Debates of Oct. 27th, 2010

This is page numbers 5293 - 5320 of the Hansard for the 16th Assembly, 5th 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 language .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Minister’s Statement 68-16(5): Aboriginal Language Strategy Update

Minister’s Statement 69-16(5): A Clear Path Forward: Municipal And Community Affairs’ Strategic Plan

NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Sustainable Economic Development For Hay River

Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Homelessness In The NWT

Protection Of Aboriginal Language Programs

NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Support For The Weledeh Language

NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

NWT Tourism Outfitters

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

NWT Tourism Outfitters

Recognition And Status For Additional Aboriginal Languages

Cleanup And Removal Of Assets From Treminco Mine Site

Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Revitalization Of Aboriginal Languages

Aboriginal Language Immersion Programs

Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

Tabled Document 93-16(5): Northwest Territories Aboriginal Languages Plan - A Shared Responsibility

Tabled Document 94-16(5): Northwest Territories Meeting And Conference Planner 2011

Tabled Document 95-16(5): A Clear Path Forward, Maca Strategic Plan 2010-2015

Tabled Document 96-16(5): Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund Annual Report 2008-2009 And 2009-2010

Tabled Document 97-16(5): Northwest Territories Liquor Commission And Liquor Licensing Board 2009-2010 56th Annual Report Tabled Document 98-16(5): Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2009-2010 Tabled Document 99-16(5): Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No.

Reduction Of NWT Housing Corporation Maximum Rental Rate

Retention Of Long-Form Census Questionnaire

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Report of Committee of the Whole

Bill 8: Social Work Profession Act

Bill 9:

An Act To Amend The Tourism Act

Orders of the Day

The House met at 1:42 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Lafferty .

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Minister’s Statement 68-16(5): Aboriginal Language Strategy Update

Ministers’ Statements

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, later today I will table the Government of the Northwest Territories Aboriginal Languages Plan - A Shared Responsibility. The plan was crafted after reviewing the Standing Committee on Government Operations’ report Reality Check: Securing a Future for Official Languages of the Northwest Territories.

Over 200 delegates at the Aboriginal Languages Symposium held in late March 2010 offered their thoughts, concerns and ideas for this plan. As well, a number of community meetings were held to discuss the future of aboriginal languages. Other guiding documents, such as the Review of the Current Aboriginal Language Strategy, informed us. Over 300 people contributed and committed to the making of the Aboriginal Languages Plan.

This incredible level of commitment and participation is indicative of how vital aboriginal languages are to our people.

We believe the plan we all developed will improve the condition of our official aboriginal languages. It is reflective not only of the priorities of people of the Northwest Territories but of the recognition of this Assembly that languages strengthen our society and are critical to our culture and heritage.

The plan being tabled later today sets out a framework for strengthening aboriginal languages over the next decade. The plan recognizes and supports the concept that, as delegates at the

languages symposium clearly told us, individuals, families, language communities, governments and society as a whole share responsibility for language.

There have been a number of studies on aboriginal languages in the Northwest Territories over the years. We’ve learned much from this work and weigh and considered it in the development of our actions.

There are over 70 actions called for in the plan. We know that some actions will take longer to implement and that we need to identify resources to support various actions. However, there are also actions in the plan that we can implement now using our existing resources and we will begin action on those items right away.

In my travels through the communities of the Northwest Territories I had the opportunity and pleasure of discussing aboriginal languages with many people. It is clearly an issue on people’s minds and is one of great importance to them. Our leaders and elders have said that if we lose our language, we lose our identity and lessen who we are as a people. The actions identified in the plan help to address this concern by revitalizing and strengthening our official aboriginal languages.

I would like to thank the Standing Committee on Government Operations, including the committee’s chair, Mr. Kevin Menicoche , for their commitment to this issue and for their guidance in developing this plan. I also want to thank all the Members of this Assembly and this House, who provided encouragement and support for this important work.

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Minister’s Statement 68-16(5): Aboriginal Language Strategy Update

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs , Mr. Robert McLeod .

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Minister’s Statement 69-16(5): A Clear Path Forward: Municipal And Community Affairs’ Strategic Plan

Ministers’ Statements

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Later today I will table A Clear Path Forward: The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs’ Strategic Plan 2010-2015. This strategic plan was developed through an inclusive process involving staff, partners and stakeholders. It is in sync with the 16th Assembly’s priorities and

embraces the goal of healthy, sustainable communities.

MACA has a broad mandate involving a variety of stakeholders. The department aims to provide relevant, effective programs and services reflecting innovation, learning and excellence.

Given the many changes of the past three years, it was time to review the achievements and milestones that MACA has achieved in collaboration with community governments, their representative organizations, sport organizations, and other partners. A Clear Path Forward identifies current and emerging issues and positions of the department to continue the positive momentum into the future.

The strategic plan highlights four key themes that will guide the work of the department in implementing its diverse mandate over the next five years.

The first theme, A Foundation for Leadership, recognizes that competent and effective elected leaders are necessary for community governments to function. Financial policies, programs and partnerships encompassing sound financial management need to be in place to support community governments in making solid decisions on their way to a sustainable and vibrant future.

The second theme, Moving Forward, recognizes that MACA needs to ensure it has the tools and resources to support community governments effectively. These tools include:

up-to-date comprehensive legislation and

policies;

meaningful communications tools for

connecting with clients;

strong partnerships; and

a skilled workforce that proactively supports community governments.

The third theme, Stronger, Safer Communities, speaks to MACA’s role in supporting community governments to address infrastructure planning, land management and public service. Fire protection, emergency management, clean drinking water, environmental planning and stewardship are all part of this theme with the ultimate goal to create stronger, safer communities.

Invest in People, Build Communities encompasses capacity building as a fourth theme. It speaks to the need to improve community government public safety by building the skills of community government staff. The department knows that healthy, active people contribute to the quality of life in our communities. Culturally relevant physical activity programs are supported to promote healthy lifestyles and positive choices. MACA continues to support the development of an active volunteer

sector that in turn contributes to community well-being.

These four broad themes reflect the department’s high-level strategic directions over the next five years. Supporting actions and strategies will roll out to balance needs with available resources. Many of the items in the strategic plan are long-term in nature and the department’s intent is to report on the progress of the achievements annually.

Mr. Speaker, community governments and MACA’s other partners are facing a range of challenges and opportunities. The department is striving to maintain and improve meaningful partnerships with community governments, to meet shared goals and celebrate important milestones. I look forward to providing regular updates to Members on the activities undertaken to implement MACA’s strategic plan. Thank you.

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Minister’s Statement 69-16(5): A Clear Path Forward: Municipal And Community Affairs’ Strategic Plan

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 3, Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Beaulieu .

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NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Members’ Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about aboriginal language programs in Akaitcho, which Tu Nedhe is a part of, and the need to increase support for these programs.

Mr. Speaker, in the riding of Tu Nedhe there is a combined aboriginal population of around 95 percent. However, the actual number of Chipewyan-speaking residents is becoming less and less every year. Mr. Speaker, speaking the language is important for keeping the culture alive. Speaking the language allows elders to pass on important traditional practices and knowledge to the next generation.

