless we know what the subsidies are, we cannot find that out. This is an area we need to look at during our view of the Business Plans. Mr. Speaker, I have some preliminary work on a list of subsidies, at first glance, it would appear that we provide subsidies to the tune of about $200,000,000 a year. I intend to provide this list to all Members of this House and hope it is useful in providing at least, a starting point when looking at subsidies.

The second year of the Deficit Management Plan will be very difficult, if there is potential in subsidies to eliminate duplication or approve coordination of support we need to look at. Let us not leave this stone unturned because there is no official list to guide us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Need To Identify Government Subsidies When Reviewing Business Plans

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1224

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Members' statements, Mr. Rabesca .

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Community Empowerment

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1224

Rabesca

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to try to understand some of my colleagues' concerns over Community Empowerment.

Over the past number of years, this Government, in one form or another, has supported the idea of government services, the best job of the people within the communities. It is the community organization and community leaders that have the best knowledge of the residents and how best to service them. This initiative has been called many different things over the past years.

The one window approach is one of the first recently with the previous government, it was called community transfers, and now it is called community empowerment. Each initiative has its own good points and bad points. But as a whole, communities have the benefit, benefit considerably from this type of devolution.

As this Government has evolved and has become more responsible for its finances, so have the communities. They understand what is required to take on more responsibility and if the community can demonstrate their expertise, knowledge and their willingness to take on extra duties, then we should be encouraging them, not chastising, this from some of my colleagues.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I encourage all communities to investigate areas that they feel comfortable in taking control. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Community Empowerment

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1224

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Rabesca . Members' statements, Mr. Krutko .

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Concerns Regarding The Purchase Of Land In The Mackenzie Delta Constituency

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1224

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have been receiving a lot of concerns over the last couple of weeks in regard to purchasing land in the Mackenzie Delta. The homeowners in my constituency have been leasing property for their homes for many years now. This costs in the area of thousands, if not millions of dollars of rent for property that they have been occupying for their houses. The Gwich'in Inuvialuit have traditionally lived on and been there from time immemorial.

Initially it was the Federal Government's responsibility for paying the property taxes on behalf of Aboriginal people occupying Federal lands. Now that land claim agreements are in place, my constituents are still paying for land through leases only worth a couple of thousand dollars. I have recently been informed by the Minister, Municipal and Community Affairs in regard to this. The Minister openly admits that pricing is not for the land, but capital improvements. How much capital improvements are suppose to continue?

As taxpayers, my constituency do not deem it necessary to pay full time engineers, surveyors, project officers, et cetera. to design gravel roads with a 30 km speed limit. The government has been running ineffectively for the past number of years, yet, the constituency continues to pay for leases of property for this inefficiency.

My constituents have been waiting since May for a reply as to why they cannot outright purchase the land their homes have been sitting on for decades. We will have a question for the Minister on this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Concerns Regarding The Purchase Of Land In The Mackenzie Delta Constituency

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1225

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . Members' Statements, Mr. Picco .

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Information Being Sought By Ordinary Members

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1225

Edward Picco

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the House began sitting on October 2, we have had some, at times, heated debate from the capital expenditures to community empowerment. By questioning the government on these and other matters, members have shown the public that debate, requested by electorate, has occurred.

Appearing in News North, Nunatsiaq, The Hub, or the Inuvik Drum, makes my day. But, seriously, Mr. Speaker, when I review the Hansard each day, the questions put by the ordinary members are concise and, in most cases, suitable for all audiences.

Compare if you would, Mr. Speaker, debates with some of these same members with the 9th, 10th or 11th Assembly and you will see some of the same issues debated again and, surprisingly enough, it depends upon which the side of the House you are sitting on when you made those statements for and against.

I have had calls from some Mayors in the West, asking why I am against community empowerment. Mr. Speaker, I have never said I was against community empowerment but I am against the current speed and process. As some members know, I was a member of the first Community Justice Committee, set up in the eastern arctic more than six years ago. That is community empowerment. I would like to see all contracts, leases and sole-source contracts published like other jurisdictions, like B.C., the amalgamation of DPW, Transportation, the Housing Corp. needs to be debated.

Today the feds do not fund or build social housing units. But with a federal election coming next spring, they might begin to fund and build social housing. But, we will not have a dedicated department, because it has been amalgamated. Mr. Speaker, all these areas have been talked about over the past couple of weeks.

