Debates of May 29th, 2008

This is page numbers 679 to 724 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 communities .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Minister’s Statement 39-16(2) High Performance Athletes — Congratulations

Minister’s Statement 40-16(2) Homelessness Initiatives

Recognizing Hay River Elementary School Students

Assembly Of First Nations National Day Of Action

Access To Government Services

Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Assembly Of First Nations National Day Of Action

Closure Of Arctic Tern Young Offender Facility

Programs, Services And Infrastructure Concerns In Tu Nedhe Communities

Assembly Of First Nations National Day Of Action

Committee Report 7-16(2) Standing Committee On Economic Development And Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Question 214-16(2) Minister’s Advisory Panel On The Economy

Question 215-16(2) Road Paving In The Community Of N’dilo

Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Question 217-16(2) Eliminating Government Red Tape (Hawkins)

Question 218-16(2) Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Question 219-16(2) Deficit At Beaufort-Delta Health Board

Question 220-16(2) Criteria Governing The Closure Of Public Institutions

Question 221-16(2) Cost-Of-Living Issues In Nunakput Communities

Question 222-16(2) Declining Graduation Rates In Aurora College Nursing Program

Question 223-16(2) Status Of Stanton Territorial Health Board

Question 224-16(2) Youth Criminal Justice Act (Ruled Out Of Order)

Question 225-16(2) Delivery Of Mental Health Programs In Beaufort-Delta

Question 226-16(2) Proposed Amendments To The Youth Criminal Justice Act

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery (Reversion)

Reply 1-16(2)

Tabling of Documents

Bill 10

An Act To Amend The Pharmacy Act

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Main Estimates 2008–2009 Department Of Human Resources

Committee Motion 9-16(2) To Examine Alternative And Cost-Effective Means To Provide Medical Travel Assistance And A Dental Program As A Benefit To GNWT Employees (Committee Motion Carried)

Committee Motion 10-16(2) To Defer Further Consideration Of Program For Department Of Human Resources (Ruled Out Of Order)

Committee Motion 11-16(2) To Defer Further Consideration Of Program

Summary For Department Of Human Resources (Committee Motion Carried)

Main Estimates 2008–2009 Department Of Justice

Committee Motion 12-16(2) To Delete $161,000 From Department Of Justice, Services To Government, For The Advancement Of Devolution Discussions (Committee Motion Carried)

Committee Motion 13-16(2) To Reinstate $91,000 For Four Court Worker Positions In Department Of Justice, Legal Aid (Committee Motion Carried)

Committee Motion 14-16(2) To Delete $942,000 From The Department Of Justice Courts For Ten Additional Court Services Positions (Committee Motion Carried)

Committee Motion 15-16(2) To Reinstate Funding In The Amount Of $613,000 For The Arctic Tern Young Offenders Facility (Committee Motion Carried)

Report of Committee of the Whole

Orders of the Day

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

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Prayer.

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Prayer

Prayer

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. I’d also like to welcome everyone in the gallery today. We have a group of young folks from Alberta visiting us today. Welcome to the Chamber.

Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The Hon. Michael McLeod .

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Minister’s Statement 39-16(2) High Performance Athletes — Congratulations

Ministers’ Statements

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, it’s with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize the significant athletic achievements of a number of young northern athletes. Ms. Sarah Daitch of Fort Smith has been recently named to the Canadian National Cross-Country Ski Team. This is a tremendous achievement by Ms. Daitch and marks the first time an athlete from the Northwest Territories has achieved this standing since the era of Burt Bullock, Roseanne Allen, Ernie Lennie, Sharon and Shirley Firth and others.

Mr. Michael Gilday of Yellowknife recently concluded an outstanding speed skating season that saw him not only set a new world record in the 1,000 metres but also named to the National Short Track Speed Skating Team.

Those accomplishments complement those of Thomsen D’Hont of Yellowknife, who was part of the 2007–2008 national development squad in cross-country skiing, and Mr. Brendan Green of Hay River, who was part of the 2007–2008 senior national training group in biathlon.

Mr. Speaker,

these

are truly outstanding

accomplishments by young Northerners who have demonstrated that dedication, hard work and determination pay off. These individuals also serve

as excellent role models for many other young Northerners who aspire to achieve great things.

As the 2010 Winter Olympics and the Paralympic Games approach, Northerners will be following these and other young Canadians with great pride as Canada hosts the world in Vancouver and Whistler in less than two years’ time. The athletes I’ve mentioned today are among our best and are representative of a growing group of youth who are achieving great results in sports.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is pleased to support these athletes through the NWT High Performance Athlete Grant Program, which provides assistance to offset training and competition expenses.

Of course, these athletes could not succeed without tremendous support from their families, friends and communities, and it’s fair to say that almost every athlete who attains this level of success does so because of the significant support they receive from those around them. To those individuals, sponsors and communities, I would like to pass on our sincere thanks for your contribution to the development of these youths and for helping all of us feel proud to be Northerners.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Applause.