Mr. Speaker, this government recently developed the GNWT’s Aboriginal Languages Plan yet provides very little financial resources to support the communities. As I said, most of their money comes from the federal government.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this year the Minister stated that the department is taking the lead in the revitalization to enhance and support official languages. He also talked about the government’s approach to languages being a shared responsibility. Mr. Speaker, if you ask the Deninu K'ue First Nations and Lutselk'e First Nations they will tell you that receiving only $17,000 is not enough and they feel the GNWT should do more to support the program.

Mr. Speaker, there are programs and services in place to preserve the Chipewyan language in Akaitcho. There are elders, workers, volunteers, teachers and professionals dedicated to keeping the language alive, but this is not enough and more support is needed. Mr. Speaker, these programs are crucial to keeping the language alive.

Currently, the Deninu K'ue First Nation and Lutselk'e First Nation receive $17,000 each. I believe the bulk of that money comes from the federal government through the Canada-NWT Cooperation Agreement for French and Aboriginal Languages. Seventeen thousand dollars is not enough to support a meaningful language program, Mr. Speaker. When you take into account the need to hire staff, run an office, cover admin, pay for travel, per diems, promotion and advertising, there is little left to promote the language program. Thank you.

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NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu . The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Sustainable Economic Development For Hay River

Members’ Statements

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today we had a chance to meet with some Ministers and I am pleased that for the first time in his term we have been able to welcome the mayor of Hay River here today, His Worship Kelly Schofield, and our town manager, Terry Molenkamp.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to talk about Hay River a bit today. Hay River prides itself in being a diverse economy, diverse culture, a long-standing community with a lot of resiliency. Mr. Speaker, the mayor reminded me this morning in your office of a phrase that I really like. That is that the cup is half full. I try to stay positive about these things, but I need to be honest with my colleagues here today and tell you that Hay River is in need of some serious attention in terms of our economy there.

We went through, and have gone through, very difficult times in Hay River. I think back to the closure of the Pine Point Mine when we had 2,000 residents that just lived within an hour’s distance to the east of us. A lot of their trade, commerce and activity, services that they required came out of Hay River. When we heard that the Pine Point Mine would shut down, it was quite devastating news for Hay River. Then along came the timely decision of the Government of the Northwest Territories to locate the headquarters for NTPC in Hay River and how that decision went a long ways to mitigate the negative impact of the loss of Pine Point as our neighbour.

Mr. Speaker, we are at a time again now where we have seen a change and an evolving in our community. The headquarters of Northern Transportation, a long-standing, large corporate citizen in our community, were relocated recently to Edmonton along with the senior jobs that went with that. This was not good for Hay River.

Again, I don`t want to paint a really dire picture, because sometimes that can backfire as well. At the same time, we are happy with the long-awaited and anticipated construction of a trades shop in Hay River, the construction of the assisted living facility which is up and operational now and all the jobs involved in that operation, the renovation of our school and, of course, the new hospital for Hay River on the horizon in our capital budget.

But, Mr. Speaker, at this time, I really do feel that we need to draw our government`s attention to the fact that Hay River, to be sustainable and to continue on the way we have, these projects are good, but we need something long term. We have mining on our doorstep. We have potential of Avalon. We have the potential of what Tamerlane can bring there. We have also the ability to accommodate these activities.

I would like to thank the mayor and the town manager for meeting with Ministers today to draw this to their attention again. We will work together. We will improve things. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Sustainable Economic Development For Hay River

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Members’ Statements

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have spoken at length about the growing deficits of our health authorities and question the Minister about her lack of attention on addressing these issues that are just not going away.

On Monday, when I asked Minister Lee about the deficit at Stanton and the system-wide deficit, she answered that it was $10.1 million at Stanton and $16.8 million system-wide. These totals, Mr. Speaker, are only for the fiscal year 2011. What I was looking for was the Minister to state the accumulated totals for Stanton and system-wide. These numbers, Mr. Speaker, are much, much higher.

Somewhere these deficits have got to have our Department of Finance and the Finance Minister hearing some very loud alarm bells.

Mr. Speaker, my belief is that the biggest factors are chronic underfunding and unfunded positions. Government has never managed these issues effectively. With the ever-growing cost to deliver services to our residents, the inaction of

government is magnified and manifests itself in these large deficits.

I am not sure what world the Minister lives in, but where I come from, if you have a problem that you can clearly see, you take action to fix it. For seven years the government has done nothing but to simply bail out the department and authorities.

At times, in order to placate some Members, they might look like they are interested in doing something like hiring a new CEO or senior staff, developing deficit-fighting plans that are never acted on and saying they are greatly concerned when questioned.

Mr. Speaker, words alone are not going to fix the problems. Nickel and diming patients for television, parking and telephone is not going to fix the problems. It will take a concerted effort by the Minister and department to present proper budgets before this House, not something they know is inadequate.

Given the fact it will need to maximize how each and every dollar is spent, we will need to vigorously pursue purchasing partnerships with our neighbours in western jurisdictions across Western Canada. We will need to commit ourselves to reducing our costs and searching out more efficient ways to buy health care supplies, procure services and manage our health care system,

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you.

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Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Ms. Bisaro .

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Homelessness In The NWT

Members’ Statements

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Homelessness is spreading in our Territory. Where it used to be an issue or a problem found only in the capital or maybe in our regional centres, it is now evident in our smaller communities.

Homelessness has many forms. Absolute homelessness is living on the street, staying in a shelter on a regular basis, or living in places not meant for human habitation. Relative homelessness is living in spaces that don’t meet basic health and safety standards; condemned buildings, for instance. Hidden homelessness refers to those who are temporarily staying with friends or family -- it’s called couch surfing -- or those who are staying with someone only to obtain shelter, and that includes those living in a home where they are subject to family violence.

There’s at-risk homelessness; those who are one step away from eviction, bankruptcy or family separation and thus the loss of their home. Finally, people living with core housing need are considered to be homeless. Their housing does not meet the standards of adequacy, affordability and suitability. We’ve heard

much about GNWT’s failure to provide enough housing that meets these standards before and we will no doubt hear Members’ concerns again.

All of these descriptions of homelessness affect residents of all ages of children as well as adults. Late in 2007, early 2008, the report of a research study into women’s homelessness north of 60 was released. The report was comprehensive and informative, but the content was disturbing, Mr. Speaker, and pointed the very real need for action to address the precarious situation of homeless or near homeless women across the North. There is a need in any community for a continuum of housing services.

Here in Yellowknife we have several gaps. We have transitional housing for single women being the most notable one. There are transitional spaces for families and for single men, but not for single women. We’re lucky to have a number of organizations who provide services and shelters to the homeless in Yellowknife, but there’s a particular need here for services for homeless women and the need for a permanent transition home for homeless women.

