Debates of June 17th, 2008

This is page numbers 1343 to 1384 of the Hansard for the 16th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was budget .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Minister’s Statement 70-16(2) Building Our Future

Minister’s Statement 71-16(2) Species At Risk Act

Minister’s Statement 72-16(2) Mobile Trades Laboratory Opening In The Beaufort-Delta

Minister’s Statement 73-16(2) Honouring Fred Carmichael

Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Hay River’s Relay For Life Walk For Cancer

Lack Of Health Care Facilities In Small Communities

Employment Opportunities For Aboriginal And Long-Term Northerners

Exemption From The Goods And Services Tax

Equal And Shared Parenting

NWT Home Rule Movement

Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Reclassification Of Lakes As Mine Dump Sites

Housing Concerns In Tu Nedhe

Health And Social Services Authority Cost Overruns

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Question 350-16(2) Lack Of Health Care Services In Small Communities

Question 351-16(2) Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Question 352-16(2) Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Question 354-16(2) Impact Of Payroll Tax On The Cost Of Living

Question 355-16(2) Exemption From The Goods And Services Tax

Question 356-16(2) Poor Condition Of Liard Highway

Question 357-16(2) Public Service Career Training Program

Question 358-16(2) Strategy To Address Declining CMHC Funding

Question 359-16(2) Reclassification Of Lakes As Mine Dump Sites

Question 360-16(2) Equal And Shared Parenting

Question 27-16(2) Transfer Assignments In The Public Service

Question 28-16(2) Framework For GNWT Response To Homelessness

Question 29-16(2) Unfunded Programs And Positions At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Question 30-16(2) Sport, Recreation And Youth Division Travel

Summary

Question 31-16(2) Funding Provided To Sport And Recreation Partners

Tabling of Documents

Motion 12-16(2) Support For The Business Incentive Policy

Motion 13-16(2) Support For Amendments To Federal Divorce Act

Motion 14-16(2) Extended Adjournment Of The House To October 1, 2008

Bill 13

An Act To Amend The Legal Profession Act

Bill 14

An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act

Bill 15

An Act To Amend The Workers’ Compensation Act

Bill 16 Write-Off Of Debts Act, 2008–2009

Bill 17 Forgiveness Of Debts Act, 2008–2009

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery (Reversion)

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Tabled Document 37-16(2) Main Estimates 2008–2009, Volumes 1 And 2

Main Estimates 2008–2009 Department Of Justice

Main Estimates 2008–2009 Department Of Health And Social Services

Main Estimates 2008–2009 Department Of Education, Culture And Employment

Main Estimates 2008–2009 Department Of Industry, Tourism And Investment

Main Estimates 2008–2009 Department Of Environment And Natural Resources

Main Estimates 2008–2009 Department Of Municipal And Community Affairs

Bill 8 Appropriation Act, 2008–2009

Committee Motion 65-16(2) To Amend The

Schedule To Bill 8: Appropriation Act, 2008–2009 (Committee Motion Carried)

Committee Motion 66-16(2) To Amend Sub-Clause 3(2) Of Bill 8: Appropriation Act, 2008–2009 (Committee Motion Carried)

Report of Committee of the Whole

Bill 8 Appropriation Act, 2008–2009

Bill 11

An Act To Amend The Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act

Bill 9 Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 4, 2007–2008

Assent to Bills

Orders of the Day

The House met at 1:33 p.m.

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Prayer.

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Prayer

Prayer

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the House. Orders of the Day. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The lead Minister of the Strategic Initiative Committee on Building Our Future, Mr. Michael McLeod .

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Minister’s Statement 70-16(2) Building Our Future

Ministers’ Statements

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to take the opportunity today as the lead Minister of the Building Our Future Strategic Initiative Committee to provide an update on the planned actions of this committee.

As you know, the Building Our Future initiative is one of five strategic initiatives that form the backbone of our government’s strategic approach. This initiative focuses on our future by making significant investments in prevention and long-term social well-being of the population of the Northwest Territories. These investments build on our significant base of programs and services that support the well-being of our residents.

The six actions planned under these initiatives are to expand programming for our children and youth, encourage healthy choices and address addictions, implement phase 2 of the Framework for Action on Family Violence, strengthen continuum of care for seniors, enhance support for the voluntary sector and increase safety and security. These actions will contribute to several goals identified by Members of the 16th Assembly but will focus on specific goals of

healthy, educated people and sustainable, vibrant, safe communities.

Expanding programming for children and youth is a key part of this initiative. Under this action we will invest in early childhood development programs to ensure that children get a healthy start in culturally relevant programs and get ready for the transition

to school years. The $1 million investment included in the 2008–09 budget builds on our investment in early childhood development to more than $6 million annually.

We will also build on the success of last year’s pilot project to establish a funding program to operate youth centres, and we’ll continue to support youth programs. We intend to re-profile funding to add $150,000 to youth contribution funding in 2008–09 and to fund two regional youth adviser positions to work with schools, community governments, the Sport and Recreation Council and other stakeholders.

Our plans also include enhancing the Teacher Education Program to allow for community-based delivery throughout all regions in the Northwest Territories. This builds on the recently piloted Teacher Education Access Program in the Tlicho region.

As part of our Building Our Future Strategic Initiative we`ll also support the expansion of respite services, which will provide an essential break to parents and caregivers of special-needs children. Currently these services are available in Yellowknife, N’dilo and Dettah through an open referral process. This activity identifies the investments that will support these services beyond Yellowknife.

To encourage healthy choices and address addictions, the government will carry out health promotion and prevention activities through the Healthy Choices Framework. This framework involves a five-year plan to develop and deliver coordinated programs, interventions and public messaging on physical activity, healthy eating, mental health, addictions, tobacco harm reduction and cessation, injury prevention and high-risk sexual behaviours.

We also plan to focus on after-care services for individuals being treated for alcohol and drug addiction. Continued development and delivery of culturally appropriate treatment options will be an important element of this work. Our investments in this area will build on the more than $20 million our government spends each year for promotion,

awareness and treatment services related to mental health and addictions.

Developing the Framework for Action on Family Violence, phase 2, is an important collaboration between the non-government organizations and the government. The Building Our Future Strategic Initiative includes implementing actions from this framework which will enhance community services and stabilize the existing system of shelters. The demand for home and community care is growing due to aging populations, continued movement from facility-based to home- and community-based care, and continued changes in the approach to hospital care, such as the increased outpatient procedures and earlier discharges.

The Strengthen the Continuum of Care for Seniors action includes expanding community and home care services throughout the Territories and developing the training capacity to meet the increased demand for these services. The income threshold for the seniors home heating subsidy will be increased for 2008–2009, which will further support seniors living independently. Other investments planned for this area will support operations of the new territorial dementia facility and the territorial supported-living campus.

The government is committed to supporting the volunteer sector. There are many parts to this sector, including people who volunteer, for example, as coaches, fundraisers and firefighters; those who serve on boards as volunteers and oversee the operation of a society; and those who work with NGOs that provide services in our communities on behalf of the government. Given this range, it makes sense that there need to be many points within the government that work to support this sector. The existing Volunteer Support Initiative sets the stage for further collaboration amongst the departments.

In addition to working closely with many support and volunteer organizations, MACA programs support training for all volunteer organizations, and recognize the efforts of volunteers in all sectors of society.

The Financial Management Board Secretariat leads work on a funding framework; and Health and Social Services; Education, Culture and Employment; and Justice fund and support a wide range of NGOs that provide direct services or advocacy. The 2008–2009 budget started a process to strengthen our communities to this sector, and we are working on a new NGO funding policy. Actions under phase 2 of the Framework for Action on Family Violence, started in 2008–2009, provide targeted support for this important sector. We are working on approaches to better promote and support our volunteers.