The role of the ordinary Member is to provide the check and balance needed, making sense of this Government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Information Being Sought By Ordinary Members

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1225

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Picco , Members' statements, Mr. Ootes .

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1225

Jake Ootes

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am glad to get a chance to talk to you today, Mr. Speaker. You are the only person I know of who is not running around today with an opinion on the Draft Constitution Package, and I appreciate your restraint. I

have opinions myself, do not doubt that. There are things I like about the Draft, and there are things I do not like about the Draft. But, I am not too worried about what I think at this point. My job right now is to get out to my community. I need to hear the opinions and concerns of the people of Yellowknife Centre. I want to help my constituents understand this package, it contains a lot of information and subtleties that may not be immediately apparent to people who do not follow politics closely.

Let me give you an example, I have been hearing a lot of talk in the last day on guaranteed representation for Dene and Metis people. It is an unusual concept and has caused a bit of controversy already. But, this package attempts, and I stress the word "attempts" to balance off guaranteed representation by giving non-Aboriginal MLAs a voice in the self-government process. Does this mean the proposed process is fair? That is a really good question. Northerners will have a chance to answer questions like that for themselves in public consultation sessions and meeting with MLAs.

My voice is but one amongst thousands of equal voices. Mr. Speaker, I am looking forward to the end of this session, it will give me a chance to hit the streets and start talking to people I represent.

In fact, my Yellowknife colleagues and I are hosting an Open House tomorrow at our Constituency Office. We will be distributing copies of the Constitutional Draft and meeting informally with the public. I am very interested in the opinions of my constituents and I will bring their voices and opinions forward in our November session. I was very interested in the proposal made today by Mr. Steen for an independent group of three people to consult the public in regard to the consultation on the Constitution and, I think, this deserves consideration like other ideas that will come forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Draft Constitution Package For The New Western Territory

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1226

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Ootes . Members' statements, Mr. Ningark .

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Kitikmeot Inuit Association Discussions Regarding Young People

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1226

Ningark

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of attending Kitikmeot Inuit Association in Gjoa Haven on October 15 and 16. Many issues were brought forth to the Assembly. Many very important issues, one issue that struck me in one presentation from the group was the young people attending Kitikmeot Inuit Association, I would like to thank Kitikmeot Inuit Association for inviting the youth from Kitikmeot region, allowing the youth to make a presentation. Mr. Speaker, there is a willingness among the young people of Kitikmeot, and the elders from Kitikmeot, to work together. There is a willingness of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association to listen to the young people of Kitikmeot Region.

Mr. Speaker, many important issues coming from the young people were brought to our attention. I have the opportunity and am privileged to have listened to some of the very important comments from the young people. Some of the issues that were brought up were teen pregnancy, suicide among teens, the young people wanting to have more youth representation on boards, which sometimes we seem to overlook. Young people want to have more insight in the communities across the NWT, and young people were speaking from the Kitikmeot Region.

Young people wanting to have more follow-up when a young person, or young people, attend meetings, or board meetings, they wanted to have more follow up. I think sometimes I tend to forget what we hear from the young people because we are not paying attention to our future.

Mr. Speaker, young people want to have more drop-in centres in their communities. More importantly they want to have resources from the Government, from the community government, from the regional government, from their Aboriginal organizations, which we do not seem to be doing. Since we always talk about young people being our future, Mr. Speaker, this is the time that we do something about our future. Thank you.

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Kitikmeot Inuit Association Discussions Regarding Young People

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1227

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Ningark . Members' Statements, Mr. Roland .

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The Need To Communicate The Positive Aspects Of The Deficit Recovery Plan

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1227

Floyd Roland

Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to discuss an item that needs serious consideration. Although we will be looking at Business Plans during the following week, and looking at more reductions, I think we need, at times, to look at what we are doing, as a Government. Are we focusing on the quality of life for the people of the NWT, or are we focusing on numbers? As ordinary MLA's are we looking at what we will have set up in the communities, or what we would like to say we are going to do?

We need to focus on what is realistic and what is a goal. We have many goals, Mr. Speaker, but only a few are realistic. As I attended a meeting in my constituency over the past weekend, I know a lot of people are concerned with the future. They understand that things have to change and most understand that reduction is going to occur. They are concerned with how those reductions are going to occur. Well, I think at the same time, we need to send a message out to the people that in the future there are opportunities, and we need to point out what we are doing that is good for the people, not only what is bad.