In February of 2009 the city’s Homeless Coalition opened the Bailey House, a transition house for single men. It’s proved to be very successful. Since its opening, 14 men have transitioned from Bailey House to their own home and we now badly need to provide the same opportunities for single women here in Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, I do what I can to support the Yellowknife Homeless Coalition as they work on the Women’s Transition Home Project.

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Homelessness In The NWT

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Ms. Bisaro , your time for your Member’s statement has expired.

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Homelessness In The NWT

Members’ Statements

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Homelessness In The NWT

Members’ Statements

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

I do what I can to support the Yellowknife Homeless Coalition. I can only hope that our government is doing all it can to facilitate the same project. Thank you.

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Homelessness In The NWT

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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Protection Of Aboriginal Language Programs

Members’ Statements

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to speak about the affect of languages in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the aboriginal language groups I represent, especially the Gwich’in, whose language is presently classified as critical, Mr. Speaker, we

are now down to 228 language speakers, the majority of them over the age of 60. Mr. Speaker, I think it’s a critical time in the life of not only our government, but protection of our language, culture and the importance that all our language groups play in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I think it’s important that we not only look at the ability to speak a language but also the ability to use the language on a day-to-day basis regardless if it’s at home, regardless if it’s at work, regardless if it’s talking in a public forum such as this.

Mr. Speaker, I think the importance of the Gwich’in Revitalization Program that has been developed shows you that the Gwich’in speakers, the language groups and the local language societies are doing their part to try to revitalize this language, which is presently classified as critical. We’re also using the term “endangered.” I think it’s important, Mr.

Speaker, that we have to do everything that we can to not only make sure that we make the capital investments in these areas that they’re needed but, more importantly, protect the languages and give them the similar protections we allow for the French in the Northwest Territories so that they can feel free to use the language in the workforce, so that they can have service clinics in the preferred language groups in the areas that they operate out of.

I think, Mr. Speaker, we have to not only include it in the schools but also offer the opportunity for residents, regardless if they’re Gwich’in or non-Gwich’in, to have the ability to have offered immersion programs so that they can be taught the language that Billy is speaking and, more importantly, understand the language and culture of those groups and the regions they come from.

The final point is, we have to increase the use of the Gwich’in language in the public forums, at public meetings and in public events. I will be asking the Minister of Education questions on this matter later.

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Protection Of Aboriginal Language Programs

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Members’ Statements

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak on the importance of the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment ’s release of the Aboriginal Languages Plan. This is one of the major initiatives that our government can call a legacy for this Assembly.

Last fall I had the honour of chairing the Aboriginal Languages Symposium with the Honourable Jackson Lafferty . We brought together our best and

hardworking language specialists from throughout the Northwest Territories. We said this is not just another symposium but a launching pad as we work towards revitalizing our aboriginal languages.

Languages are all about cultural identity and confidence in who you are as an aboriginal. Teaching our aboriginal languages in the schools from K to 3 in wholly immersion is positive and beneficial not only for the youth and parents but for the future of the NWT as a whole.

This is the vision that I see for our languages, our children in our schools and our North: having a positive multilingual and energetic youth will indeed guarantee a strong and vibrant future for our Northwest Territories.

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NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The honourable Member for Weledeh , Mr. Bromley .

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Support For The Weledeh Language

Members’ Statements

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today focuses on supporting the vitality of the Weledeh language and the need for flexible and effective language support programs.

Akaitcho people in my Weledeh riding don’t speak Tlicho or Chipewyan. They speak Weledeh, which is a unique amalgam of the two languages. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation has long been on the record calling for official recognition of Weledeh and I support this aspiration.

Weledeh speaking elders talk about the confusion that results when it is assumed that Tlicho translation can stand in for Weledeh translation. One recalled at an environmental hearing where elders talking about putting their “hooks” in the lake to fish was translated as putting “berries” in the lake. The differences from other languages cause more than occasional misunderstandings.

I’ve been working with the Minister to ensure that children attending the Mildred Hall School are taught Weledeh, not Chipewyan or Tlicho. Classroom instruction mustn’t confuse children and teach them a language their parents don’t use or

improper use or pronunciation of language terms. We need to ensure that when the local aboriginal language is taught in Yellowknife schools, we’re talking Weledeh.

Funding support has also been a problem. Locally, ECE distributes funding to support community language programs through the Tlicho and Akaitcho governments. Limited funds for Weledeh programs trickle off these two pots in small, random amounts, sometimes too late in the fiscal year to be used to best effect. The Minister has committed to improving distribution of funds to Weledeh and my constituents look forward to that.

Finally, there is a continuing problem of training certified language instructors and granting them credentials. I have told this Assembly that only two course modules are offered each year and that because 20 course credits are needed for certification, it takes 10 years to amass needed credits. Moreover, we still lack recognized evaluators who can certify, so even those who have stuck it out for the 10 years can’t get the certification required for the well-paying jobs. This problem has been pointed out for years and we need action now.

We’ve made some progress in ensuring that languages, the basis of all cultures, are protected and promoted. Let’s now get more effective with our programs and dollars delivered at the community level.

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Support For The Weledeh Language

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Abernethy .

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NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Members’ Statements

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to take this opportunity to applaud the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment for leading his department in the development of the Northwest Territories Aboriginal Languages Plan - A Shared Responsibility. I think this plan is an important step in revitalizing aboriginal languages throughout the Northwest Territories.

As a member of the Government Ops committee, I had the opportunity to participate on the committee in the review of the Official Languages Act earlier in the life of this Assembly where we came up with Reality Check: Securing a Future for the Official Languages in the Northwest Territories.

As part of that review I had the privilege and honour of travelling to communities with members of the committee to meet with the champions of the individual aboriginal language groups throughout the Northwest Territories. During these meetings it became obvious and clear that language is inherent to culture and culture is inherent to language. Without one the other is challenged, the other is

threatened. So it’s important that we find ways to work with the aboriginal communities to revitalize these languages.

They are under threat. For example, in 2006 there were only 200 people who identified Gwich’in as their mother tongue and, more alarmingly, only 20 of them indicated that they use it as their home language. In Inuktitut we had 800 who claimed it as their mother tongue; only 145 said they use it as their home language. Cree: 205 identified it as their mother tongue; only 20 identified it as their home language. Chipewyan: 410 identified it as their mother tongue; only 115 identified it as their home language.

Tlicho is a little bit better: 2,040 identified it as their mother tongue; only 1,095 indicated they use it as their home language. North and South Slavey: 2,170 identified it as their mother tongue; 975 indicated it is their home language. Clearly the languages are in trouble and need some work.

In our report we built upon the report that was conducted and completed in 2003 where there are 65 recommendations made. Unfortunately, at the time it was clear to us that many of these recommendations weren’t acted upon. As a result, we built upon those recommendations and came up with 48 of our recommendations which we passed along to the Minister. I know, based on the fact that they have 70 actions, many, and I know that at least 17 for sure, have been addressed directly and they’re moving on them. This is an important step and it’s going to go a long way to revitalizing aboriginal languages in the Northwest Territories. Once again I would like to thank the Minister for that work.