While these provide a good start, the Building Our Future Strategic Initiative Committee will be working on further actions in this area, and we have identified funding to hold a forum with volunteer organizations in 2008–2009 to discuss further actions.

Finally, we will take steps as part of the strategic initiative to increase safety and security in our communities. Investments planned under this action include enhancing police services and taking steps to reduce alcohol- and drug-related crime. We’ll be making funding available to address the pressures felt by communities which are providing ambulance and highway rescue programs while we continue to develop a legislative and service delivery model. We recognize that more work is needed as part of this action to address the chronic offenders and enhance emergency services in our communities.

These areas will need our attention as we develop further investments as part of the strategic initiative.

The Building Our Future Strategic Initiative Committee faces the challenge of developing actions in an area that has many demands and priorities, all of which are critically important. We need to ensure our actions are guided by an overarching framework for change that helps us achieve our vision of “strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories.”

I look forward to continuing to work together with Members and my fellow Cabinet colleagues as we continue to work to build our future.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister’s Statement 70-16(2) Building Our Future

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources .

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Minister’s Statement 71-16(2) Species At Risk Act

Ministers’ Statements

Thebacha

Michael Miltenberger

Minister of Environment and Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, protecting species at risk is a major priority for the people of the Northwest Territories. In September 2006 the Department of Environment and Natural Resources released a public consultation document outlining the major elements proposed for NWT species-at-risk legislation. The proposed Species at Risk Act is a result of collaboration with land claim organizations during the drafting process. It was created to promote the effective management of species and prevent them from becoming at-risk in the NWT. The draft also ensures residents are involved in decisions regarding the management, protection and conservation of species at risk.

The success of this draft sets the stage for the development of the Northwest Territories Wildlife Act and speaks to the issue of northern control over northern resources. Northerners need to be involved in the decision-making processes. Decisions concerning the North should be made by Northerners with the North in mind.

The proposed act is guided by the knowledge that wild species are important to residents and should be managed wisely. It also recognizes that all residents in the Northwest Territories have a responsibility to prevent species from becoming at-risk.

Under the act, conservation measures to protect, manage and recover species at risk will be considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure they are appropriate to the species. Regulations under the proposed act could require actions be taken to conserve a species or prohibit activities that may adversely affect the species.

Regulations could also regulate, restrict or prohibit killing, harming, harassing, taking, buying, selling, trading or possessing species at risk. In some cases there may be habitats that are essential to the survival and recovery of a species at risk. In most cases habitats will be designated under the Species at Risk Act, and no person would be allowed to destroy any part of the designated habitat.

The draft act also fulfills a number of GNWT commitments under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk, a national program to protect all species in Canada from becoming extinct as a result of human activity. It is our intention to introduce legislation in the fall session.

Mr. Speaker, protection is a joint responsibility. As stewards of our environment I encourage all residents to review this document and discuss it in their communities. At the appropriate time today I will be tabling the proposed legislation.

Mahsi.

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Minister’s Statement 71-16(2) Species At Risk Act

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger .

Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister

responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty .

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Minister’s Statement 72-16(2) Mobile Trades Laboratory Opening In The Beaufort-Delta

Ministers’ Statements

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr.

Speaker.

April 15 marked the official opening of the Mobile Trades Lab in Inuvik. Many of us here today were present at the opening and had the opportunity to tour the facility. It is an impressive unit — a great example of how innovation and open-minded thinking can allow us to maximize opportunities for Northerners. The opening of this lab was cause for celebration in the Beaufort-Delta region and for all the partners involved in the project.

Earlier in this session I spoke about a partnership approach to building the Aurora College residence in Inuvik. The Mobile Trades Lab is yet another example of how a partnership is leading to great things in this region. The lab became a reality due to community commitment and action.

The demand for educated tradespeople in the Northwest Territories continues to grow. We also hear from our industry partners that they need Northerners with basic skills and who are ready for work. One of the great selling points of trades is the opportunity for exciting, hands-on work, and direct exposure to this type of work through projects like this mobile training unit is one of the best ways to get Northerners interested.

Aurora College will be offering pre-trades training at the new Mobile Trades Lab in the 2008–2009 academic year. Aurora College is working on a plan that would see the mobile lab travel to other communities in the Beaufort-Delta, allowing more Northerners to get a taste of the trades. In this way, the Mobile Trades Lab has the potential to be a model for the delivery of trades training right across the North.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister’s Statement 72-16(2) Mobile Trades Laboratory Opening In The Beaufort-Delta

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Ministers’ statements. The Hon. Premier , Mr. Roland .

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Minister’s Statement 73-16(2) Honouring Fred Carmichael

Ministers’ Statements

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker.

would first like to take this opportunity to

congratulate the new president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Mr. Richard Nerysoo, and the returning vice-president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Ms. Mary Ann Ross, on their elections yesterday. The Government of the Northwest Territories looks forward to working with them on issues of common concern.

Mr.

Speaker, I would like to recognize the

accomplishments of a great leader who has inspired Northerners with his passion for over 50 years. Although his term as president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council has ended, anyone who knows Fred Carmichael will agree that using the word “retirement” would be inaccurate.

I have known Fred for a number of years. His career spans a broad range of pursuits, from business to politics. His achievements in each of these areas are equally impressive.

In 2006 Fred received the National Aboriginal Business Award, and in 2007 he won a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for politics. He has been and will continue to be a passionate and tireless worker in the service of his people, a dedicated activist, a man of quiet vision and honesty and immense integrity.

As a concerned community member and pilot, Fred has been on countless searches where his knowledge of the land and people has helped in many successful rescues. There are many residents of the Beaufort-Delta who are with us today because of heroic efforts in many medevacs and searches.

For over 40 years Fred flew trappers, hunters, tourists, students and community members, and I would bet there are few lakes, rivers and stretches of flat ground in the Beaufort-Delta that have not seen the landing gear of Fred’s planes.

As the first aboriginal commercial pilot in the Northwest Territories, Fred’s contribution to modern aviation history in the North is well known. He is one of the great northern bush pilots. Through his various air service companies Fred has been instrumental in training young pilots, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal. As a successful businessman Fred has contributed immensely to his community and territorial economic development.

As the president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council for nine years, and more recently as chair of the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, Fred continues to make important contributions to the political, social and economic progress of his people and all residents of the Northwest Territories. Fred’s efforts in ensuring aboriginal leadership and participation in all aspects of the Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline project have been unwavering and have inspired

confidence and a new sense of optimism among aboriginal people in the North. Simply put, Fred has had a career that mirrors the pride, dignity and heritage of his family and his people.

Fred is also committed to the well-being of his people and all Northerners. This April, under Fred’s leadership and vision, the Gwich’in opened the Sunrise Wellness Centre, which will serve Northerners on their healing journey.

Mr. Speaker, colleagues, please join me in thanking Fred Carmichael for his outstanding contributions to the political, social and economic development of the Northwest Territories, and wishing him the best of luck in his new endeavours. Thank you.

Applause.

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Minister’s Statement 73-16(2) Honouring Fred Carmichael

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Roland. Item

Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput , Mr. Jacobson .

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Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Members’ Statements

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, as a youngster growing up, I played all kinds of sports: hockey, soccer. Now I coach. Sport is a big part of my life. Now I’m a stick boy for my two sons, Matthew and Mitchell, which I enjoy.

Today I would like to recognize what I call the new Aboriginal Sport Circle of the Western Arctic. Since the sport circle started, it struggled as a new sport organization, never really receiving the same level of support and recognition of the other non-government sport and recreation associations. However, with new staff members Jan Larsson and Greg Hopf, the sport circle is becoming more prominent in the communities, and once again is sending a team to the North American Indigenous Games later this year.