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Minister’s Statement 39-16(2) High Performance Athletes — Congratulations

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The Hon. Jackson Lafferty .

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Minister’s Statement 40-16(2) Homelessness Initiatives

Ministers’ Statements

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to inform you about the success of the initial year of the Small Community Homelessness Fund. Homelessness is a pressing and complex issue across the Northwest Territories that requires cross-departmental collaboration to make an impact. As a government, we recognize that we need partnerships with all levels of government and community organizations to address these issues and support individuals and communities.

The Small Community Homelessness Fund is an excellent example of a cross-departmental initiative

that supported local government and agencies to create projects designed and implemented by community members. This application-based fund was launched in May of 2007 to all small communities, excluding Inuvik, Yellowknife, Fort Smith and Hay River, and was intended to respond to local homelessness issues through a committee-initiated, -driven, and -implemented project. The Small Community Homelessness Fund provided funding for emergency shelter projects up to $40,000 or homelessness support projects for up to $10,000.

In 2007–2008 the GNWT approved six applications for funding in five communities. Each demonstrated creative use of existing community resources, buildings and skills, and integrated several partnerships to extend the impact and use of the limited funding. A total of $170,000 was provided to organizations to help take care of the needs of the people who are homeless.

I’d like to take this opportunity to share some of the outcomes of the 2007–2008 projects.

In Wrigley funding went to the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation for two projects. A life-skills workshop was held, and work has begun on creating a shelter.

Funding was provided to two different projects in Fort Providence. One is through the Deh Gah Got’ie council to support renovations of an existing building as an additional emergency housing option. The other project in Fort Providence is through the Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre and is a healthy-meals program.

A similar program was implemented in Aklavik to provide weekly meals to homeless individuals. This project enhanced an existing snack program.

The Acho Dene Koe First Nation in Fort Liard received funds to implement their winter warm-up program, which includes a weekly hot nutritious meal, access to clothing banks and an emergency funding program.

In Hay River we have been working with the Katlodeeche First Nation to help them achieve their goal of renovating a three-bedroom home into two bachelor units that will help provide accommodations for the homeless.

The homeless-support projects have been excellent examples of community volunteerism and local solutions to homeless support. The uptake of these initiatives exceeded expectations and demonstrated the need and commitment that is present in the communities through lead projects when some support is provided.

I am pleased to announce that the Small Community Homelessness Fund will be available to communities again in 2008–2009. Information

packages will be distributed shortly to community governments, local organizations, housing offices, interagency committees, community support staff, churches and other local organizers to take advantage of this fund. I would encourage all communities to apply.

I look forward to informing you on the continued progress and outcomes from this innovative project that has created new support for the people of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister’s Statement 40-16(2) Homelessness Initiatives

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Item 3, Members’ statements. Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Recognizing Hay River Elementary School Students

Members’ Statements

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, today, during this busy budget session, on a somewhat lighter note I wanted to take time to speak about the presence of two grade 6 classes in the visitors’ gallery.

It is becoming a tradition for Hay River students to come to the Assembly. Earlier this week we had the grades 5 and 6 classes from École Boreale. Today we have two grade 6 classes from Princess Alexandra School in Hay River. This annual event requires quite a bit of planning on the part of Speaker Delorey’s and my constituency assistants, Mrs. Mageean and Mrs. Morgan. It is also supported by sponsorship from a couple of organizations that I would like to thank.

The students here today arrived in Yellowknife via a bus charter with Frontier Coachlines, driven by the owner of that company, Mr. Joe Gagnier. The cost of the charter was sponsored by the Hay River Elks Club. I know Mr. Gagnier does a little extra to make sure the kids have a good chance to have a look at Yellowknife.

The students are staying at the Yellowknife Ski Club. They’ve been swimming at the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool, sponsored by Northland Utilities in Hay River, and they have been to the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre. They have been to the Prince of Wales museum, where they were fortunate to hear northern wildlife brought to life by local naturalist Jamie Bastedo. We are very proud of these young people.

Just a little story in keeping with school trips that the Members might find humorous. I grew up in Ontario, where every grade 8 student in our small town made a pilgrimage to the Ontario Legislature in Toronto. I lived only 120 miles from Toronto. I set out on a trip with my classmates, but I only made it to the nearest village of Tavistock, where I

convinced the bus driver to let me off the bus. I called my dad to come and get me. I lived in a little town like Hay River, but I didn’t want to go to the big city of Toronto. So I’m very proud of all these students, because at their young age I was too timid and shy to make it all the way on a school trip to Toronto. I may say I’ve changed.

Laughter.

This is a very educational experience for these students, and I’d like to thank Minister Jackson Lafferty for taking a few minutes to speak with our visiting classes from Hay River today. I hope they will go home well informed about our Legislative Assembly and have a new interest in the role of the government in the North. Also, I’d like to thank the parents and chaperones for taking time out of their schedules to escort our students here.

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Recognizing Hay River Elementary School Students

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Member for Weledeh , Mr. Bromley .