As I said before, change, good or bad, brings stress, and nobody likes to deal with that side of change. Mr. Speaker, I think, as all Members of this Assembly, we need to give a more positive message out there, what we are doing is for the benefit, of not only the generation today, but of the generations to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Need To Communicate The Positive Aspects Of The Deficit Recovery Plan

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1227

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Members' Statements. Members' Statements, Mr. Erasmus .

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Proposal To Establish A Mining Institute

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1227

Roy Erasmus

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is on a Mining Institute and I listened with pleasure to the statement that the Minister made earlier concerning the training initiatives in the mining industry; however, I think that we have to do a bit more than has been done so far.

Mr. Speaker, I believe we need a concerted effort to take advantage of all these job positions. We need technicians, we need to be able to put a couple of years towards a degree or college diploma. I still think that Yellowknife is the best place to put this. People from the smaller communities could come here. We know that there are two mines right here in Yellowknife and other outlying mines in the neighbourhood where people could do their practicums, and I think that it could be quite well done.

We know that within these last impact benefit agreements there has been a precedent set. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my Statement.

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Proposal To Establish A Mining Institute

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1227

The Speaker

The Member from Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays. There are no nays. You have unanimous consent, Mr. Erasmus .

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Proposal To Establish A Mining Institute

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1228

Roy Erasmus

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated I believe that this government has helped to set a precedent, as impact benefit agreements with the mining industry that wishes to open new mines, and that is so that the people of the outlying communities will be guaranteed jobs in those new mines; however, guaranteeing jobs in the mines is not going to help people if they are not trained in that area. We need meaningful training to take advantage, Mr. Speaker.

That training, without training, even with training, we cannot possibly fill all the jobs from the people in the communities, the smaller communities. There is not enough people that are interested to work in the mines. So, we are going to have to train other people, as well. That includes the larger centres: Yellowknife, Hay River, Rankin Inlet, if they want, whatever.

As I was saying there are a lot of jobs out there and I am not just talking about pre-employment, I am talking about training people in prospecting, millwork, mine safety, mechanics, electrical, miners, trammers, hoistmen, surveyors, engineers, truck drivers, mill operators, mechanical engineering technologists and technicians, welding engineers and technologists, industrial maintenance mechanics and other mechanical and welding skills, millwright mechanics, heavy duty equipment mechanics. All these are areas that require training, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate what the Minister of Education is attempting to do with his very, very, limited budget, but that is not enough, Mr. Speaker. We have to take the bull by the horns, we have to put some real money into training and it is the rest of us here, that have to agree, that the Minister can have this money so that he can put some real training in place. Possibly to start a mining institute, if not a mining institute, at least, a large branch of the college that could look specifically into this area.

Mr. Speaker, we all know that as soon as the college institutes some types of new training, everybody takes it, simply because they do not want to go south for their training. If we start this, I am sure the place will be full of people learning to take advantage of the jobs in the mining industry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Proposal To Establish A Mining Institute

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1228

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Erasmus . Members' Statement, Mr. Kakfwi .

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Concerns Regarding An

Article Written By A Former NWT Politician

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1228

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, thank you. I say that there is no joy at watching a has-been politician who knows only one high pitched note, he gets on the stage weekly to screech out that note of cognitive dissonance. Mr. Speaker, I read the Yellowknifer yesterday and it is clear that Mr. Nickerson wants some attention. Mr. Nickerson wants to be heard and it is also clear to me that Mr. Nickerson's knickers are in a knot, (laughter).

As a young man I first heard the voice of an MLA, a very high-pitched voice on CBC Radio in the 70s, having heard it, I wondered at that time whether this man's knickers were in a knot. Mr. Speaker, I later learned that this was Mr. Nickerson. A little later I had the chance to sit in the Gallery of the Territorial Council and I saw Mr. Nickerson stand, slick his hair back, and spew his rhetoric in broad daylight for all the world to hear. I was sure then that his knickers were in a knot, (laughter).

More recently, in fact, yesterday, I read that pain with which Mr. Nickerson pens his newspaper articles. Truly, Mr. Nickerson's knickers are still in a knot, and what a tight knot it must be, (laughter). However, on a compassionate note I hope Mr. Nickerson finds the strength and the courage to loosen his restrictions and open his shutters.

Mr. Speaker, it is evident that aboriginal people have made great progress with BHP and their recent discussions, in fact, agreements, they tell me, have been concluded.

Had Mr. Nickerson been BHP's advisor, I wonder if they would have been so flexible, so understanding, and so open in their approach to dealing with aboriginal people. We do not know, but perhaps Mr. Nickerson will write about that next week. Thank you.