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NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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NWT Tourism Outfitters

Members’ Statements

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For many years the outfitting industry has been significant to our northern economy. It has represented a good balance between tourism and promotion, conservation, economic investment, business and certainly local employment. For decades lodges brought tourists to the North. That was new money to our territorial economy that helped diversify our economy and certainly employ people.

In a market like ours, there was great confidence, and businessmen, women and families alike met that confidence with investment and kept investing in their lodges and in the North.

Now things have changed. We’ve all heard about the mysterious disappearing caribou and the outfitters know the writing is on the wall. They see the realities before them and they do want to play a

part. But where is the government in their time of need?

Most outfitters feel they’ve been rolling out the proverbial red carpet for many years for our economy. Now in their time of need that carpet has been pulled out from underneath them by this government. Most of these people have no other option of where to go or what to do. Furthermore, the reality is these old warhorses of the outfitting industry are not an easy group to retool and say everything will be fine. Many have invested millions and now, without any customers at all, there are no options for those million dollar lodges. They all become worthless because of our new position with the lack of caribou. Where is the government in their support?

Some will say ecotourism is your new herald opportunity. The hard reality is very few people will pay $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, who knows how many thousands to go take a picture and smell some flowers. ENR said in the hearings that the outfitters were not responsible for the decline. Instead they were an asset, providing biologists samples, by only taking the bulls, and certainly being the eyes and ears on the Barrens. Yet the outfitters are suffering without government support.

We’re in a critical time for many of these people. Folks will say they should sit it out and wait, but the reality is they’ve poured every dollar they earned into their nest egg with the hopes that someday they could sell it as their retirement package. Those millions have turned into pennies, if at all. Surely they can’t wait. Most can’t start over in three to 10 years because that’s really what it takes to rebuild the economy after they can start again.

In closing, the late Jim Petersen said, “Outfitters are an endangered species.” I think he missed the mark only by a hair. They’ve become an extinct species.

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NWT Tourism Outfitters

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

It gives me great pleasure today to recognize a constituent of mine. His Worship Mayor Kelly Schofield is in the gallery today. With him is the town manager from Hay River. I’d like to welcome you both to the Assembly.

The honourable Member for Monfwi , Mr. Lafferty .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to recognize an old colleague of mine as well, Mr. Harley Crowshoe. He’s the regional director for aboriginal policing from Edmonton, Alberta. Also Julie Day, policy analyst with aboriginal policing from Ottawa, Ontario. Both of these individuals are here as part of the federal aboriginal policing directorate and

participating in self-government meetings. Welcome to the Assembly.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake , Mr. Roland .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize a long-term resident, very busy and very active yet, Ms. Cece McCauley, who was recently elected as the president of the Norman Wells Land Corp. Also with her in the gallery are Larry Tourangeau and Margaret McDonald.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize Snookie Catholique, former resident of Lutselk’e.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would never argue with you, but I would also like to recognize my constituent Mayor Kelly Schofield and my constituent, town manager Terry Molenkamp.

Also today it’s a pleasure to welcome especially Cece McCauley. She’s not only the elected representative of their land corporation, she is the chief of the Women Warriors.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . If we’ve missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the House. I hope you’re enjoying the proceedings.

Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Question 269-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I talked about the need to provide more funding for aboriginal programs in the Akaitcho. I have questions for the Minister responsible for aboriginal languages, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , Jackson Lafferty .

Does the Minister recognize that keeping the regional languages committee alive is a vital part of preserving the aboriginal languages?

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Question 269-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu . The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Lafferty .

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Question 269-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The regional languages committee and the committees play an important role in promoting and supporting the revitalization of our languages and enhancing our aboriginal languages. The

committee plays an important role in the development and implementation of strategic plans to meet our unique needs, circumstances and priorities of the respective languages. They will be part of the ongoing discussion when it comes to implementation of the strategy.

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Question 269-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

I’d like to thank the Minister for that response. Mr. Speaker, does the Minister recognize that the sum of $17,000 funding allocated to each Akaitcho community is insufficient to do what the communities need to do with an aboriginal language program? Thank you.

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Question 269-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT spends on an annual basis approximately $12 million on the aboriginal languages support, including $1.9 million received from federal funding.

I do recognize that we always need more resources and support to support the grassroots people in the communities. Those are the areas that we are working towards in improving those resources at the community level. Mahsi.

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Question 269-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Mr. Speaker, although the 10-year Akaitcho Aboriginal Languages Plan was fully implemented, they received less than 3.5 percent increase in funding over that 10-year span. This is not enough. Will the Minister commit to increasing the base funding for this program that’s run in Akaitcho? Thank you.

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Question 269-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, I am fully committed to seeking a way to, of course, provide increased support to the communities, especially in the aboriginal language communities. We are also looking very closely at our existing resources where we can improve in certain programming and increase our investment as well. Those are the areas that we are closely monitoring and with this strategy in place we want to make some changes, as well, on how we distribute funding as well. I will be having further discussion with our federal counterparts, as well, the federal Minister.

This has been addressed through the provincial/territorial Ministers meeting, the importance and the uniqueness of language and culture preservation in the Northwest Territories. I will continue to stress that with them to increase funding, possibly. Mahsi.

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Question 269-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Your final supplementary, Mr. Beaulieu .

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Question 269-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the past there was some funding for the communities that were used for training translators, interpreters and so on. Will the Minister commit to returning money to the communities for training for aboriginal languages by increasing the necessary core funding to support training in the communities as opposed to at more of a territorial level? Thank you.

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Question 269-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Member for that particular

question, because I am very much in support of community-based training programs that take place close to the Members’ homes and also to the Northerners’. The communities have the best understanding of their core needs and the priorities of their communities. I am committed to having my department work closely with the community and work closely with the Member to make this an effective and successful training program. That is part of that package. That is part of the strategy. Mahsi.

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Question 269-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Question 270-16(5): Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions again today are for the Minister of Health and Social Services , getting back to my Member’s statement.

I talked earlier about the growing deficits at both Stanton authority and other authorities around the Territories. Mr. Speaker, around this country, other provinces and territories are taking quite seriously the growing cost to deliver and provide health care services to their residents, and I just do not see the determination or the effort being put forward by our government when it comes to addressing these ever-growing costs. In fact, the way we manage through that is to just simply bail out authorities to the tune of millions and millions of dollars on an annual basis. It’s just not a way that we should move this forward.

I’d like to ask the Minister, the first question I have is: How am I and the residents of this Territory supposed to believe that the government is actually doing something when it comes to the growing cost to deliver health care for the residents here in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

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Question 270-16(5): Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services , Ms. Lee .

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Question 270-16(5): Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the residents should be comfortable in knowing that their Minister of Health and Social Services and this government is working hard to look at our system and make system changes so that we make our health care system sustainable. We were also successful in obtaining $15 million from the federal government over the next two years. I have spearheaded bringing together western provincial Ministers of Health so that we look at group purchasing. I am also working with all of the chairs of the health authorities, because we now understand very clearly that sustainability for the health system is for the entire health system.