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Assembly Of First Nations National Day Of Action

Members’ Statements

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

This commission will not decide on guilt or innocence but will fill in a sad history to help people to heal and encourage reconciliation between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people of Canada. With a budget of $60 million, the commission will start this June 1 — that’s in a few days — and will complete its work in five years.

Mr. Phil Fontaine, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, views the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a turning point in the relationship between aboriginal people in Canada. He said it will set the historical record straight and “give our people an opportunity to speak to Canadians in a way they have never been able to do before. There will be no … secrets.”

Commission Chair Mr. Justice Harry LaForme says it will help to discover why the current relationship between aboriginal people and the rest of Canada is as fractured and misunderstood as it is. To quote Justice LaForme, “Once we are able to define this faulty relationship, we may be able to provide a road map for a more healthy relationship into the future.”

Two women of aboriginal descent join Justice LaForme on the commission: Jane Brewin Morley, a lawyer, mediator and public policy advisor, and Claudette Dumont-Smith, a registered nurse active in aboriginal health issues.

There will be a special place for elders in the development of their important work. Northerners have been consulted, and the travel

schedule for the TRC will be established next month.

I’m sure all Members join me in acknowledging the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its important task to help all Canadians reconcile our past and live together more honourably in the future.

As an addendum, Mr. Speaker, in my own riding of Weledeh there is a shameful display of the lack of understanding among people. The paving of the roads on Latham Island stops dramatically at the entrance to N’dilo. After years of unsuccessful requests for paving to extend into N’dilo, today the Yellowknives First Nation is stopping vehicles, handing out information about their road and requesting donations. I have made a personal donation to this cause.

The paving of the N’dilo road requires … .

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Assembly Of First Nations National Day Of Action

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Mr. Bromley , your time for the Member’s statement has expired.

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Assembly Of First Nations National Day Of Action

Members’ Statements

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

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

Unanimous statement granted.

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Assembly Of First Nations National Day Of Action

Members’ Statements

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

On the issue of paving the N’dilo road, I have made a personal donation to this cause. It is happening as we speak. The paving of the N’dilo road requires all levels of government — federal, municipal, territorial and aboriginal — to fulfill their roles and responsibilities. I call on all parties to get this done. Mahsi.

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Assembly Of First Nations National Day Of Action

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Access To Government Services

Members’ Statements

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I will be speaking about an all-too-familiar frustration for individuals and businesses in our territory: red tape. Red tape refers to those non-essential procedures — forms, licences and regulations — that add to the cost of dealing with government. To be clear, red tape does not refer to regulations that are effective and necessary for the protection of public health, safety, the environment and consumers. Those types of regulations are important and essential for good government.

The regulations we need to do away with are those that are obsolete, redundant and confusing and those that hurt our economic competitiveness or simply waste taxpayers’ time and money.

Several provinces, including British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Quebec, have red tape–reduction initiatives underway. In 2001 the British Columbia government committed to reducing the unnecessary red tape and regulations by one-third within three years. The government Ministers are now required to maintain a zero per cent increase to regulatory requirements from their June 2004 baselines, and they continue to identify further reductions and reform opportunities. In addition to reducing the number of regulations, the British Columbia government has introduced strict criteria to ensure that new and remaining regulations are as efficient and as effective as possible.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it’s time for the GNWT to look at its own red tape–reduction initiative, perhaps dusting off some of the work started on regulatory reform during the 13th Assembly. This is

a project that would fit well with the mandate of the Refocusing Government Strategic Initiative Committee led by Minister Miltenberger , which he spoke about yesterday. I’ll be encouraging the committee to consider this type of initiative to make government as effective and efficient as possible.

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Access To Government Services

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Members’ Statements

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I want to speak again about Stanton Territorial Hospital. I’m very encouraged and happy to hear the Minister is trying to get some answers to the problems at that hospital.

Today I wanted to focus on a couple of decisions previous governments have made regarding the privatization of services at that hospital. I believe the decisions to privatize the housekeeping, laundry and food services at that hospital were, in fact, bad decisions. Seeing that we are currently looking at human resource, operational and financial issues at that hospital, we would be remiss if we did not look at revisiting these decisions.

Housekeeping, laundry services and food services are all integral components of having a well-run hospital. Staffing in these areas is always a problem, and turnover is sky-high, which means new staff are forever being trained. These staff interact day in and day out with health care professionals and other staff in this facility, and it is adding to the low-morale issue when there appears

to be no continuity or consistency in services in these areas.

I would like to know how much these contracts cost us and whether the Department of Health and Social Services is the least bit interested in re-examining these contracts.

Sodexo is a huge $7.9 billion corporation headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. How much money is this big corporation taking with them that should stay here in the Northwest Territories, where the government should repatriate these functions and services to the people? Even if repatriating these functions back to Stanton would cost us a little bit more, the economic impact of actually paying people a decent wage would add greatly to the local economy and to the level of service provided to health care professionals and members of the public who utilize the hospital.