Unfortunately, support of Team NWT for the 2006 NAIG games was reallocated to another event, and many youth were very disappointed. This is one example I spoke about in regard to the level of support. You would never see funding for the Arctic Winter Games or the Canada Summer Games team taken away and reallocated to other, smaller regional games.

However, the sport circle has regrouped, refocused, and is now gearing up for the biggest NWT NAIG team ever. Congratulations to Jan and Greg, who have been visiting our communities and doing all they can to raise the profile of the sport circle to the level it should be. In spite of limited support they continue to deliver many positive programs for

youth, instilling hope and dreams along the way. The sport circle is lucky to have these dedicated, passionate and caring individuals.

In my riding, 27 athletes and participants from all four communities that I represent are on the Team NWT going to B.C. in August. This last winter, Mr. Speaker, there were over 60 participants.

Mr.

Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to

conclude my statement.

Unanimous consent granted.

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Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Members’ Statements

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues.

Team NWT is going to B.C. in August. During the last winter, Mr. Speaker, 60 participants from the four Nunakput communities that I

represent

participated in the Aboriginal Sport Circle events and programs. These are very good numbers, especially with Nunakput being the furthest riding from downtown Yellowknife. This shows the efforts of the new Aboriginal Sport Circle of the Western Arctic.

Mr. Speaker, the sport circle is delivering many positive programs and events to many aboriginal youth who need positive alternatives. This government needs to recognize this and to start providing Aboriginal Sport Circle with the same level of support that it gives any other territorial sporting organization. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Jacobson. The

honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Hay River’s Relay For Life Walk For Cancer

Members’ Statements

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker.

Today I would like to congratulate the residents of Hay River and the organizers of what I believe has been the largest fundraiser ever to take place in Hay River. I’m referring to the Relay for Life, which was held in many communities across Canada June 13.

The 12-hour walk for cancer was a celebration of survival and a tribute to the lives of loved ones who have been touched by cancer. There were 38 teams involved, with four out-of-town teams from Fort Smith, Kakisa, Yellowknife and Fort Providence.

Over the past few weeks people raised money by having garage sales, bake sales, dances, silent auctions, bottle drives, penny drives and by selling cancer bracelets and getting pledges, and the list goes on.

Hundreds of people gathered on the track of the Diamond Jenness School last Friday night. They brought their lawn chairs and sleeping bags and pitched their tents for the night. People had their heads shaved for donations; teams sold items such as food, balloons, plants; and you could even buy a ticket to win a pair of diamond earrings.

The walk started with a victory walk of 29 Hay River cancer survivors plus one cancer survivor from each of central Alberta and Yellowknife. Each team had a walker constantly on the track from 7 in the evening until 7 in the morning. At midnight 755 candles were lit in memory of the friends and family who had lost their fight with cancer, and in honour of those who are still fighting this disease. This ceremony was very moving, and more than a few tears were shed.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise that although unofficial, the donation to the Canadian Cancer Society from Hay River, at last count, was at $195,000 yesterday, and money is still coming in.

Applause.

They should reach the $200,000 mark. It was predicted that for a community the size of Hay River, they might have raised $66,000. In terms of community size this donation is unparalleled across Alberta. Hay River raised more in the Relay for Life than did Edmonton, Calgary or Fort McMurray. As you can see, they went above and beyond their wildest expectations.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Hay River Lions Club and the numerous volunteers who rose to the challenge of organizing this event. I would like to mention a few people who really made this possible through their efforts: Shari Burnstad, Shirley Sloat, Diana Field, Melvin Larocque, Ronnie Shaw, Diana Ehman and Pat Burnstad.

Many thanks to the 38 teams that participated in the relay, and a heartfelt “thank you” to the people of Hay River who contributed in so many ways to reaching this incredible goal and this outstanding success in the fight against cancer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Applause.

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Hay River’s Relay For Life Walk For Cancer

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Lack Of Health Care Facilities In Small Communities

Members’ Statements

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Health care in small communities is somewhere between none

and non-existent. Basically, in most cases you don’t have elder care; you don’t have home care; you don’t have mental health workers or alcohol/drug workers. You’re lucky to see a doctor once a month or to visit a family physician — a doctor or a nurse — or in most cases, to have a family dentist.

Mr. Speaker, it comes down to a question of the disparity between the larger centres in regard to care facilities and walk-in clinics; being able to have dental care in clinics; but more importantly, having elder care at 24-hour care facilities.

There’s talk of a new dementia centre and more clinics in Yellowknife. Mr.

Speaker, in most

communities you’re lucky to see a doctor once a month, if the weather is clear and the doctors are available. The same thing applies in regard to physicians and being able to see a nurse in the community, which is scheduled for once a month. Again, if you’re lucky, they can find a nurse to provide that service.

Mr. Speaker, health care is an essential service that we cannot take for granted. To be able to see a doctor or nurse once a month is unacceptable in this day and age in regard to health care services for all residents of the Northwest Territories. We cannot have a two-part system determined by where you live, with services that people take for granted when in other communities there is no such service.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it’s time that this government did everything it can to ensure that everybody is treated fairly, and more importantly, that we receive the basic health care services that all Canadians expect.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be asking the Minister of Health and Social Services questions on this matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Lack Of Health Care Facilities In Small Communities

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes , Mr. Robert McLeod .

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Employment Opportunities For Aboriginal And Long-Term Northerners

Members’ Statements

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. I

have

spoken a few times in this Assembly on aboriginal employment within the GNWT. It came to mind again the other day when I heard from a constituent, a young man who’s going to college this fall. He was looking for a summer job and was told that the department wasn’t hiring. He finds out a little while later that somebody from the south was hired.

Mr. Speaker, this is just another example of young aboriginal people being put on the back burner again.

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Employment Opportunities For Aboriginal And Long-Term Northerners

Members’ Statements

Some Honourable Members

Shame!

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Employment Opportunities For Aboriginal And Long-Term Northerners

Members’ Statements

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr.

Speaker, I’m frustrated, just

totally frustrated, with some of the treatment of aboriginal employees within the GNWT.

Another example, in my mind, is this whole “potentially affected employee” exercise that we just went through. The task of identifying employees, in my opinion, was made at some of the regional levels. Who are they going to identify? I believe they identified a lot of the aboriginal employees, and I think statistics show it and prove it.

Mr. Speaker, I’ve seen qualifications tailored to hire certain individuals from down south. This is a small percentage of people; not everyone is like that, Mr. Speaker. We have a lot of people who have moved north, made the North their home and are still here today. But there is a percentage out there that still continues to do this.

Mr. Speaker, I’m not radical by any means, but I am extremely concerned with the battles that we still have to fight.

In an Assembly where 11 of the 19 Members are aboriginal and the other eight Members are lifelong Northerners who have adopted the North, made it their home and are contributing to the well-being and growth of the Northwest Territories, this is something that we should not condone and allow to happen on our watch. As aboriginals we have to protect the people who put us here.

Mr. Speaker, Fred Carmichael spent many years trying to do what was best for the aboriginal people across the Northwest Territories. As younger leaders we have to carry on the cause of ensuring aboriginals and lifelong Northerners are the major beneficiaries of anything, any resources, any employment that goes on in the Northwest Territories. Mr.

Speaker, that’s our cause, and

I think we should carry that on. Thank you.