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Concerns Regarding An

Article Written By A Former NWT Politician

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1229

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi . Members' Statements. Members' Statements. Returns to Oral Questions, Mr. Todd .

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Return To Question 435-13(3): Claims Rejected By The Wcb In 1995

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1229

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Erasmus on October 8th, with respect to claims rejected by the WCB.

I apologize, this is a fairly lengthy reply, Mr. Speaker. The number of claims denied, or rejected by the WCB in 1995 was 124. With regard to the appeal process there are two levels of appeal. The first level is the Review Committee which carries out documentary reviews of claims and revenue decisions. The Review Committee usually holds it's review within 35 working days of receiving the request for review.

The Appeals Tribunal is the final level of appeal. It consists of a member of the board of directors as chairperson, it has two members represent the workers' and two members representative of employers. The Tribunal sits in hearing panels of three, comprising of the chairperson, or acting chairperson, and one member from each representative worker/employer group. The Appeals Tribunal can only hear appeals of decisions reached by the Review Committee. It holds oral hearings or documentary hearings.

Delays can occur from either the Tribunal or the appellant; for example, the Tribunal may require additional information, or the appellant, may not be ready to proceed. On average the last 30 completed cases have taken 188 calendar days each, from the date the appeal was received, or reactivated, to the date the decision was reached. There are no time limitations in which the appellant must file a review of an appeal.

At the end of 1996 the Appeal Tribunal had 21 appeals to be heard. Whether or not an injured worker would receive some allowance from the Workers' Compensation Board while their appeal is in the process would depend on the issue being appealed if the claim had been denied then no benefits would be paid to the appellant while going through the appeal process.

If it was determined by either the Review Committee or the Appeal Tribunal that the claim should have been accepted then it is possible that benefits would be issued retroactively. In the event that an injured worker was receiving a pension, but was appealing the percentage of their pension award, or another issue on the claim then they would continue to receive the monthly pension while going through the appeal process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 435-13(3): Claims Rejected By The Wcb In 1995

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1229

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Todd . Returns to Oral Questions. Mr. Morin .

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Return To Oral Question 484-13(3): Broughton Island Airstrip

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1229

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a Return to Oral Question for Mr. Antoine , Minister of Transportation , on the Broughton Island Airstrip. On Monday, October 15, 1996 the Member from Baffin Central asked him about the condition of the Broughton Island Airport and the Department of Transportation's expenditures on its repair and maintenance.

The Member was correct in pointing out some of the physical deficiencies in the runway and lighting system at the Broughton Island Airport. I am pleased to report that this year, 1996, was the first of a four year program of extensive reconstruction at the airport. The project has been staged over several years to extend maximum opportunities for local involvement and employment.

This is the first year of the project involving crushing a 20,000 cubic metre supply of gravel for the job and relocating the access road to meet Transport Canada's zoning regulations. The Department has entered into a $380,000, two year, full authority, contribution agreement with the Hamlet for road construction.

Next year, 1997/98, the Department plans to begin runway reconstruction. Again, the purpose is to bring the airport up to meet Transport Canada standards and involves adding pre-threshold landing areas and widening of the runway. The Department has not yet completed the final design work, but an estimate of the project expenditures over two years is approximately $1.5 million.

The Member mentioned in his question that the airport is very close to the ocean and exposed to wind and spray. Indeed, the reconstruction plans call for the placing of armour rock on the apron embankments as protection from the waves in stormy weather.

The existing runway lighting is twenty years old and due for replacement. Once the earthwork at the airport is finished, the Department has scheduled the installation of new runway lighting in 1999/2000 at an estimated cost of $580,000.

From start to finish, the reconstruction of the Broughton Island Airport will cost roughly $2 million and bring the airport fully in line with Transport Canada's airport safety standards.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Oral Question 484-13(3): Broughton Island Airstrip

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1230

The Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Morin . Returns to Oral questions. Mr. Ng .

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Return To Oral Question 390-13(3): Negotiations With The Tl'oondih Healing Society

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1230

Kelvin Ng

Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have three returns to Oral questions asked by Mr. Krutko .

On October 4: with respect to the status of negotiations with the Tl'oondih Healing Society. The total cost of southern referrals to addictions treatment facilities in the 1995/96 fiscal year was $879,046. However, referrals to southern Canadian addictions treatment centres are not a regular practice, and only occur when appropriate northern programs are not available.