Mr. Speaker, let’s put all the evidence and all the contracts on the table and have a discussion about the future of these services. As I mentioned yesterday, Stanton has a number of issues it’s dealing with. This is just one issue, and it won’t fix everything. But these are functions that cannot be underestimated or overlooked when looking at the overall health and well-being of Stanton Territorial Hospital.

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

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Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Assembly Of First Nations National Day Of Action

Members’ Statements

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mahsi. Mr. Speaker, today the Assembly of First Nations and the Dene Nation are calling on all Canadians to join with them in the National Day of Action. This is the second National Day of Action declared by the Assembly of First Nations. It’s an opportunity for all Canadians to stand together and call on the federal government to work with First Nations to ensure they have the same quality of life other Canadians take for granted.

The Assembly of First Nations and First Nations communities have been trying to work with the federal government to address fundamental issues that affect First Nations communities. These issues are well known and well documented. For example, First Nations families are three times more likely to live in poverty compared to other Canadian families. One in four First Nations children live in poverty. First Nations youth graduate from high school at a rate half the national average. Public health issues such as contaminated drinking water and mould-infected housing are becoming the norm

rather than the exception in many First Nations communities. The focus of this year’s National Day of Action is about our children, our future and our responsibility to one another as citizens of this nation.

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Assembly Of First Nations National Day Of Action

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The honourable Mr. McLeod.

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Closure Of Arctic Tern Young Offender Facility

Members’ Statements

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, I rise once again today to speak on the closure of the Arctic Tern young female facility in Inuvik. The Department of Justice has given us many reasons for the closure of Arctic Tern. Frankly, I don’t believe any of them. I think the department used the budget reduction as an opportunity and an excuse to get rid of a facility that was always in the crosshairs.

Surely, Mr. Speaker, when the facility was built six years ago at a cost of around $14 million, the department had to have had some idea that the Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada was going to change. This, in my opinion, is poor planning and not a good use of government money. They say the facility is underutilized. First of all, that should be a good thing — fewer young girls incarcerated. When you build a school for 500 students and you have 200 to 300 students, is that considered underutilized, and is that an opportunity to close the school?

There are many ways for this government to realize savings and staff reductions. Has anyone asked the employees of Arctic Tern, or the public service for that matter, how best to save the GNWT money? A way you can know how to save money is to ask the public in all 33 communities, and they’ll give you fine examples of government money that is poorly spent. I would encourage all residents of the Northwest Territories to e-mail us and give us your views and opinions on how to save money, and we can use that in our deliberations with Cabinet.

Mr. Speaker, I am not a critical or a disruptive person by nature. I try to look at everything from a common sense point of view, and common sense in this case tells me that more thought should have been put into this budget, more consultations with the Regular MLAs and, most importantly, consultations with the people around the Northwest Territories who have to live with the reductions without really having any sort of genuine input or opinions into the budget. These people are why we are here, and we should never overlook the importance of their views. I have said it before and I’ll say it again: this budget has all the markings of a bureaucratic budget and not a people’s budget.

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Closure Of Arctic Tern Young Offender Facility

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Programs, Services And Infrastructure Concerns In Tu Nedhe Communities

Members’ Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about the much-needed services in the communities of Tu Nedhe in the area of infrastructure and also programs and services. There are key issues I must work with in the communities. One of the key things that the community looked at in the area of lack of cleanliness and also in the area of health has been dust suppression. Both the communities of Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e have a tremendous amount of dust flying around the community any time there is any sort of vehicle moving at all, including four wheelers and vehicles that are running all over that community.

There are absolutely no plans at this time for any sort of dust suppression in those communities.

My main focus, however, for working with these two communities will continue to be the youth focus. Both of the communities lack youth centres. Throughout the process I’ve been discussing issues with the youth. I had representatives from both of the communities talk to the youth in the communities to ask the youth what their priorities were. Most likely the key priority for Lutselk’e was that there’s some sort of a camp set up for the

students and the youth of the community to be able to attend, and so on. Also the youth from both communities were interested in some sort of summertime swimming pool.

One of the key things I found was really lacking as far as the youth go was the fact that there is no money in this budget, or any further money, I should say. There is a small amount of money focused from the youth Minister, something just slightly over $1 million, to address all of the youth issues and the various youth things that have to be worked on by the government.

At the appropriate time I’ll be asking the Minister responsible for youth questions on whether or not there’d be a possibility that something could be done for the youth as far as budgets go.

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Programs, Services And Infrastructure Concerns In Tu Nedhe Communities

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Assembly Of First Nations National Day Of Action

Members’ Statements

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I’ve stated, First Nations people in Canada, which is one of the richest countries in the world, still live in poverty. People have unsafe drinking water in their communities. People have the highest rate of diabetes and TB in Canada. Canada is recognized as one of the G8 countries, which are the eight richest countries in the world, yet we have these statistics in this great country. It makes us wonder why in this day and age Canada still allows these things to happen to its residents, especially to its First Nations people, who were the first people of this country.

It’s sad to have to have a day of protest to bring attention to an issue we should all be working on to find solutions for.