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Employment Opportunities For Aboriginal And Long-Term Northerners

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

McLeod. The

honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Exemption From The Goods And Services Tax

Members’ Statements

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to speak today about an issue that I have raised in this House before and one that over the past three years just has not seen any advancement. That issue, Mr. Speaker, is the exemption from paying

the GST for the Northwest Territories and our two sister territories of Nunavut and the Yukon.

Mr. Speaker, we need to be lobbying the federal government with a collective voice. The population of all three territories combined is only 85,000, about the same size as a city such as Red Deer. It would certainly not impact the federal government’s bottom line much if they took a serious look at exempting the three northern territories from paying the GST.

Mr. Speaker, if the federal government is serious about Arctic sovereignty, social development, capacity building and the health and well-being of people in the three territories, then they must find ways to ensure that we can attract doctors, teachers, nurses and others to the North to live here and raise families in our communities, and that those who are here today will have some incentive to stay.

Mr. Speaker, last winter I heard from constituents about high fuel costs and that people were struggling to pay for home heating fuel. This is in families, Mr. Speaker, where both the husband and wife are working full time. The price of oil continues to rise almost on a daily basis. This, Mr. Speaker, is a very, very scary proposition for many families and homeowners across northern Canada, where it is winter seven to nine months of the year.

As a starting point our government should be looking at supporting the Yukon government’s move to lobby the federal government to remove the GST on home heating fuel, power generation and the transportation of essential goods north of 60.

In a press release last month the Yukon government said it would approach Nunavut and the Northwest Territories to join them in lobbying Ottawa for tax relief in these important areas. Mr. Speaker, we are set to leave here in two days, and I’m wondering why our government hasn’t put forward a motion similar to the one put forward by the Yukon government.

Costs are rising daily in our communities. Our constituents need to have faith that we, as legislators, will do everything in our power to mitigate costs for our residents. A GST exemption on home heating fuel, power and transportation of essential goods would certainly be a great place to start, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.

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Exemption From The Goods And Services Tax

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Ramsay. The

honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Abernethy .

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Equal And Shared Parenting

Members’ Statements

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. We

certainly live in interesting times. These are the days of two incomes and increasing rates of divorce. These are the days of large, beautiful houses yet increasing numbers of broken homes. These are the days when many families are crumbling, and children are being raised by one parent.

According to this Assembly’s strategic plan, our vision is to have strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous NWT. Within that vision we share a goal of working with families, communities and schools to improve the physical and mental well-being of our youth.

With the increasing rates of divorce resulting in a larger number of single-parent homes, children are the real victims. Within our legal and social services systems we should be promoting equal and shared parenting, unless one or both parents are clearly shown to be unfit. We should be promoting the involvement of both mothers and fathers in all programs we provide to divorced parents, as it is good for the children.

Studies show that children benefit from a positive connection with both parents. They are less likely to live in poverty and more likely to do better in school. They are more likely to have supportive relationships with both parents and with extended family members, and they are less likely to have stressed-out single parents — often the mother, who, in our current system, is usually the primary caregiver.

In cases of divorce we should be promoting positive involvement of fathers with their children, because it’s good for mothers. In our changing society more mothers with young children work outside the home, more families live far away from close relatives, and many people now live among strangers in communities away from home and the support that once existed.

Children who have loving relationships with both parents — fathers and mothers — in situations of divorce have more confidence and are happier than children without equal contact with both parents. When parents can learn to put their personal conflicts aside and have a more businesslike approach, the children learn about conflict resolution, problem solving and respect.

When it comes to children we must always remember that a dad is a boy’s first hero and the first man that a girl loves, and a mother is a girl’s

first role model and the first woman that a boy loves and respects.

In order to meet our mandate and improve the physical and mental well-being of our youth, this government must ensure that all of our programs and services — primarily the areas of justice and social services — are focused on uniting families, whether parents are happily married or divorced.

For the sake of the children, this government must stop paying lip service and must demonstrate that we are committed to equal and shared parenting unless one or both parents are clearly shown to be unfit.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I’ll be asking the Premier some questions on this topic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Equal And Shared Parenting

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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NWT Home Rule Movement

Members’ Statements

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT has been struggling with the federal government to complete the full transfer of decision-making powers since the ’70s. We keep insisting on the need for greater local control and accountability by Northerners for decisions that will affect our future.

Early on we made some progress with devolution of education and health and social services, for example. Unfortunately, devolution stalled when we started talking about legislative powers and responsibilities for land and resources. Interestingly enough, these are the areas that would allow the GNWT to make money, to generate revenues from the many riches that our territory has to offer. This leaves a bitter taste. We are allowed to be responsible for what costs money, but we are not allowed control over our revenues.

Mr. Speaker, does this sound like a history

chapter from a hundred years ago? It is upsetting that this is not history from the past. We are in the 21st century

and still negotiating our rights to take care of our own affairs.

Mr. Speaker, it was this look at history that inspired my idea of the NWT home rule movement. Enough of the tyranny that belongs in the past. We have proven that we need to end this begging. We have

provided plenty of proof that we are able to take care of our own affairs.

The example of Newfoundland and Labrador, under the committed leadership of their Premier , Danny Williams, has demonstrated that it can be done. The pressure of a home rule movement may convince the federal government to devolve complete legislative jurisdiction and powers to the GNWT.

It is time that this House takes care of its own affairs. If this House had any courage, we would pass our own legislation that recognizes our rights as full partners in the Confederation of Canada. The NWT is not a second-class province, Mr. Speaker. I am committed to getting this done and working to a full devolution agreement. I hope our Premier is too.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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NWT Home Rule Movement

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Ms. Bisaro .

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Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Members’ Statements

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker.

Homelessness permeates all of our communities. It comes in two forms: the problem of those who have no home at all and the problem of overcrowding in many homes. Not surprisingly, the largest number of homeless people is in Yellowknife, our largest community. Many of these people have come to Yellowknife from our smaller communities in search of services or jobs only to discover that they can’t afford the housing once they get here.

The Finance Minister ’s Budget Address spoke often about economic development but did not once reference the negative aspects of that development, particularly housing. An economic boom brings new workers and their families to communities. These new workers need a place to live. If the supply of housing is limited, housing costs go up, often beyond the ability of people to pay the increased rent or purchase price for a home. As prices go up, the vacancy rates fall. Yellowknife’s vacancy rate right now is less than 1 per cent.

Limited housing options mean displaced individuals and families who have nowhere to turn when they’re down and out. Where can the following people go: women and children needing a shelter; a resident whose home has been destroyed by fire; a youth escaping an abusive home; a teenager on her own with an unplanned pregnancy.

In October of 2005 the report Homelessness in the NWT: Recommendations to Improve the GNWT Response was issued. In January 2007 the GNWT replied with the report Framework for the GNWT Response to Homelessness. In summarizing the 2005 report, the 2007 response outlines the concept of continuum of housing; identifies goals, principles, commitments, the needs of NGOs; and lists the four next steps. Has any progress been made on these four actions? Does the Minister responsible for the homeless have a plan and a budget to expand the housing continuum?

Did Health and Social Services and the NWT Housing Corporation produce a Housing Needs Survey in 2007? Did Health and Social Services establish a Territorial Homelessness Emergency Funding Advisory Panel? Did the GNWT Social Program departments collaborate to improve coordination and reduce program conflicts in relation to homelessness? The 2008–2009 budget has minimal funding for the issue of homelessness. Is it a priority for this government?

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

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Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh , Mr. Bromley .

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Reclassification Of Lakes As Mine Dump Sites

Members’ Statements

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Lakes

across Canada, including the Northwest Territories, face being turned into mine dump sites under federal legislation. CBC reports that 16 Canadian lakes are slated to be officially but quietly reclassified as toxic dump sites for mines. This process amounts to a hidden subsidy to mining companies, allowing them to get around laws against the destruction of fish habitats.