The deficit at Stanton is not a Stanton deficit; it’s a system deficit. We are redesigning business plan models so that we have the right sized budgets for every authority. We are reviewing the physician staffing model so that we use our physician resources better. We have also introduced the accountability framework so that all of the authorities now have a written contract in a way that they have not done before.

Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is our people expect us to be efficient and effective in our delivery of health care services. Our people have no tolerance for reducing essential service, so we are working very hard every day to make our system sustainable. Thank you.

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Question 270-16(5): Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

I thank the Minister for that. I guess, you know, she said she’s leading the way on developing partnerships with western provinces on bulk purchasing of medical supplies and equipment. Last summer the governments of British Columbia and Alberta signed an agreement to co-purchase health care equipment. Just recently there was another agreement signed by the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan on bulk purchasing medical supplies and equipment. Where was the Government of the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker? Where was the Minister when it came time to sit down at the table and get in on these discussions on bulk purchasing? Thank you.

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Question 270-16(5): Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

I called a meeting of all of the western provincial Health Ministers in Newfoundland. We had a meeting and on October 21st we signed the MOU as well. Thank you.

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Question 270-16(5): Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

I’m having trouble understanding who the Minister signed the MOU with if these other provinces already have deals worked out with themselves. When is the Government of the Northwest Territories going to actively get involved and get in on a bulk purchasing plan with our neighbours to the south? Thank you.

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Question 270-16(5): Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

The group purchasing of drugs and equipment is an initiative that’s going across the Territories. I’ve had discussions on that with the standing committee. All of the jurisdictions are looking to see how we could reduce costs of essential pharmaceuticals and equipment. This government is engaged in that. Premier Roland was part of that discussion among the First Ministers. We are also part of that agreement of the western provincial Health Ministers. We are part of that agreement. Thank you.

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Question 270-16(5): Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Your final supplementary, Mr. Ramsay .

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Question 270-16(5): Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a number of questions and perhaps I’ll get on the list again and hopefully get another set of questions. I’d like to ask the Minister, if we’re part of the

agreement already, are we today bulk purchasing with the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker? Is that true? Thank you.

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Question 270-16(5): Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

We are part of that group. We are working with other Ministers. It’s a highly complicated process. Yes, we are part of that group. We are part of the agreement. We are a part of the partners and I chaired that meeting and we handed it over to Manitoba as of September. Mr. Speaker, we are doing the right thing. I am giving the Member an answer. Yes, we are very much a part of that. Thank you.

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Question 270-16(5): Rising Health Care Costs And Health Authority Deficits

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 271-16(5): NWT Tourism Outfitters

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement I talked about our new endangered species, the outfitter, and the fact that they’ve been left not just holding the bag but worthless lodges, because of the direction that the caribou management has taken. Mr. Speaker, many of these lodges have the investment of many people, of generations of money, and are seen as their only opportunity for the future, but that opportunity has been pulled away.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask the Minister of ITI what is this government’s plan to do with these outfitters with these worthless lodges while they cannot attract customers to hunt on the Barren Lands or other places throughout the North? What is his plan for the outfitters? Thank you.

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Question 271-16(5): NWT Tourism Outfitters

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment , Mr. Bob McLeod .

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Question 271-16(5): NWT Tourism Outfitters

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For some time now we recognize that there has been a shift in the tourism priorities and what areas that the younger generation would be participating, and we recognize that the so-called consumptive tourism, the interests in hunting and fishing were declining. We undertook surveys to determine where the new demand for tourism would be focussed on. Our research has indicated that most people are interested in adventure tourism, ecotourism, so we introduced a program, a tourism diversification program, in 2007-08, to help existing outfitters begin to diversify into other areas and develop new tourism products. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 271-16(5): NWT Tourism Outfitters

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, the Minister defines it as a shift in the market. I would call it more like a tourniquet. The reality is there are no eco-tourists showing up at the door. The phone isn’t ringing off the hook. It would cost hundreds and hundreds of

thousands of dollars to decommission these lodges. The outfitters are left holding the bag waiting for this turnaround in the caribou market, if I may define it as that, which is almost impossible. What is the government doing to help either sustain these lodges through this downshift, which is easily predictable in the area of three to five years they will have to wait to restart, as well as is the government offering packages to help get some of these people out into either new industries or just out of this industry completely? Thank you.

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Question 271-16(5): NWT Tourism Outfitters

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, since time immemorial, the people of the Northwest Territories recognized that the population of caribou and wildlife was volatile. It was recognized in the Northwest Territories Act where barren-ground caribou has been designated as game endangered of becoming extinct. Our own Wildlife Act recognized that and it developed a hierarchy of priorities for the use of wildlife. Commercial tags for caribou were the lowest priority.

Now, having said that, I already told the Member that we established a tourism diversification market and fund which we have spent $4.5 million dollars since 2007-08. We also met with the sports outfitters. They indicated that that program wasn’t for them because they couldn’t see themselves changing. So we set up a separate Tourism Marketing Fund for the outfitters in which there was $600,000. It was $300,000 last year. It is $600,000 this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 271-16(5): NWT Tourism Outfitters

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, it is great to have initiatives with pittance of a dollar called investment that they referred to, but the reality is the customers aren’t picking that up. What work has the government done to ensure that this has actually taken any effect in this industry or any industry on this so-called market shift?

The problem still remains: the customers are not coming and these outfitters are left with all of these lodges that are difficult to staff. No one wants to work there because they know they can’t make any money. Has the Minister investigated the realities of this so-called bailout program that doesn’t really do anything? Thank you.

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Question 271-16(5): NWT Tourism Outfitters

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, we have been working very closely with the outfitters and how to spend this money. For the most part, the outfitters have availed themselves of these funds. We have also put in business plans to continue this funding. We look forward to being able to work with the outfitters in future years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 271-16(5): NWT Tourism Outfitters

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 271-16(5): NWT Tourism Outfitters

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the Minister’s own words, he said that, for the outfitters, this is not a program for them. So, Mr. Speaker, if he is hearing from the outfitters that this program

doesn’t work for them, I am hearing from outfitters myself still even just recently as in a few minutes before session started, in an e-mail that the ink isn’t even dry. The program doesn’t work and is not for them.

Mr. Speaker, the reality is the only person this program works for is the person who does the allocation of these funds who sits in some ivory tower office not understanding what it is really like in these industries in trying to create business in momentum in the economy. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister go back and see if we can retool focus that works for outfitters? Thank you.

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Question 271-16(5): NWT Tourism Outfitters

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, I wonder how many programs the Member would like me to start. I already indicated that we have the Tourism Diversification Marketing Program. We also instituted the Sports Outfitter Marketing Program and outfitters are accessing those funds and there is still funding available this year. A lot of the outfitters are using those funds to put their lodges in care and maintenance so that they can keep them operating. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 271-16(5): NWT Tourism Outfitters

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Weledeh , Mr. Bromley .