I’ve brought up issues in this House for over 12 years in regard to quality water in my communities. I had to pound on this table to get the attention of the government on the other side. Yet we’re still having problems where you have to have teams of doctors go into our communities to test every citizen because of contamination of our water system. We have situations where we have 12 people in a home that was designed for four.

Overcrowding, unsafe drinking water and poverty are what hold the aboriginal people back. We have communities with an average income of $30,000 per year, yet we have large centres, such as Yellowknife, where the average income is $90,000 per year. That alone should tell us there is injustice in this territory.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I again would like to thank the people who did take

part in this march and, more importantly, hope for more people to

speak out on these issues. That’s the only way it’s going to get the attention it deserves.

I will ask the Deputy Premier some questions on this matter later.

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Assembly Of First Nations National Day Of Action

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Item 4, reports of standing and special committees.

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Committee Report 7-16(2) Standing Committee On Economic Development And Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. The

Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure is pleased to present its report on its review of the 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates. The standing committee is responsible for the oversight of the departments of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations; Municipal and Community Affairs; Environment and Natural Resources; Northwest Territories Housing Corporation; Industry, Tourism and Investment; Transportation; and Public Works and Services.

The committee met to consider the departmental and Draft Main Estimates between April 1 and April 11, 2008.

Mr. Speaker, that concludes the introductory comments on our report. Therefore, I would move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nunakput , that the report on the review of the 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure be deemed read and printed in Hansard in its entirety.

Motion carried; Committee Report 7-16(2)

received and deemed read.

Introduction

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure is pleased to present its report on its review of the 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates.

The standing committee is responsible for the oversight of the departments of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations; Municipal and Community Affairs; Environment and Natural Resources; Northwest Territories Housing Corporation; Industry, Tourism and Investment; Transportation and Public Works and Services. The committee met to consider the departmental Draft Main Estimates between April 1 and11, 2008.

General Comments

Proposed Reductions and Strategic Investments

Committee members recognize that a reduction to expenditures or an increase to revenues is required if we are to live within our means and find the resources to support the goals of the 16th Legislative Assembly. However, the committee expressed serious concerns regarding the government decision-making process that led to the proposed reductions and strategic investments within each department.

Committee members were disappointed that there was no real opportunity to discuss the proposed reductions or investments in any detail prior to the review of the Draft Main Estimates. Without detailed business plans, it was often difficult to determine on what basis the decision to cut or invest was made and how those decisions supported the vision, goals and priorities established by the 16th Assembly.

The committee does not support any investments related to the Mackenzie Gas Project at this time and recommends they be cancelled altogether. Committee members noted a number of reasons for this. First, members see these investments as inappropriate given the limited legislative and regulatory authority the Government of the Northwest Territories has in oil and gas development. Costs associated with the project are properly the responsibility of Canada, which, under the existing regime, stands to gain almost all revenues from the pipeline.

Secondly, delays in the final recommendations from the Joint Review Panel and socioeconomic funding from Canada indicate a level of uncertainty as to whether the pipeline project will proceed in the near future. Finally, any new investments made by this government should support the priorities established by Caucus for the 16th Assembly.

Members also find it difficult to support new spending through strategic investments when the reduction exercise is not yet complete and the full costs of those reductions are not totally accounted for. It may be more prudent to reintroduce new strategic investments as part of the business planning process in September.

Recommendation

The committee recommends that the Main Estimates include only those strategic investments that are essential or support initiative already underway. All other investments could be introduced as part of the business planning process in September 2008.

The committee further recommends the deletion of all strategic investments related to the Mackenzie Gas Project.

Position Reductions

Members are also very concerned with the proposed reductions to staff positions and noted that a substantial number of reductions were occurring at the regional and community level. They also noted that the majority of new positions being created through either forced growth or strategic investments were identified as headquarter positions.

Committee members caution that they do not support the centralization of government services. Regional staff play an important role in linking government programs, services and policies to NWT residents and provide important regional and community perspectives back to department headquarters that informs policy and program development.

Recommendation

The committee recommends that every effort should be made to either retain regional positions by identifying other areas for reduction or identify programs and services that could be decentralized to the regions.

Revenue Generation

Committee members were disappointed by the consistent lack of revenue initiatives brought forwarded by the departments. Given the current financial pressures, the government needs to actively consider ways to generate additional revenues, including new initiatives to take advantage of mineral, oil and gas exploration and development.

Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations

The committee met with the Minister and his officials on April 3, 2008, to consider the department’s Draft Main Estimates.

The department’s proposed operating budget for 2008–2009 is $6.2 million, a reduction of $1.12 million or 15.12 per cent from the 2007–2008 fiscal year.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates:

Impact of Reductions

The Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations is responsible for negotiating and implementing land claims and self-government agreements on behalf of the government and residents of the Northwest Territories. It is also responsible for managing the government’s relationship with aboriginal, federal, provincial and territorial governments.

Proposed reductions in staff positions have the potential to seriously erode the department’s capacity to effectively meet its mandate. Committee members expressed particular concern about the impact the reductions may have on claims negotiations, the implementation of final agreements and the government’s ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with aboriginal governments.