Under the Fisheries Act it’s illegal to put harmful substances into fish-bearing waters. But under a little known subsection known as

Schedule 2 of the Mining Effluent Regulations, federal bureaucrats can redefine lakes as tailings impoundment areas. This means mining companies don’t need to build containment ponds for toxic mine tailings.

Elizabeth Gardner, vice-president for technical affairs for the Mining Association of Canada, said that lakes are often the best way for mine tailings to be contained. But Catherine Coumans, spokeswoman for the environmental group MiningWatch, said the federal government is making it too easy. Using the obscure

Schedule 2 regulations, they quietly reclassify lakes and other waters as tailings dumps. By being put under

Schedule 2 of this regulation, something that used

to be a lake or even a river is no longer a lake or a river. It’s a tailings impoundment area. It’s a waste disposal site. It’s an industrial waste dump. Coumans said the procedure amounts to a subsidy to the industry that enables mines to get around the Fisheries Act. What Canadians need to know is that from March 2008 to March 2009, eight lakes are subject to being put on

Schedule 2, which is just about every mine that is going ahead this year. Winter Lake in the Northwest Territories, as many of us know, is being considered. This is not just one lake at a time. This is a trend. It’s open season on Canadian waters. This is a precedent-setting decision by the federal government to start using fish-bearing habitat as a waste management area.

With climate change and rapidly increasing fuel costs, food supplies are becoming scarcer and costlier. We in the North rely on our caribou, our moose, our sea mammals and especially our fish. All are under siege.

I ask this government to engage in the active protection and true valuing of our land and water. Let’s guide our federal government to a position of sustainability.

Thank you. Mahsi.

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Reclassification Of Lakes As Mine Dump Sites

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Housing Concerns In Tu Nedhe

Members’ Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Mr. Speaker, I spoke a number of times about the various issues regarding housing in Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e. Today I’d like to summarize issues surrounding this important topic.

During my short tenure as MLA issues surrounding housing have been raised time and time again. Also, I have heard many of my colleagues raise the housing issue.

Mr. Speaker, I think it’s pretty safe to say there is room for improvement on many fronts within the whole housing area. Coincidentally, the findings in the Auditor General’s report confirm that, yes, there are a number of problems with the NWT Housing Corporation and the way the housing programs are being delivered. However, I think that with this government we have a real opportunity to effectively address many of these issues or at least to establish a concrete work plan to address these problems.

I believe this has already started, with the release of the Housing Corporation’s Framework for Action 2008–2011 and, more recently, the approval of a committee motion to reallocate funds to new construction to much-needed repair programs.

The amalgamation of the previous 14 housing programs into the current four programs, and the transfer of public housing programs from the Housing Corporation to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, certainly caused a number of new issues, mainly because of learning curves that go along with substantial changes seen with these programs.

However, Mr.

Speaker, I have hope that this

government and the Ordinary MLAs working together should and will resolve many of these housing issues, and that we will soon begin to see positive changes for the people of the NWT.

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Housing Concerns In Tu Nedhe

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Beaulieu. The

honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Health And Social Services Authority Cost Overruns

Members’ Statements

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mr.

Speaker, our Health and

Social Services authorities have been getting heightened profile and press coverage because of cost overruns, and I, too, am concerned. Firstly though, I want to commend all our hard-working staff — the doctors, the nurses and the many health professionals who serve us in our communities throughout the North. I also wish to extend my appreciation to the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Authority in my riding for their due diligence and hard work.

I do also recognize that differences exist and that each authority may have other unique challenges. I’m not intending to pit one authority against another but to point out that we do have successes and I do not wish to paint all our authorities with the same brush.

Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that government has guidelines and procedures and many checklists that should have alarmed us that an organization of ours was facing financial difficulty, yet we’ve done nothing. I have not heard any good answers about how we’re going to help and assist beyond the $17 million bailout option. What message are we giving to our other organizations that are well run? We have to break our cycle of hand-out mentality, and demand accountability.

So, Government, I lend my voice to the need to fully assess what is happening with our authorities and to provide this side of the House with your plan to follow your guidelines and to get our health authorities back on track.

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Health And Social Services Authority Cost Overruns

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to recognize a class from Sissons. It is the grade 5 middle French immersion class, and the students here today have come to watch our session. Their names are Taylor Clark, Caeley Cluderay, Ali Fleming, Jay Fleming, Sterling Ingraham, Anna Koldewey, Katie Lapka, Rylie McGuire, Liam McKay, Cassidy Menard, Nancy Ngo, Tisha Organ, Nathan Round, Kristy Taggard, and their teacher, who I believe has to go now — she’s waited very patiently — is Monique Marinier. I

appreciate them staying and watching our

Members’ statements.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

It gives me great pleasure to recognize a relative of mine in the gallery, Mr. James Cardinal from Tsiigehtchic. I wish James all the best, and welcome to the House.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . If we missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the House. I hope you’re enjoying the proceedings. It’s good to have an audience in here.

Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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Question 350-16(2) Lack Of Health Care Services In Small Communities

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Health and Social Services . It’s with regard to my Member’s statement. The question is: why is there such a disparity with regard to programs and services in the larger centres and the smaller communities?

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Question 350-16(2) Lack Of Health Care Services In Small Communities

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Krutko. The

honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services , Ms. Lee .

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Question 350-16(2) Lack Of Health Care Services In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker.

I appreciate the Member’s passion and commitment to enhance everything that is or is not in small communities, but that is quite a general statement. Under the integrated service delivery model that we follow in the Territories, all residents are entitled to have access to Health and Social Services programs. All the authorities do their best every day to make those programs accessible to everyone in the Territories.

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Question 350-16(2) Lack Of Health Care Services In Small Communities

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Mr. Speaker, one of the priorities of this government is to have safe and vibrant communities. I think one of the fundamental bases

of any community is to have health care, a good education system, and good programs and services. I think it’s important that we see the disparity between our small communities and larger communities because of the social conditions that they’re in. Not having access to health care is definitely one of them.

I’d like to ask the Minister: exactly why is it that this disparity exists, when most communities don’t have to worry about access to health care? They take it for granted.

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Question 350-16(2) Lack Of Health Care Services In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, the Member is well aware that we do have different categories of services that are available in communities, but every community in the Territories has access to programs as they need them. I think the community of Fort McPherson, for example, is quite fortunate in having a stable nurse-in-charge and long-term staff who work there. The same is the case for Aklavik.

For the community of Tsiigehtchic, while they may not have a number of health care professionals and social service professionals residing in the community, they do have access to care in the Inuvik facility by medical travel or whatever services they may require. It’s a constant challenge for us, but I do believe that we have a program that we can be proud of and that we need to continue to work from.

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Question 350-16(2) Lack Of Health Care Services In Small Communities

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

I don’t think we should be proud of a system where you don’t have front-line workers in communities — from nurses to basically having the basic services.

I’d like to ask the Minister: exactly why is it we don’t even have nurses in our community?

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Question 350-16(2) Lack Of Health Care Services In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Communities of different sizes have different PYs allocated, whether it’s for nursing or any other services. We do have a constant challenge of vacancy rates and being able to recruit and retain, so we do work constantly on making sure that every community, no matter the size, has the level of service that people require.

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Question 350-16(2) Lack Of Health Care Services In Small Communities

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms.

Lee. Final

supplementary, Mr. Krutko .

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Question 350-16(2) Lack Of Health Care Services In Small Communities

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Mr.

Speaker, I’d like to ask the

Minister if she can verify or get information in regard to the health of communities based on the lack of programs and services. What’s the mental, emotional and physical health of those people in those communities, compared to other communities that have those services?