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Question 272-16(5): Recognition And Status For Additional Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and following up on both his statement and my statement today.

The Official Languages Act made the enormous contribution of making ancestral languages real in the law. We have seen some progress on the basis of that law, but we shouldn’t assume the 1998 law was the last word on what is and isn’t an official language in the Northwest Territories.

Can the Minister state this government’s position on recognizing further official languages under the act? That is, what are the standards and arguments used for or against recognizing other official languages? Mahsi.

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Question 272-16(5): Recognition And Status For Additional Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Lafferty .

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Question 272-16(5): Recognition And Status For Additional Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

I have heard on several occasions of a language that could be integrated or added to the existing 11 official languages. There are comprehensive steps that have to be undertaken, public consultation.

Members would have to be involved in that. The Legislative Assembly would have to be involved in that. It would take some form of consultation with the communities and the people of the Northwest Territories before it goes to the next level. Those are the areas of discussion that we need to undertake.

Mr. Speaker, as it stands, we have 11 official languages. Mahsi.

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Question 272-16(5): Recognition And Status For Additional Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, for the record, I, too, am very proud of those 11 official languages. I thank the Minister for those remarks on the process to get this done.

As the Minister knows, the true test of support programs is the ability to deliver timely support to the place where it can be used best. For a grassroots program, we know that it is really at the community level. I have described a situation where funding for the Yellowknives Dene Community Language Program is filtered through the Tlicho and Akaitcho governments’ administrative structures and there have been several problems described. The Minister has spoken to me of taking steps to make better arrangements to deal with those difficulties. Can the Minister tell me what the status is on those improvements? Mahsi.

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Question 272-16(5): Recognition And Status For Additional Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, I did meet with the Member on identifying the funds that are being distributed through teaching and learning centres. There have been some concerns in that respect. We are currently rolling out the Aboriginal Languages Plan. It will be tabled in the House today. From there, that does cover the aspects of what the Member is referring to. It is broad. It is just not one region, Mr. Speaker. So I am glad that the Member is referring to that, because it is an important piece of work that we need to start talking and making those changes.

We currently provide this approximately $12 million that we need to relook at as well, a profile of that, how it has been distributed to the communities and to language groups. Mr. Speaker, it is general. We are seriously looking at those areas. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 272-16(5): Recognition And Status For Additional Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Minister’s comments again. I will be looking for those remarks in the plan.

Today I also re-emphasized the long-standing problems of the lack of evaluators certified to approved credentials for interpreters/translators and the need to reduce the time it takes for course work from the current 10-year haul.

These problems have been pointed out in language reviews, Mr. Speaker, since the 1900s. Can the Minister tell me what progress is being made meeting these basic but crucial needs and perhaps where that’s addressed in the Languages Strategy? Thank you.

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Question 272-16(5): Recognition And Status For Additional Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

What the Member is referring to is captured in the 70-plus recommendations that will be brought forward and we’ve also initiated a summer institute for language this past summer. It was very successful and was part of the development stages pertaining to certification, possibly diploma or degree. So the Member has already shared his concern and we are looking at that as part of the strategy that’s before us, and there are also talks about the

interpretation and translation training program. So that is part of the strategy as well. It is a comprehensive document and we are in the process of implementing it expeditiously. Mahsi.

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Question 272-16(5): Recognition And Status For Additional Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Your final supplementary, Mr. Bromley .

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Question 272-16(5): Recognition And Status For Additional Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That’s good to hear. My last question, which you might be able to guess here, is: Will the Minister commit to -- I’m harking back to my first question on beginning perhaps the long process to consider recognition of an additional language -- sitting down and meeting with the chiefs of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and myself to discuss what a process might look like? Thank you.

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Question 272-16(5): Recognition And Status For Additional Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi. I did receive an invitation from the Akaitcho Government and I’d be more than glad to meet with the leadership, along with the Member, to discuss the process of initiating this process. Mahsi.

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Question 272-16(5): Recognition And Status For Additional Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Ms. Bisaro .

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Question 273-16(5): Cleanup And Removal Of Assets From Treminco Mine Site

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In July of this year I heard a news report about the difficulties surrounding the cleanup of the old Treminco mine site outside of Yellowknife. I have some questions today for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs under whose watch this falls.

The gist of the news report was that Treminco had gone bankrupt and that our government could end up paying completely for the cost to clean up the site. This was after the government had auctioned off the buildings and equipment that were out at the mine site in order to try and defray the cost of cleanup. Contractors have been allocated to remove the assets, but they only removed some of them -- I think “cherry picked” would be a good word -- and they left many of those assets behind. As of July, the government had been waiting 14 months for the buildings and equipment that remained to be removed.

Mr. Speaker, I have some questions for the Minister with regard to this situation. I’d like to know the

status of the buildings and the equipment at the Treminco mine site at this time. Thank you.

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Question 273-16(5): Cleanup And Removal Of Assets From Treminco Mine Site

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . The honourable Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs , Mr. Robert McLeod .

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Question 273-16(5): Cleanup And Removal Of Assets From Treminco Mine Site

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is absolutely correct; there was some infrastructure that was removed from the site -- cherry picked, as she put it -- but during this past summer we’ve done an inventory of the site and we’re looking at hiring an engineering firm to assess the structural integrity in an attempt to place some value on that. We’re going to look at possibly if it’s feasible to have it go out again, or to see what steps we can take next to do the actual cleanup. Thank you.

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Question 273-16(5): Cleanup And Removal Of Assets From Treminco Mine Site

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thanks to the Minister. I’m a little distressed, because that was the information that was available in July, was that the government was going to be finding an engineer and placing a value on these assets. So I’m a little dismayed that it’s now October and that it hasn’t been done.

I’d like to know from the Minister, we tried to get rid of these buildings. They’re now deteriorating. They are still our assets because we have reclaimed them because the contractors didn’t do their job. So what recourse does this government have to go after those contractors who didn’t fulfill their contract, didn’t do their job, and what recourse do we have as a government to try and claim back some of the elements of the contract that weren’t fulfilled? Thank you.

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Question 273-16(5): Cleanup And Removal Of Assets From Treminco Mine Site

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

This is one of the reasons that making the amendments to the Commissioner’s Land Act requiring security deposits would have helped us in recovering some of those costs. As far as the actual going after the contractors, I haven’t had that discussion and once I have a discussion with my officials, I’ll meet with the Member and relay those on to her. Thank you.

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Question 273-16(5): Cleanup And Removal Of Assets From Treminco Mine Site

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

I hate to tell the Minister I told you so, but I’m afraid I have to because that certainly was mentioned by Members on this side of the House before the amendments to the Commissioner’s Land Act came into force, that we really ought to have security for things such as these.

I’d like to know if the Minister could advise if we do find that there’s some value, if we do find that we can get somebody to remove these buildings and equipment for us, how much is that going to cost us. Thank you.