Given the scope of the proposed reductions to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations (DAAIR) and the important role it plays, the committee makes the following recommendation:

Recommendation

The committee recommends that DAAIR be rolled back into the Department of the Executive immediately and a review of its mandate and function be undertaken to refocus its efforts on aboriginal government relations.

Municipal and Community Affairs

The committee met with the Minister and his officials on April 4, 2008, to consider the department’s Draft Main Estimates.

The committee noted that the total operating budget for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) for 2008–2009 is $114.782 million. The budget also includes $33.6 million for capital expenditures, of which $28 million will be provided to community governments to use to support their own infrastructure priorities.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates.

Community Capacity Building

Committee members recognize that MACA’s primary mandate is to support community governments in the delivery of essential services to every resident of the NWT. The committee was pleased that the department’s 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates did not include any reductions to core community government operations and maintenance funding, water and sewer services funding or capital formula funding.

However, the committee is concerned with the level of reductions to contribution programs that support community development and capacity building, community emergency response and the impact these cuts may have on communities successfully taking on new responsibilities under the New Deal. Proposed reductions in this area are significant and the overall effect is to diminish support to community governments.

Sports, Recreation, Youth and Volunteers

The committee was pleased to see that regional recreation coordinator positions will be maintained. Sport and recreation programs provide an effective vehicle through which personal and social development in young people can be positively affected. The regional recreation coordinators are an integral part of how government engages with youth and youth services and this function needs to be supported as part of a broader youth strategy.

Committee members were very disappointed by the lack of support for the voluntary sector. Members noted that as government reduces its spending, particularly in the areas of health, justice, social services, youth services and community development, communities will rely more on volunteer efforts to weather the storm. Unfortunately, they have less capacity than ever to respond to the needs in their communities. There is a very real need for more direct support to the sector. The committee recommends that the department, as part of the business planning process, identify concrete actions, including the necessary investments, to provide meaningful support for the voluntary sector.

Environment and Natural Resources

The committee met with the Minister and his staff on April 9, 2008, to consider the department’s 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates.

The committee noted that the total operating budget for 2008–2009 is $56.942 million.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates.

Reductions to Forest Management

There were significant reductions to the forest management budget. The majority of the reductions were based on a review undertaken by the department that identified a series of measures that could be implemented to reduce expenditures and still provide effective forest management services. These measures included a reduction to the number of pre-suppression contract fire crews from 39 to 29 and a more cost-effective, coordinated approach in the use of rotary wing aircraft.

Committee members acknowledged that there were efficiencies to be gained within this activity. However, members voiced concerns about the impact the reductions to fire crews would have on people who rely on firefighting for seasonal employment. Firefighting represents a significant employment opportunity for many residents, particularly in smaller communities. This reduction potentially leaves those who rely on employment

through these contracts with very few options other than income support.

Also of concern to members was the reduction to the FireSmart program, which supports communities to undertake wildfire risk mitigation planning. The reductions will mean less support and resources for communities to undertake this type of planning. Members note that, overall, the reductions to forest management may have left the department and communities somewhat vulnerable if there is a bad fire season.

The forests in the NWT are an important renewable resource that has significant potential to support sustainable, small-scale industries, such as biomass for heat production, timber harvesting and sawmill operations. The committee encourages the department to work with communities to explore these opportunities as a way to support local economies and promote the use of renewable energy.

Energy Planning and Climate Change

Committee members were supportive of the government’s efforts in moving forward with key renewable energy initiatives such as wind energy and hydroelectric development. These are important initiatives that will support reductions to greenhouse gas emissions over the long term. Committee members want to see these efforts be balanced with more immediate actions to address the mounting challenge of climate change here in the NWT.

Members believe that the government must develop new initiatives that actually gain net reductions to greenhouse gas emissions in the NWT. Members request the government move beyond voluntary efforts and establish standards and enforceable regulations as part of the effort to mitigate climate change impacts.

Northwest Territories Housing Corporation

The committee met with the Minister and his staff on April 9, 2008, to consider the department’s 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates.

The committee noted that the total operating budget is $81.427 million.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates.

Market Housing Initiative

The purpose of the Market Housing Initiative is to attempt to improve the availability of rental accommodation for essential services personnel, such as teachers and nurses who are working in smaller NWT communities. Committee members recognize that the lack of rental accommodation

has serious implications for the delivery of essential programs and services. Members support the Corporation’s efforts to address the need for market housing in communities and encourage all parties to work together to achieve positive results.

CMHC Funding

Funding through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation to support operating and amortization costs of public housing is declining on a yearly basis and will lapse entirely by 2038. This will result in a total shortfall of O&M funding of over $340 million dollars.

Committee members

recognize the critical importance of this funding to maintain social housing. Members support the efforts of the Minister and the government in working with their provincial and territorial counterparts to lobby the federal government to retain this investment in Canada’s social housing programs.