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Question 350-16(2) Lack Of Health Care Services In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I just reviewed and approved a document that’s been produced by the Department of Health that gives a very good indication as to why the residents of the Territories visit health centres and access Health and Social

Services care. I expect to have that published and tabled in the House. I think that would give us a good starting point to have further discussion on that. I agree with the Member that we need to continue to work on this challenge. I look forward to doing more work with the Member. Thank you.

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Question 350-16(2) Lack Of Health Care Services In Small Communities

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Nunakput , Mr. Jacobson .

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Question 351-16(2) Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Oral Questions

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, today I spoke about the Aboriginal Sport Circle and all the good work that they’ve been doing. I’d like to follow up with some questions to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs .

I spoke about the need to recognize and provide similar levels of support for the Aboriginal Sport Circle. Can the Minister tell me what kind of funding arrangement is currently in place for the sport circle?

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Question 351-16(2) Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Jacobson. The

honourable Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs , Mr. Michael McLeod .

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Question 351-16(2) Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr.

Speaker, this

government spends approximately $5 million in the area of sport and recreation. That’s including the support we provide to our five non-governmental organizations that work with the NWT Council of Sport and Recreation partners, and they allocate the funding. It is part of their mandate to coordinate a system that recognizes their priorities and to provide direction. We also expect them to provide the resources fairly. On top of the support that’s provided by Sport and Rec, we as government also work with the Aboriginal Sport Circle to provide funding to go to the North American Indigenous Games, this time in B.C.

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Question 351-16(2) Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Oral Questions

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

With all the great programs and events, the Aboriginal Sport Circle has demonstrated it can deliver much-needed programming to territorial youth. Will the Minister commit to recognizing the increase of core funding to the Aboriginal Sport Circle?

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Question 351-16(2) Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

I thought I was pretty clear that the core funding does not come directly from us. It does come from the NWT Council of Sport and Recreation partners.

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Question 351-16(2) Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Oral Questions

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

With the North American Indigenous Games held every two years and, more importantly, with programs and events happening every day in our communities, will the Minister

commit to work with the sport circle staff to start increasing core funding as soon as possible?

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Question 351-16(2) Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, we’ve had a very good relationship with all the sport organizations, including the Aboriginal Sport Circle. We meet with them on a very regular basis. They have some new staff. They’ve taken a new approach and set some new directions that we’re quite excited and pleased to see. We meet with them. I met with them, in fact, yesterday. They’re doing a very good job on the North American Indigenous Games. They have relayed to us their concerns as to core funding, and we will continue to support them.

We have, in the last while, lobbied the federal government to provide increased funding to the Aboriginal Sport Circle on a national basis. We were also successful this year in lobbying the federal government to provide travel dollars to the North American Indigenous Games. The Northwest Territories is getting $144,000 of that money. I think it’s a challenge that we’re all continuing to work towards, but we’re finding small pots of money, and we’ll continue to work with this council.

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Question 351-16(2) Aboriginal Sport Circle Of The Western Arctic

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

McLeod. Oral

questions. The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Ms. Bisaro .

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Question 352-16(2) Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I referenced in my Member’s statement a report on homelessness. I’d like to ask the Minister responsible for the homeless what programs and services exist to assist homeless people to find appropriate housing with the support services they need.

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Question 352-16(2) Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms.

Bisaro. The

honourable Minister responsible for the homeless, Mr. Lafferty .

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Question 352-16(2) Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Oral Questions

Monfwi

Jackson Lafferty

Minister Responsible for the Homeless

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. We do have coordination between the departments of Health and Social Services, NWT Housing Corporation and ourselves, and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. We do have programs with the Small Communities Homelessness Fund towards homelessness and also homelessness support projects, so there are plenty available for these individuals at the community level. Also, when they’re outside their community, there’s assistance for them to go back to their own communities.

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Question 352-16(2) Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister for that information. I recognize that those programs do perform some service, but individuals who are

homeless and need some place to turn.... Can the Minister advise where a particular individual or a family might go when they are desperately in need of housing?

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Question 352-16(2) Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Oral Questions

Monfwi

Jackson Lafferty

Minister Responsible for the Homeless

Mr.

Speaker, the

homeless in the communities can turn to various avenues, whether it’s the social workers who work seven days a week, 24 hours a day, on call. We do have some facilities in communities — in Yellowknife the new Bailey House is going up, the Sally Ann, the SideDoor — and there are homelessness shelters here as well. These are the avenues that individuals can turn to. There are income support areas, but more so, it’s the social service workers that are on call. Those are the avenues they can turn to as well.

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Question 352-16(2) Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that we do have some avenues that people can take advantage of when they are desperate.

You referenced a number of facilities and a number of options, but in particular women do not have a facility, especially here in Yellowknife. I’d like to know if the Minister can advise what plans exist to expand the funding that’s available to communities to provide for homeless people.

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Question 352-16(2) Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Oral Questions

Monfwi

Jackson Lafferty

Minister Responsible for the Homeless

Mr.

Speaker, we will

continue to provide the services and programs that I highlighted. We are in the process of meeting, as the social envelope Ministers — myself as Education, Culture and Employment Minister , Minister Lee and also Minister Miltenberger — on this particular subject that the Member is referring to: homelessness and the programs and services that we provide, how we can enhance those areas, where can we make changes, and how can we improve certain programs. We will be discussing those key areas once we meet. We were talking about possibly sitting down and dealing with those issues in, I believe, the next couple of weeks. Mahsi.

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Question 352-16(2) Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Lafferty. Final

supplementary, Ms. Bisaro .

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Question 352-16(2) Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

I thank the Minister for that information. It’s gratifying to hear that the social programs Ministers are working together, and they are looking to expand the services or programs that would be available to homeless people.

He suggested they’re going to meet within the next couple of weeks. I’d like to ask the Minister if he could advise the time frame for when he can report back to this Assembly.

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Question 352-16(2) Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Oral Questions

Monfwi

Jackson Lafferty

Minister Responsible for the Homeless

Mr.

Speaker, once we

meet as a social envelope committee, I can certainly share that information with the Member and also the Members of the Social Programs

Committee. Certainly, after we meet, we can do up a

summary report of what has taken place.

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Question 352-16(2) Homelessness And Overcrowding In Yellowknife

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During my Member’s statement I talked about home rule as an initiative that could be launched by this territory to demonstrate that our rightful place deserves to be taken within Canada.

My questions go to the Premier of this House. Would the Premier move forward on an initiative that demonstrates that the territorial government is in charge of its own affairs by moving forward on home rule legislation?

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Hawkins. The

Hon. Premier , Mr. Roland .

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I’m not familiar with this home rule concept the Member has raised. In our jurisdiction, as we’ve been working through the process with the federal government and with aboriginal governments and organizations trying to bring more authority here, what we have started doing in this Assembly is, in fact, occupying some of the areas that some would say have legislated authority within the federal government. We believe we have the moral authority to govern in certain areas, and that’s why, for example, the Managing This Land Strategic Initiative will play a very important role as we progress down this path of devolution resource-revenue sharing.

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Moral authority doesn’t bring home the money, I’m sorry to say. The fact is that we need to go beyond moral authority to be in charge of our land, our water and our regulatory system. That’s what I’m talking about.

Would the Premier consider looking at a home rule act that prescribes that the territorial government is in charge of these lands with a relationship built with aboriginal governments? We could use that to build a case with the Prime Minister and the other provinces that we deserve the same rights as the provinces have in Canada. Would he do that?

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

This causes me to think of the movie Braveheart . Maybe we have a new Member with a nickname here.