Non-medical southern referrals have been dramatically reduced. We are currently making changes to the medical referral system, including a policy change which will restrict southern travel to those cases that cannot be accommodated in northern facilities.

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Return To Oral Question 430-13(3): Methods To Achieve Community Wellness

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1230

Kelvin Ng

Kitikmeot

Return to Oral question asked by Mr. Krutko on October 8: with respect to methods to achieve community wellness. A commitment to community wellness means that communities will play a greater role in determining their own priorities for their healing and wellness programs.

In the area of addictions, the government is moving away from providing core funding to facilities and phasing in a per diem system. Once this is fully in place, communities will have the resources and will be able to determine where they purchase treatment for their residents.

Therefore, the government cannot ensure that any program, including the Tl'oondih Healing Camp, will receive funding over the long term. This will be determined by the communities they serve.

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Return To Oral Question 499-13(3): GNWT Policy On Placement Of Aboriginal Children

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1230

Kelvin Ng

Kitikmeot

Mr. Speaker, a final return to oral question asked by Mr. Erasmus on October 16, 1996, in respect to policy - placement of aboriginal children with aboriginal foster parent families. I can advise that, as of September 30 of this year, there were 76 aboriginal children in foster care in Yellowknife. Fifteen of those children were placed in available aboriginal foster homes. As there were only five aboriginal homes available, the remaining 61 were placed in non-aboriginal homes, each of which is committed to supporting the values of the child's natural family.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Oral Question 499-13(3): GNWT Policy On Placement Of Aboriginal Children

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1231

The Speaker

Thank you. Return to Oral questions. Ms Thompson.

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Return To Oral Question 491-13(3): Reductions To Emergency Measures Funding

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1231

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two returns. One was asked by Mr. O'Brien on October 15, 1996, on reductions to Emergency Measures funding.

Mr. Speaker, like any public funds, JEPP is subject to annual review by the House of Commons. Although I cannot guarantee for the Member that further cuts will not occur to JEPP, I can assure him that no such cuts are planned at this time, and there is no move to eliminate the program.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Oral Question 459-13(3): Municipal Financing Review And Community Empowerment

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1231

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

I have another return to oral question, asked by Mr. Henry on October 10, 1996 on community empowerment.

Mr. Speaker, planning for community empowerment and transfer of authority for programs and services is proceeding, as I have outlined in this House.

These transfers will be achieved through Block Funding Agreements between our government and each individual community. These agreements will outline the results expected and the necessary reporting, monitoring and accountability requirements for the transfer programs and services.

Block Funding Agreements will also have a provision to permit changes to reflect any new or improved arrangements that become available as a result of the Municipal Financing Review.

Mr. Speaker, the Municipal Financing Review will deal with a number of broad and complex issues, such as taxation and revenue generation. These issues will require extensive consultation with communities, the NWT Association of Municipalities, the NWT Association of Municipal Administrators, and MLA's, and will take time. Therefore, we have set an outside date of April 1, 1998, for implementation of any new financial arrangements. It is possible we could complete consultations and make changes sooner, but this may be unlikely given the complexity of some of these issues.

The experience we gain with community empowerment transfers over the next year will, Mr. Speaker, assist the review of municipal financing. We will have first-hand knowledge of the kinds of accountability, monitoring, and flexibility communities and the GNWT both need.

Our review to streamline and improve municipal financing will proceed in parallel with Community Empowerment transfers. Community Empowerment Block Funding Agreements will be rolled into improved financing arrangements that are developed after full consultation with communities and MLA's.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Oral Question 459-13(3): Municipal Financing Review And Community Empowerment

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1231

The Speaker

Thank you, Ms Thompson. Return to Oral questions, Mr. Dent .

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Return To Oral Question 506-13(3): Equipment Lost In School Fire

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1231

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return

to an oral question asked by Mr. Krutko yesterday regarding equipment lost in the school fire.

Mr. Speaker, the recreation equipment that was lost in the fire at Chief Julius School in Fort McPherson will be covered by insurance, as long as the equipment was owned by the Beaufort/Delta Divisional Educational Council, and was included in the list of lost items provided to the Department of Finance. The Beaufort/Delta Council did identify many pieces of recreational equipment as part of the list of lost items, and will be able to inform the Minister about specific items on this list.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Oral Question 506-13(3): Equipment Lost In School Fire

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1232

The Speaker

Thank you. Return to Oral questions. Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Ng .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1232

Kelvin Ng

Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two individuals in the Gallery. The first constituent, Mr. Larry Aknavagak, former Mayor of Cambridge Bay and the current Chairman of the Nunavut Impact Review Board. With him, is Mr. Bill Tillman, legal counsel for that same Board, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1232

The Speaker

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Henry .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1232

Seamus Henry

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to recognize today Basil Boudreau who is a new Catholic priest in St. Patrick's parish here in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1232

The Speaker

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. O'Brien .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1232

Kevin O'Brien

Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize Father Boudreau, as he comes from the island that I was born on, Cape Breton Island. Father, welcome to Yellowknife.