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Question 273-16(5): Cleanup And Removal Of Assets From Treminco Mine Site

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

During this winter we’re going to find a feasible solution for the removal of those assets and if we can work with somebody that can get rid of them at minimal cost to the GNWT. As far as an actual dollar figure, I’m not able to provide that right now. Once we have the

discussion with the engineering firm, I think we’d be in a better position to have a bit of a dollar figure, but the bottom line is to try and remove these assets with minimal costs to the GNWT. Thank you.

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Question 273-16(5): Cleanup And Removal Of Assets From Treminco Mine Site

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Your final supplementary, Ms. Bisaro .

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Question 273-16(5): Cleanup And Removal Of Assets From Treminco Mine Site

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks to the Minister for his comments and I appreciate that he’s saying it’s going to be at minimal cost to us as a government. We’ve already incurred some costs; we’re going to incur more, from the sounds of things. I guess I would like to know from the Minister that should we not find a company who can remove these buildings for us, the bottom line is, is the government on the hook to pay for the cleanup of this particular mine site? Thank you.

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Question 273-16(5): Cleanup And Removal Of Assets From Treminco Mine Site

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

As far as the actual mine site, we’d have to work with INAC -- because it is kind of a multi-jurisdictional issue -- on the actual cleanup of the mine site. The infrastructure I think is what’s in question here. I suppose if we were unable to find a contractor to remove those, then we’d have to go from there and see what actually it might cost us as a government to remove all of the old infrastructure, because they are starting to age and the longer we delay it, the more dangerous it becomes to have that infrastructure out there.

So it is one that we’re hoping to have by the end of this winter, a plan as to how we’re going to deal with it and I’d be willing to share that with the Member. Thank you.

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Question 273-16(5): Cleanup And Removal Of Assets From Treminco Mine Site

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Question 274-16(5): Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to follow up on my colleague Mr. Ramsay ’s questions about the potential savings to this government by bulk purchasing pharmaceuticals for people in the Northwest Territories.

I have a great idea for the Minister, one that will save the government a lot of money. Mr. Speaker, I think we can all agree that the private sector can do almost anything cheaper than the government can. In Hay River we have a long-established business called Medical Surgical Supply. It is owned and operated by two registered nurses with extensive experience in the Arctic and in small communities. At the present time they purchase pharmaceutical and surgical and medical supplies. They then redistribute these to clients, health centres, hospitals and facilities throughout the Northwest Territories.

If the government were going to go to this bulk purchasing idea and this process, this might necessarily require some kind of

infrastructure in order to receive and distribute these bulk purchased supplies.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Health , rather than putting a long-established business like the one in Hay River out of business, wouldn’t it be a good idea for the government to consider contracting them on a cost-plus basis to perform this service on behalf of the GNWT? Thank you.

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Question 274-16(5): Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services , Ms. Lee .

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Question 274-16(5): Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That would be one idea that we would need to look into and I’m willing to do that.

The general idea behind finding savings from bulk purchasing is so that a smaller jurisdiction like the NWT could partner with as many provinces as possible. The one that we’re aiming for is the western provinces. This is happening nationally, but provinces like Ontario are big enough that they can find their own efficiencies by doing their own things. The NWT is signed on with the western provinces to see the big ticket items, probably ones not even a small business in the North could buy, but to be a part of the bigger purchasing power so that we can find some savings. We have a lot of work to do on that yet. We have to get all of the authorities in the NWT to agree.

Obviously we need to see how our private sector could play and what role they could play. I would certainly be interested in looking at that.

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Question 274-16(5): Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

I know that in the past there was some thought given to putting this function of purchasing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies under the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority and having it actually done through Stanton. Again, no offence to the government, but I submit to you that the private sector could do this cheaper. If this were a function taken on by the government, trust me, it would grow. It would become a massive operation. The thing that is also necessary is when we’re sending out to small nursing stations, they don’t need a hundred or a thousand of certain things.

The idea is to understand their needs, break the packaging down, know the best way to transport and get it there. This is knowledge which is already established with this company.

I’d like to ask the Minister, does she agree that that kind of specialized service could be more efficiently provided by the private sector than a government agency?

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Question 274-16(5): Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

I understand what the Member is saying and, in fact, I visited that outlet that exists in Hay River. I do believe they already supply a lot of centres in the Northwest Territories. I will make a commitment to the Member and this House that we

will definitely factor that in and do a cost-benefit analysis. I would have to do a lot of work with the Members in the next coming weeks to have the analysis done and how we can find savings and wherever possible we need to bring our NWT suppliers into play. I would be happy to come forward with a proposal.

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Question 274-16(5): Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

I am suggesting a process that would be cost-plus. We would still, as a government, realize the savings of the bulk purchasing because it would be a predetermined additional cost for the administration and provision of the service. Does the government at this time procure any other supplies on a cost-plus basis under such a plan?

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Question 274-16(5): Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

First of all I should clarify that I don’t believe there is a system in place or idea in place that Yellowknife Health or Stanton will purchase for everybody. Right now we have a bit of patchwork going on and this is why we have been discussing that at the Joint Leadership Council. We need to work as a group. We need to agree that we need to purchase together. And wherever possible we would use local resources.

There are other things like pharmaceutical drugs that are used in the hospitals, for example. I think the outlet in Hay River deals with supplies. Purchasing drugs, health centres and hospitals would be doing on their own. We have a lot of work to do in coming out with the details of that.

I would once again commit to do an analysis and put a plan together, and I will be reviewing that with the Standing Committee on Social Programs as we move forward.

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Question 274-16(5): Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Question 274-16(5): Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In Hay River we do have infrastructure already in place. We have a lower operating overhead than you would have in other places in terms of costs. We are very accessible, from a transportation network point of view, to get product out. If the Minister would contemplate going to a request for proposal on this, then all of these things could be brought to bear in considering an option. Also the management and capabilities of the proponents that would actually be delivering the service, these are important things.

It’s one thing to just re-box stuff and ship it off to wherever; it’s another thing to know what those front-line workers are doing and have that experience firsthand. Would an RFP be a potential way of looking at getting some information back to the government on the potential for this idea?

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Question 274-16(5): Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

That would definitely be one way of doing it. Thus far different health authorities have been putting out their own RFPs. There is more than one business, I believe, in the Territories

who does that. What we would be looking at would be doing an RFP for larger and more than one authority at once. It’s a detail that we need to work out, but it’s something that needs a lot more attention and a lot more detailed analysis and I will undertake to do that.

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Question 274-16(5): Bulk Purchasing Of Pharmaceuticals

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Abernethy .

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Question 275-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to talk today about A Shared Responsibility that’s going to be tabled later today. Once again, I think it’s a great step forward. I’m curious, though, has the department, has the Minister developed a comprehensive evaluation framework so that we can actually assess over time whether or not -- the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , yes -- it’s actually working. Has an evaluation framework been developed to go along with this plan?

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Question 275-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Lafferty .