The fact is that we have engaged with the federal government and aboriginal governments and organizations to go down the path of devolution resource-revenue sharing. We continue to do that.

We continue to work with the federal government to secure the resources, to keep them in the North, and we will look at other alternatives if that process doesn’t work. The new relationship we’re starting to establish — or enhancing the relationships — with aboriginal governments is that we are meeting with them four times a year and bilaterally once a year with each of their groups of leaders within their regions. We’re enhancing that process to try and strengthen our position to come with a position from the North and have the federal government engage.

We know the federal government is prepared to move on this. It’s a matter of what’s the best solution. The fact is that we also know that the federal government is not prepared to treat us differently than other jurisdictions, that being provinces. What we’re starting to work on is coming up with the fact that there needs to be recognition of some differences within the Northwest Territories and territories overall.

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

We don’t need to recognize any differences, because this territory should have equal standing with every other province, and anyone who’s negotiating down from that would be selling us out. The fact is that the best solution would be

an act to describe our position in Canada which is full partnership. When John A. Macdonald went out with his crew to negotiate with Britain about Canada having its own autonomy, it didn’t take 30 or 40 years like this devolution agreement. Even those folks who signed the Constitution and were branded as traitors in the United States were later regaled as heroes. It’s time we carve our place in history.

Would this Premier carve our place in history by launching

an act that demonstrates that our ability and our position in Canada needs to be a partnership by legislation that demonstrates home rule can be achieved?

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

In the area of new legislation one of the things we have to do as a government is look at the area of authority that we have when it comes to legislation. We have to also recognize the Constitution of Canada and the process involved to have our jurisdiction status changed. As well, we know that sometimes we have to be careful what we ask for. If we ask for status, for example, to be equal to a province, there are some other issues we will have to deal with as residents of the Northwest Territories. So it’s more than just saying, “Stand up and enact something.” In fact, we must do the proper research and see what the best avenue is to take.

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Final short supplementary, Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. The

courage of Danny Williams, the Premier of

Newfoundland, is legendary. That’s what I’m looking for. I’m looking for that courage. I’m looking for the lion to find his heart, to get out there and claw away at that federal government, saying, “We deserve our right and place in Canada.” I’m just talking about a constitution that demonstrates….

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Question, Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Would the Premier take steps to work toward enacting a home-rule law? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Mr. Speaker, for a lot of years we worked in partnership in the North, coming up with a process that we’re familiar with and understand, working with the federal government to draw down authority to the Government of the Northwest Territories and aboriginal governments and organizations across the territory. We will continue with that work. If Members feel there are other options out there, we’d be prepared to look at those.

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Question 353-16(2) NWT Home Rule Movement

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Roland. Oral

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

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Question 354-16(2) Impact Of Payroll Tax On The Cost Of Living

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Premier and relate to the issue of cost of living in the Northwest Territories. I know that perhaps we were a little critical about not enough revenue options in the budget, but we don’t want revenue options for this government that hit directly at the pocketbooks of Northerners. One thing that does that right now, which is on our books, is the payroll tax.

During the election campaign — I haven’t had a chance to raise this in the House yet — I had a lot of people talk to me about that payroll tax, how it went from 1 per cent to 2 per cent and how the rebate related to that did not go up accordingly. We enjoy a fairly favourable personal tax rate. We enjoy the northern residents tax deduction, which has just gone up recently. But this payroll tax at 2 per cent without a corresponding rebate is hitting Northerners hard.

I’d like to ask the Premier : when was the last time the payroll tax was reviewed, and is it something that we could look at to alleviate the cost of living for Northerners?

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Question 354-16(2) Impact Of Payroll Tax On The Cost Of Living

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The Hon. Premier , Mr. Roland .

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Question 354-16(2) Impact Of Payroll Tax On The Cost Of Living

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we initially sat down, we looked at a number of tax options that were available to us. The payroll tax is one factor. On the other side, as the Member has

mentioned, the cost of living tax credit is also available to Northerners. There was some adjustment a number of years ago, in line with the changes. We’d be prepared, as we’re talking about launching a discussion paper on tax options in the Northwest Territories…. We’re going to Members with that and then going out to the public for some discussion and debate around those issues. We could include this area into that work.

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Question 354-16(2) Impact Of Payroll Tax On The Cost Of Living

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, the Premier has set up strategic initiative committees, and one of them is tasked with looking at issues related to the cost of living. Is this something that could be assigned to this committee, as well, in looking at the cost of living in the Northwest Territories in light of taxes?

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Question 354-16(2) Impact Of Payroll Tax On The Cost Of Living

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Mr. Speaker, the tax options we work with, as at this point, stay with the Department of Finance, under the revenue-generating capacity that it has, and our relationship with the federal government and so on. I think we could still work through that scenario, working with Members and deciding where we can go — whether we strike, as we did, for example, on the climate change work. Coming together with some Members, looking at taking that discussion paper out, is an option we can look at.

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Question 354-16(2) Impact Of Payroll Tax On The Cost Of Living

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, after we charge employees in the Northwest Territories a 2 per cent payroll tax and then we give a rebate to people and we also pay for the administration of the tax, what do we end up netting from the payroll tax, approximately, in round figures?

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Question 354-16(2) Impact Of Payroll Tax On The Cost Of Living

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Mr. Speaker, the initial payroll tax was established at 1 per cent. Once you paid out the cost of living tax credit to Northerners, the net was very small indeed. Going to 2 per cent has netted the Government of the Northwest Territories more revenue on the general revenue side, and as we would highlight in our budget — I don’t have the specific numbers at this time, but we’ll get that — I know it has increased. There is a more substantial amount that does remain with the Government of the Northwest Territories.

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Question 354-16(2) Impact Of Payroll Tax On The Cost Of Living

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Question 354-16(2) Impact Of Payroll Tax On The Cost Of Living

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just in

summary, then, and to be very specific: are we being told today that the Premier will look at a review of the payroll tax of 2 per cent?

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Question 354-16(2) Impact Of Payroll Tax On The Cost Of Living

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

In the context of looking at our tax options available to us as Northerners, looking at the other side of it, the equation on the cost of living as well as the tax rebate that we do have, I’m prepared to put that in as part of the

discussion as we go forward as the Government of the Northwest Territories.

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Question 354-16(2) Impact Of Payroll Tax On The Cost Of Living

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Question 355-16(2) Exemption From The Goods And Services Tax

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Premier . It gets back to my Member’s statement.

It was over three years ago that I first raised the issue of tax exemption of the GST for the three northern territories with the previous government. I know some Cabinet Ministers were around and remember that discussion I had with then- Premier Handley.

I’d like to begin by saying that early last month the Yukon government passed a motion in the House by unanimous vote that their government would lobby the federal government to remove the GST on home-heating fuel, power generation and on the transportation of essential goods north of 60 degrees.

I’m just wondering where our government is at, considering that we’re talking about the cost of living and that it’s going to be one of the biggest issues, especially come winter when people are paying exorbitant prices for home-heating fuel. I’m wondering where that is on the government’s agenda. Mahsi.

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Question 355-16(2) Exemption From The Goods And Services Tax

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Ramsay. The

Hon. Premier , Mr. Roland .

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Question 355-16(2) Exemption From The Goods And Services Tax

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve had discussions with Premier Fentie of the Yukon, looking at this initiative. In fact, at the time I attended the Western Premiers’ Conference, he attended the Finance Ministers’ meeting in Ottawa. We had discussions about carrying the message from both parts. We are engaged with the Yukon government, through our staff, to look at options that could be available to us. I’m aware, from the meeting in Ottawa with Finance Ministers, that other jurisdictions are, as well, interested in looking at what options may be available to them around the GST.