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1232

The Speaker

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Mr. Picco .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1232

Edward Picco

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome to the Gallery, a well-known journalist and investigative reporter for the Globe and Mail newspaper, Brian Lahgi.

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1232

The Speaker

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Are there further recognitions? Item 6: Oral questions. Mr. Steen .

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Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1232

Vince Steen

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is in relation to my statement. I would like to ask the Honourable Premier , Mr. Morin , if the Premier could assure the House that ratification of the new Constitution will be carried out in a democratic manner, such as a public plebiscite process, whereby each and every person who wishes to vote would indeed be allowed to do so. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1232

The Speaker

Mr. Premier .

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Return To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1232

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The process that was used for developing the paper that was tabled yesterday in this House was by the Constitutional Working Group that, I believe, reported to the CDSC. I sit on that as a western MLA, I do not sit there to represent this House, so I would not want to pre-empt any decisions that group as a whole would make, along with Mr. Steen and the western Members, so I cannot really answer that question, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Return To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1232

The Speaker

Thank you. Oral question. Supplementary, Mr. Steen .

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Supplementary To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

Vince Steen

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not believe I am asking for an opinion of the Premier in regards to the position of western Caucus. I am asking the Premier the position of this government. Whether, in fact, this Government supports a democratic process of one-man one-vote for ratification purposes. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

The Speaker

Mr. Morin

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Further Return To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government has not had an opportunity as of yet to review the document that was tabled in the House. I do not think that I can respond to that question yet, thank you.

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Further Return To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

The Speaker

Oral questions, Supplementary, Mr. Steen .

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Supplementary To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

Vince Steen

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if the Premier should ... (inaudible) ... this government has no democratic policies in regard to ratification process.

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Supplementary To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

The Speaker

Mr. Morin .

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Further Return To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my understanding that there are some suggestions floating around throughout this process. Not one man one vote, but one person one vote, for sure. Because everyone has a vote, man or woman, so I am pretty sure, people are talking about one person, one vote. There are also people talking about whether or not the aboriginal groups, 5 out of 7, have to ratify that agreement, as well as, public plebiscite where it is 50% plus one and, all three, as well as, the majority of western members to support it, and then you need all three to move ahead. That is my understanding, some of the stuff that people are suggesting today. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

The Speaker

Thank you. Oral questions, final supplementary, Mr. Steen .

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Supplementary To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

Vince Steen

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not believe I have heard a response to my first question yet, and that was whether or not this government has a policy in place for ratification processes? If you do not mind, Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that there is a ratification process in place, approved by this government, for instance for holding liquor plebiscites in communities. There is a ratification process in place for other public processes that require a vote, that is one man, one vote. We have a process in place as to how we got elected.

I presume we were elected democratically, people voted, one man, one vote, or one person, one vote. I would just like assurance from the Premier that this government will continue to support this type of process. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

The Speaker

Mr. Morin .

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Further Return To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, there is a ratification for liquor plebiscites throughout the Northwest Territories, there is a process in place. It is my understanding it would be the Assembly's decision to the democratic process to bring in a legislation on the ratification of this issue that you are talking about, the constitution. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Question 514-13(3): Ratification Of The Western Constitutional Package

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

The Speaker

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Krutko .

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Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1233

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of

Municipal and Community Affairs, it is in regard to my opening statement where I talked about the problem that a lot of people were concerned about, especially the Mackenzie Delta, of purchasing the property that their homes are on and also if they do want to purchase a home, they cannot purchase the property outright, because there was a lease-holding policy in the past, because of land claims.

Because the claims have been settled, why is that policy still in place and what are you going to do to assure my communities that they can purchase the properties, that they do occupy outright, instead of just leasing from this government?

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Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1234

The Speaker

Thank you, the Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs , Ms. Thompson . That was two questions, I believe.