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Question 275-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. An evaluation form will come out of this framework that’s going to be before us. We seriously want to monitor each and every recommendation that is brought forward and the program changes that we will be making within our Department of Education. So it’s all preliminary right now, the recommendations that are before us today. Definitely evaluations will be part of the process.

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Question 275-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

That’s good to hear. We’ve been here before. We’ve had plans to revitalize aboriginal languages in the North before and I think this is a very good one. It’s building upon some of the successes we’ve had in the past.

Over the last 10 years the number of aboriginal people that identify their aboriginal language as their mother tongue has decreased as has the number of people using it in their homes. What I’m curious about, specifically when it comes to an evaluation framework, is will the department be collecting information on mother tongue and home language as well as the ability to diverse so that we can actually calculate language shift in the Northwest Territories to see that we are getting results.

If there’s no mechanism to track whether the mother tongue numbers are going up and the home language numbers are going up, we won’t be able to determine whether in fact what we’ve done is working. Will that type of information be collected as we move forward with this plan?

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Question 275-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

I agree with the Member that we need to have a mechanism in place for the tracking and monitoring and evaluating of our programming. We want this strategy, the plan, to be successful. I believe the Member did indicate that this will be part of the legacy that we’ll leave behind for years to come. Revitalizing our languages, there will definitely be a mechanism in place to monitor it every step of the way.

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Question 275-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Once again thanks to the Minister. It sounds like we’re agreeing. I would like the Minister to commit to actually putting in some system to track the aboriginal language shift over time, which means collecting things like the number of individuals who identify their aboriginal languages as their mother tongue and those that also indicate they’re using it as their home language. I think tracking the language shift every two or three years could actually be an important indicator to evaluate if the revitalization measures put in place are successful. I think we both want the same thing.

I think everybody wants the same thing. We want these aboriginal languages to be healthy and strong. If I can get him to commit to tracking that specific type of information, I really feel that those indicators will help us to determine success in the long run.

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Question 275-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

The aboriginal languages will likely see some shift, because we want this to work. At the same time, we need to gather the information. We have done that along with the package that we have before us. Mr. Krutko did mention numbers as well that are out there that we have used so far. We will be monitoring that and collecting more data over the next two or three years. We need the committees, the language specialists, committee experts, the community members to provide that information as well. We will be working closely with the community. My department will be working with the Members as well as the communities very closely, a monitoring mechanism.

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Question 275-16(5): NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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Question 276-16(5): Revitalization Of Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to speak in regard to the revitalization of languages and the language groups that aren’t classified as critically endangered, like the Gwich’in language and Inuvialuktun. I think we do have to take immediate action. I think we have to take giant steps to get there. I think one of the immediate things that we can establish is an action plan to deal with the Gwich’in Revitalization Program. I’d like to ask the Minister what we are doing to work with those groups that find themselves in the

situation that their language is classified as critical or endangered so that we can implement some action plans immediately.

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Question 276-16(5): Revitalization Of Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Lafferty .

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Question 276-16(5): Revitalization Of Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I think that’s the very reason why we’re here today producing this package. It has over 70 recommendations. We have done some work with respect to preserving our language and revitalizing our language. We have programs that have been implemented, the ALCIP program. I think we need to do more. Part of the documentation that is going to be provided speaks to immersion programming, elders in schools, specialists in schools on our language, teachers that speak the language. We need to produce those important people, the resources.

We have done some work in that area but we’ll continue to do more, especially with a plan that will be before us for the next few years. Definitely we want to make it a successful project.

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Question 276-16(5): Revitalization Of Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

I believe it is critical that we do have some sort of central language development institute of some sort in the Northwest Territories. When you talk about aboriginal language it’s more than a language learning program, it’s also looking at the whole area of translating services, training services for language teachers and instructors in those language programs. I think it’s essential that whatever programs and services we do deliver are useable. That is one of the downfalls that you see of a lot of languages.

You can see the strong language groups in the Northwest Territories such as the Tlicho or the Slavey in the different regions. It is because they use their language on a day-to-day basis. That is one of the critical downfalls of the languages, pressures that a lot of these language groups are under. I’d like to ask the Minister what we are doing to revitalize the language groups and impress on the importance of using those languages.

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Question 276-16(5): Revitalization Of Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

I’d like to focus on what we are going to be doing with the new package. We had the Language Institute here this past summer. That’s part of the strategy that’s been highlighted, that we need to deliver more language programming into the region and the communities to the people. That’s what we’re doing. Not only that, but it also captures Dene fonts onto our computers throughout the system, integrated language curriculum and immersion programming. Those are the key factors that are within the package.

I think, as we move forward, most of the concerns and discussions that were brought forward over the years by Assembly Members will be captured in this document and utilize community expertise such as elders and language specialists. We need their

guidance and support. We also need the support of the Regular Members to make it a very successful project. We’ll continue to do so.

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Question 276-16(5): Revitalization Of Aboriginal Languages

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Question 277-16(5): Aboriginal Language Immersion Programs

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement I spoke about how I look forward to the Aboriginal Languages Plan. However, I also mentioned that immersion programs lead to success in many languages. Not only aboriginal languages but throughout other jurisdictions immersion programs really work and they tend to support the local languages. I’d just like to ask the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment how many aboriginal immersion programs we have in the Northwest Territories.

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Question 277-16(5): Aboriginal Language Immersion Programs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Lafferty .

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Question 277-16(5): Aboriginal Language Immersion Programs

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have the exact number before me, but within the region I believe we offer… Within the three regions, but I have to get the facts for the Member, because I need to highlight the correct information that I can provide to the Member.

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Question 277-16(5): Aboriginal Language Immersion Programs

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

The vision that I shared earlier was that I’d like to see our aboriginal communities, of course, begin immersion programs. Even in our smallest communities it would be ideal, and a lot of our smaller communities, the majority are speaking an aboriginal language, like the community of Trout Lake. I don’t want to anticipate the Aboriginal Languages Plan, Mr. Speaker, but I’d like to ask the Minister, is there a current strategy to look at starting up immersion programs throughout our jurisdiction? Thank you.

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Question 277-16(5): Aboriginal Language Immersion Programs

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, I think we need to focus on what we have before us today. It is part of the package and we are going to start implementing that. The language immersion in all schools, that is also our vision, starting from early childhood. Not only that, but we’ve heard over and over, even in the Sahtu region, the Aboriginal Student Achievement Initiative, that there was a language that was spoken that we need to start from home. Parents need to talk to their kids at home. The teachers are there as a resource tool, but at the same time some teachers don’t speak the language. So it has to come from home.

We are trying to produce more aboriginal speaking teachers, as well, with the credentials. There are some immersion programs in the regions, but we want to do more. This package will allow us to do that and work with the communities as well. Mr.

Speaker, this package has fingerprints of all the Northwest Territories and it is a package of the Northwest Territories and we want to make it a successful project. Mahsi.

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Question 277-16(5): Aboriginal Language Immersion Programs

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

When I speak about immersion programs is where we’ll actually be teaching the children from K to 3 in an aboriginal language. Do we have a c