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Question 355-16(2) Exemption From The Goods And Services Tax

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Maybe the Premier is familiar with the situation. He has had a discussion with Premier Fentie. As I mentioned, we’re here for another two days. Would his government be willing to come forward with a motion similar to the one passed by the Yukon government so that we, the Members of the 16th Legislative Assembly, can lend our support to the

efforts of the Premier and Premier Fentie and Premier Okalik? I think that adds to their arsenal when they do go to Ottawa and try to fight for tax exemption on those important issues. Mahsi.

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Question 355-16(2) Exemption From The Goods And Services Tax

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If this Assembly feels a motion is needed in this area, we would be glad to work with Members to come up with a joint initiative. We are at the table working with the Yukon, looking at how we can work jointly with them in advancing this. As well, at the Northern Premiers’ Conference we will once again be having discussions with northern Premiers. I’m sure Premier Fentie will be looking to address this as well.

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Question 355-16(2) Exemption From The Goods And Services Tax

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Roland. Oral

questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Question 356-16(2) Poor Condition Of Liard Highway

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. My

questions today are for the Hon. Norman Yakeleya , Minister of Transportation .

I hear with great interest that Highway No. 7 is still having its share of problems. That’s the

section between Fort Simpson and Fort Liard. The conditions are still muddy, and the road is closed once again. This is really, really causing a lot of grief to constituents, especially those in Fort Liard. I know that the Minister committed to reconstruction and fixing of the drainage surface and great improvement. I’d just like to know what has been done in the planning stages so far, because I’m thinking that if they’re going to do that work, perhaps they should begin building that bypass road to provide uninterrupted access.

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Question 356-16(2) Poor Condition Of Liard Highway

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Menicoche. The

honourable Minister responsible for Transportation , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Question 356-16(2) Poor Condition Of Liard Highway

Oral Questions

Sahtu

Norman Yakeleya

Minister of Transportation

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The challenge of Highway No. 1 has certainly been a very frustrating point in our work on Highway No. 7 with our department and our contractors. Work is being done in terms of Highway No. 7 reconstruction. We are digging up that part of the section. What we want to do is take part of the section, dig it up, put the proper basing in there to rebase the road, and then reconstruct it to a passable

section of road. We are looking at options in terms of how we can keep traffic moving between Fort Liard and the other communities, so we will take the Member’s suggestion. If it gets really bad, then we would have to look at a bypass to keep the traffic flowing for the people in Fort Liard.

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Question 356-16(2) Poor Condition Of Liard Highway

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much,

Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask the Minister to reach out

and grab all the resources he has, put them together and then build our road.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to know how much work has been done to date. It’s apparent to constituents that it looks like nothing is being done, but I’d like to know: have tenders been provided? Who is going to do the work? When, at the bare minimum, can they build a bypass road past these muddy sections that are causing the most interruption?

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Question 356-16(2) Poor Condition Of Liard Highway

Oral Questions

Sahtu

Norman Yakeleya

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, if I were to reach out, I would have other MLAs question me.

Mr. Speaker, we have looked at the road. We have a plan in place. Again, with the weather being on our side, Mother Nature plays a big

part in terms of how much work we can get done. We want to do rebasing of that section. We are looking at it. I will instruct my officials to come back and look at the options. This is going to cause us a lot of hiccups during this season. We would have to look at a bypass that would at least be less disruptive to the travelling public of Nahendeh. I will get back and keep the Member informed. However, the contractors and our staff in that

section are working extra hard. We’re working to see how soon we can get this road back into standard operational travelling condition.

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Question 356-16(2) Poor Condition Of Liard Highway

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Once again, the bypass road has got to be part of the reconstruction plans. I would like to know when they will be building and constructing the bypass road. Failing that, Mr. Speaker, can we get a bridge?

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Question 356-16(2) Poor Condition Of Liard Highway

Oral Questions

Sahtu

Norman Yakeleya

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, we’ll have to wait for the bridge.

I will call my officials this afternoon, and we will, hopefully, have some discussions on the bypass road and see what type of work is being done so far. If a bypass road is something that we have to do, we will do it for the travelling public. However, I would like to first speak to my officials, and I will keep the Member informed in terms of the options that he’s talked about today.

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Question 356-16(2) Poor Condition Of Liard Highway

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Yakeleya. Final

supplementary, Mr. Menicoche .

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Question 356-16(2) Poor Condition Of Liard Highway

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d just like to reiterate one more time the frustration of the travelling public and the people of my communities at having the road closed.

Once again, can the Minister tell me when he can start building the road? I think we can still move gravel, even if the conditions are rainy, up to the muddy sections there. Thank you.

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Question 356-16(2) Poor Condition Of Liard Highway

Oral Questions

Sahtu

Norman Yakeleya

Minister of Transportation

I understand the frustration from Liard residents and people in Fort

Simpson about the road closure. I understand completely, because I come from a region that doesn’t have a road. I know the frustration the residents are talking about. I would share my frustrations with the Member here. We are moving on this road. We are looking at what we can do. We are looking at how we can get this road back into drivable condition.

We did have a road that was transferred by the federal government to this government. The standards weren’t up to par, so we are reconstructing roads right across the North to bring them to meet the National Standards Safety Code and have the safety of our public on these roads as a first priority. I will get back and I will speak with the Member after the House in terms of the details of action. I wouldn’t mind taking him to Highway No. 7 here and looking at how we can do this road to satisfy his people.

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Question 356-16(2) Poor Condition Of Liard Highway

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

Yakeleya. Oral

questions. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes , Mr. McLeod.

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Question 357-16(2) Public Service Career Training Program

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I was reviewing senior management within the GNWT, I noticed that 15 per cent were aboriginal, and this was after 20 years of Affirmative Action. I was appalled at the numbers that I’ve seen. I use the word “appalled” because it sounds better than “totally disgusted.”

A few years ago they had the Public Service Career Training Program, which helped some of these people who had experience but lacked some technical skills. This helped them work their way up the ladder. It was a good program. My understanding is that it had a fairly good success rate. The program is no longer in existence.

I’d like to direct my questions today to the Minister of Human Resources . I’d like to ask him why the decision was made to cancel the program. Thank you.

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Question 357-16(2) Public Service Career Training Program

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr.

McLeod. The

honourable Minister responsible for Human Resources , Mr. Bob McLeod .

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Question 357-16(2) Public Service Career Training Program

Oral Questions

Yellowknife South

Bob McLeod

Minister of Human Resources

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My understanding is that it was a decision made at the time of division, at which time there was legislation that prevented the Legislature from going into a deficit position. At that time it was one of the reductions. There was a small portion that was left over that went into Education for training.

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Question 357-16(2) Public Service Career Training Program

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

I’m not quite sure if I understand the answer, but since division our public service has grown quite a bit more than we had when Nunavut was still a part of the Northwest Territories.

I’d like to ask the Minister if he is aware of where that direction came from to cancel that program. Was it a decision made by the Legislative Assembly?

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Question 357-16(2) Public Service Career Training Program

Oral Questions

Yellowknife South

Bob McLeod

Minister of Human Resources

As part of a budget reduction exercise, it was a proposal that was put forward as part of the transition planning process from one government to the next incoming government. It was a proposal that was accepted and passed by the Legislative Assembly.

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Question 357-16(2) Public Service Career Training Program

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister for that. We have a lot of good, hard-working aboriginals out there who want the opportunity to move up based on the merit of their work. Some of them can go to school, but a lot of them, like I said before, with experience to do the work, just need a little more training. By training them, I think this government would realize savings by not having to pay SFA if they’re going to school. They’d be taking the training and doing the work at the same time.

I’d like to ask the Mini