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Return To Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1234

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the Member remembers that in May, I tabled a document, finding the right balance options for changing land development practices to be used in the consultation process for this initiative on land reform. This summer the Cabinet approved the book to go into the communities, it is in the communities, and the headquarters staff have provided workshops with our regional staff on Land Reform Initiatives and regional staff have distributed the options paper to the community governments.

We are waiting to hear from the communities, what they would like us to do and I know in Nunavut that after the land claims, the Nunavut communities chose to only lease lands which was a decision to be in effect for 20 years, so we are in a consultation process right now, and, we are also doing community land administration programs.

As a matter of fact, a student from Aklavik, Sandy Stewart, was selected to be the first student to receive the Practicum Excellence Award last night in Rankin. We are consulting with the communities, I know in Nunavut what the Nunavut Land Claims has done to lease the lands for 20 years, but I do not know what the details are on owning the lands in this area, but we are waiting to hear from the communities what they want us to do in regard to their properties, in their communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1234

The Speaker

Oral questions, supplementary. Mr. Krutko .

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Supplementary To Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1234

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In regards to the time it is taking, it is causing some problems in the association of the policy to this government of privatizing and selling off government units. In order to maintain a mortgage with any bank you have to outright own the property, own the property that it is under. But because of this policy being in place, we are having problems in regard to receiving title for a lot of these properties that are presently being purchased by employees of the government.

My question is, how soon does he see this being concluded, so that we can try to proceed and resolve this problem, before it creates any more friction within the communities, streamline the process of land development in my constituency?

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Supplementary To Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1234

The Speaker

Thank you. Ms. Thompson .

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Further Return To Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1234

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I understand, banks are willing to loan money for the lease of these lots and other information that I have here is that land, only policy for western land claims settlement areas, will be reviewed in the near future. I will get the staff to look into the problem in the area of the member, and we will deal with the problem. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1235

The Speaker

Oral question, supplementary, final supplementary. Mr. Krutko .

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Supplementary To Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1235

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Not only have I been speaking to my constituents, I have been speaking to lawyers on behalf of my constituency who are having a problem with your department, Department of Justice and MACA on this issue, so it has not been resolved one way or the other.

My final question is that in regard to that, people have been leasing property for a number of years, will those lease amounts be put into the purchase of those properties because this process is taking so long, so that the price of that property when it is outright sold with the consideration for the amount of money that the individual has put into the leasing of that property be taken into consideration?

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Supplementary To Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1235

The Speaker

Ms. Thompson .

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Further Return To Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1235

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

What I can offer the member, there will be a new administration program being offered in Inuvik and I believe, that will be in January, if Fort McPherson wishes to take on land responsibilities, I would urge the member to encourage his community to send someone to this program, so that they will be able to inform at the local level on land issues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1235

The Speaker

Thank you, oral question. You have a point of order, Mr. Krutko , your point of order.

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Further Return To Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1235

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

I do not believe she answered by question, it had nothing to do with what is going on in Inuvik, the question was when can the whole question of purchasing property be resolved in my riding, it has nothing to do with what is going on at the Regional office.

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Further Return To Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Question 515-13(3): Purchase Of Property Leased From The GNWT In The Mackenzie Delta

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1235

The Speaker

Mr. Krutko , you don't have a point of order, and the other thing is that with regard to the rules of Ministers, when a Minister is answering questions, the Minister may answer it, he may take it on notice, or else decline to answer, by saying nothing. Just to remind the Members, this is the Minister's prerogative, the way he answers any questions.

Oral questions, Mr. Roland .

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Question 516-13(3): Alternative Energy Initiatives

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1235

Floyd Roland

Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said in my Members' statement, about trying to focus on other initiatives within this government besides budget reductions. As I crossed the limit into increasing pressures not only the government budgets but on personal financing as well, I would like to know if this government is doing anything to lower the cost of living within the Territories, for example, in the Power Corporation, do they have any initiatives for alternative energy programs? Thank you.

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Question 516-13(3): Alternative Energy Initiatives

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1235

The Speaker

Thank you. Who is that directed to? The Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation. Mr. Dent .

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Question 516-13(3): Alternative Energy Initiatives

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1235

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, Mr. Speaker, the Power Corporation is looking at alternatives to diesel generation in a couple of ways.

The Corporation has for two years participated with Dutch industries in a program in Cambridge Bay, which sees an 80 KW wind generator in use there. That generator has performed well for the last two years. On the strength of that, there are three other projects which are close to implementation in the next little while, one will be in Kugluktuk, where the Power Corporation has purchased two wind generators. These should be installed and up and running within the next couple of weeks, another is in Sachs Harbour, where a 50 KW wind generator is expected to be in operation about one year from right now.