Affordable Housing Initiative

In 2006 the federal government committed $50 million to the Northwest Territories through the Northern Housing Trust to be drawn down over three years. This funding was matched by the GNWT. The program is delivered through the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI), and commits the government to the construction of as many as 530 housing units within those three years.

The availability of suitable land and the lack of land tenure within communities continue to have significant impacts on the delivery of housing under the AHI. Given these challenges, committee members expressed concern about the Corporation’s ability to meet its commitments within the designated timeframe. Members encouraged the Minister and his officials to negotiate an extension of the funding with the federal government.

Committee members also understand that under the Northern Housing Trust agreement, if land issues cannot be resolved in a community, the Corporation has no choice but to move new housing to communities that do have available lots. Members encourage all parties involved in this process to continue to work to resolve these outstanding issues.

Internal Audit Function

As part of the reduction exercise, the Housing Corporation is proposing to eliminate the internal audit function. The two audit positions will be re-employed within the NWT Audit Bureau.

Committee members expressed concern with this reduction and noted that one of the key findings from the Auditor General’s report was the lack of effective monitoring and evaluation of its

operations. Members noted that the loss of this function diminishes the capacity of the Corporation and the LHOs to carry out these important functions. The Minister and his officials indicated that the reorganization of the Corporation would help to focus the operations on continued improvement through monitoring, reporting and staff training. Committee members are prepared to accept this approach, but expect to see significant results and improvement in the future through regular updates to committee.

Reduction to Homeownership Repair Program

Committee members expressed serious concerns with the proposed reduction to the Homeownership Repair program. Members noted that the reduction would impact the number of low- to moderate-income families being able to afford necessary repairs. As community housing stocks increase through programs such as the Affordable Housing Initiative, repair programs are critical to maintaining the value of the housing stock and avoiding larger repair and replacement expenditures in the future.

Members recognize that the Corporation is committed to maintaining repair programs for seniors and persons with disabilities and supports their efforts, but recommend the Corporation make the reinstatement of this program a priority.

Contract Tendering

Some members raised the issue of the use of bundled contracts by the Housing Corporation. These contracts usually involve the supply, transportation and construction of housing units as part of the bids. Members indicated that this process has the potential to favour larger companies, as smaller contractors do not necessarily have the capacity to meet all of the requirements of the tender. Members suggest that the Corporation consider breaking out the contracts to allow local contractors to bid on a portion of the required work.

Supported Lease Program

The Supported Lease program is the transitional step into the Homeownership Program, whereby assistance is provided through a lease on a Housing Corporation home. After completing a successful two-year lease period, the tenant is expected to transition into owning the unit.

Committee members were concerned that if tenants did not want to move into a homeownership position or were unable to take on the responsibility, the units then could become additional public housing units by default. This could then drive up operations and maintenance costs for public housing stock at a time when the resources to support this work are diminishing. Members request regular updates on this program in order to monitor results.

Seniors Housing

Seniors living in public housing pay no rent, utilities or maintenance costs, regardless of their income. There are currently 400 units assigned to seniors housing across the NWT. In many cases, seniors living in these units have the financial means to pay either market rent or contribute to the cost of utilities for their units. Members questioned whether it was fair, for a program of last resort like public housing, to have a segment of the population that is not subject to the same means testing as the rest of the program’s client base.

Committee members believe there is a need to strike a balance between respecting the contributions made by our elders and the financial constraints facing the social housing system.

Housing Programs and Support Services for Seniors

Members also identified the need for a coordinated approach around the delivery of programs that would encourage seniors to stay in their own homes. Committee members suggest that the NWT Housing Corporation, along with Education, Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services, work together to provide a more focused approach to housing supports for seniors.

Department of Transportation

The committee met with the Minister and his staff on April 10, 2008, to consider the department’s 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates.

The committee noted that the department is proposing to spend $95.947 million in operating expenses for the fiscal year 2008–2009. The proposed budget for the department’s capital plan is $56.437 million.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates.

Contracting Out and Own-Force Labour

In an effort to meet its reduction targets, the department is proposing to reduce costs related to highway maintenance, culvert replacement and chipsealing by using its own forces, rather than use contractors, to carry out a portion of the work. At the same time, they are proposing to contract out airport operations and maintenance services in Fort Simpson. Members were not convinced that, in either case, cost savings would be achieved. There are additional costs that were not factored into the proposed reductions, including casual staffing and equipment leasing and severance costs for laid-off employees.

There are also no guarantees that the private sector can deliver services on behalf of the government for less.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

Committee members were concerned with the lack of initiatives to address climate change issues within the department. Transportation accounts for more than half of the NWT’s greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts of climate change are already apparent in the degree of damage to NWT roads and runways as a result of melting permafrost. Members understand that research is currently being conducted to study the effects of climate change on NWT transportation infrastructure. The committee looks forward to the results of the research and requests that a detailed action plan be developed to establish transportation options that would reduce the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions.

Department of Public Works and Services

The committee met with the Minister and his staff on April 10, 2008, to consider the department’s 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates.