In Iqaluit, we have a joint venture with Atlantic or in Canada, where we expect to see a wind generator in operation in November of this year.

On top of that, Mr. Speaker, the Power Corporation is pursuing hydro ventures wherever they are possible. In particular there is further examination of possible ventures in cooperation with the Dogrib First Nation, to provide perhaps some hydro energy for mining initiatives in the Slave Province and further hydro energy for the North Slave region.

Mr. Speaker, if I could switch hats for a minute, as Minister for Education, Culture and Employment , responsible for the Science Institute. The Science Institute as well, is examining alternate energy programs and has up and running in Inuvik right now, a hybrid operation, which includes photovoltaic wind turbine and diesel generation, and this is a pilot project which will be examined over the next two or three years to determine whether or not that sort of operation is feasible for further development in the north. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 516-13(3): Alternative Energy Initiatives

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1236

The Speaker

Thank you. Oral questions, Supplementary, Mr. Roland .

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Supplementary To Question 516-13(3): Alternative Energy Initiatives

Question 516-13(3): Alternative Energy Initiatives

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1236

Floyd Roland

Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Has the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation, do they have programs that are available to communities that they could try? You mentioned joint venture earlier in one of the other communities, is this available to all communities across the north? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 516-13(3): Alternative Energy Initiatives

Question 516-13(3): Alternative Energy Initiatives

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1236

The Speaker

Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 516-13(3): Alternative Energy Initiatives

Question 516-13(3): Alternative Energy Initiatives

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1236

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in Sachs Harbour the Sachs Harbour Community Corporation would be one of the joint venture partners and the Power Corporation is definitely interested in hearing from other community corporations across the Northwest Territories, who would be interested in joint venture initiatives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 516-13(3): Alternative Energy Initiatives

Question 516-13(3): Alternative Energy Initiatives

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1236

The Speaker

Thank you, Oral questions, Mr. Henry .

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Question 517-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1236

Seamus Henry

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs . The Minister congratulated two communities today on a name change, and I would also do the same. My question to the Minister is could she describe the process used by a community to determine how to change a name. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 517-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1236

The Speaker

The Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs , Ms. Thompson .

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Return To Question 516-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Question 517-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1236

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't have the details on the process, but it is started by the community. As I understand it, the change for Kugluktuk happened in January. I was just announcing it today, because the hamlet building had not been changed. The process takes quite a long time, it is initiated by the community. Thank you.

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Return To Question 516-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Question 517-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1236

The Speaker

Oral questions. Supplementary. Mr. Henry .

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Supplementary To Question 517-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Question 517-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1236

Seamus Henry

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister mentioned that she did not have the details available. Could I get those details at a later date? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 517-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Question 517-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1236

The Speaker

Ms. Thompson .

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Return To Question 517-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Question 517-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1236

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

Thank you Mr. Speaker. We will give all the details and all the steps to the Member. Thank you.

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Return To Question 517-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Question 517-13(3): Process For Community Name Changes

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1237

The Speaker

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Erasmus .

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Question 518-13(3): Improving The Quality Of Northwestel Service

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1237

Roy Erasmus

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier . You all heard in this House, I think it was last week, Mrs. Groenewegen made a statement, in relation to Northwestel and their atrocious service, in regards to people being put on hold for a long, long period of time. I have had several complaints as well, from people having to wait for about ten, fifteen, sometimes even twenty minutes. My question is, is there anything this government can do to influence Northwestel to improve their service?

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Question 518-13(3): Improving The Quality Of Northwestel Service

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1237

The Speaker

Mr. Premier .

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Return To Question 518-13(3): Improving The Quality Of Northwestel Service

Question 518-13(3): Improving The Quality Of Northwestel Service

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1237

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a major customer of Northwestel, I will have the Minister responsible get in touch with Northwestel to let them know about our dissatisfaction with the service to our Northwest Territories residents. Thank you.

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Return To Question 518-13(3): Improving The Quality Of Northwestel Service

Question 518-13(3): Improving The Quality Of Northwestel Service

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1237

The Speaker

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary. Mr. Erasmus .

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Supplementary To Question 518-13(3): Improving The Quality Of Northwestel Service

Question 518-13(3): Improving The Quality Of Northwestel Service

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1237

Roy Erasmus

Yellowknife North

Thank you,