The committee noted that the department is proposing to spend $57.8 million in operating expenses for the fiscal year 2008–2009 . The proposed budget for the department’s capital plan is $12.1 million.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates.

Deferred Maintenance Program

The proposed deferred maintenance program builds on the work under taken by the Risk Management and Assessment Program to identify critical maintenance deficiencies with the GNWT’s current infrastructure stock. The committee supports this initiative and sees it as an effective approach to managing future maintenance and energy costs and extending the life of these assets.

Water and Sewer Maintenance Services Contracts

Public Works and Services provide water and sewer maintenance services on a contractual basis to several communities in the NWT who do not have trained personnel to carry out those services. Committee members would like to see these services devolved to the community and appropriate training programs be put in place to support community government staff in assuming those responsibilities. Department officials indicated that they have been working with the School of Community Government to establish a job-shadowing program for hamlet staff.

Petroleum Products

The Petroleum Products Division (PPD) purchases, transports and stores the annual requirement of petroleum products for NWT communities not

served by the private sector. Through the Petroleum Products Stabilization fund, which is generated through profits from sales to PPD customers, the PPD has been in a position to subsidize the cost of fuel products to non-government customers. While committee members recognize that this subsidy helps to offset the very high cost of fuel in small NWT communities, more needs to be done to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and provide communities with alternative sources of fuel such as biomass.

Members recognize that the shift away from the consumption of fossil fuels is a significant undertaking that will require time and collaboration across government departments and with communities. The committee recommends that the department identify approaches to providing renewable energy sources to communities as part of the Greenhouse Gas Strategy and Energy Plan.

Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment

The committee met with the Minister and his staff on April 8 and April 11, 2008, to consider the department’s 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates.

The committee noted that the department is proposing to spend $45,593 million in operating expenses for the fiscal year 2008–2009. The proposed budget for the department’s capital plan is $3.828 million.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates.

Energy Initiatives

Committee members support the proposed energy initiatives to further develop renewable energy potential in the Northwest Territories . Members noted that the proposed review of electricity rates, regulations and subsidy programs is an important first step in the provision of reliable and affordable energy sources to residents of the NWT. Members look forward to providing additional input into the review as it moves forward.

The committee recognizes the potential for hydro development in the NWT to provide more affordable, efficient and reliable energy sources. Members support the Taltson Hydro Expansion project but stress the need to continue to invest in the development and implementation of mini-hydro projects and other approaches to renewable energy.

Energy Coordination

Members had a number of comments and questions related to the approach to energy policy and planning within the GNWT. Currently, ITI has the responsibility for overall energy management

and planning within the government. ENR’s responsibilities are primarily related to climate change adaptation and mitigation and the development of alternative energy sources. Members questioned why some renewable energy development such as hydro, are the responsibility of ITI, while other approaches, such as wind energy development, fall under ENR.

Members also noted that separating responsibilities for the implementation of the Energy Plan and the Greenhouse Gas Strategy between the two departments might not be an effective approach to achieving the intended outcomes of either strategy. The committee believes it would be useful to review the role of the two departments in the development of renewable energy policy and planning in order to ensure greater efficiencies and effectiveness.

Support for the Traditional Economy

The traditional economy — agriculture, fishing, trapping and commercial game harvesting — is an important, but increasingly undervalued sector of the NWT economy. The NWT is rich with an abundance of renewable resources that could be developed into small-scale businesses that can diversify local economies, promote greater self-reliance and preserve traditional land-based activities.

Committee members are very concerned with the lack of support for this important sector. The committee recommends that the department develop a comprehensive framework that identifies strategies to enhance the traditional economy, particularly agriculture, market gardening and other forms of local food production.

Reduction to the Commercial Fishery

Committee members were disappointed with the reduction of funding to the commercial fishery. Members recognize that there are serious challenges within the commercial fishing industry. However, a large part of the problem is the low price for fish set by Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. The set price does not keep pace with increased operating costs experienced by NWT fishers.

The proposed cuts further diminish the viability of this industry. Members felt that more could be done to establish and implement a meaningful recovery plan. Such a plan could include assisting NWT fishers to find alternate markets; providing assistance in marketing their product and establishing appropriate manufacturing facilities.

Economic Development Initiatives

The committee is generally supportive of departmental efforts in the area of business and economic development. It is particularly pleased

with the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) program and sees it as an important tool for expanding local economies, particularly within the smaller NWT communities.

Committee members raised issues related to the potential overlap in services through the Business Development Investment Corporation, Community Futures and other business development support services . Recommendations have been made in the past for the department to consider establishing a one-window approach for these services at the regional level . The committee encourages the department to consider ways to streamline these services in order to ensure better coordination and avoid duplication.

Tourism and Parks

The committee raised concerns about the proposed cultural

interpretation at parks program as a new strategic initiative. Under this initiative, the department is proposing to develop cultural programs at a number of territorial parks to increase visitation and improve the overall park experience for tourists. Members support the concept but noted that this could be achieved using existing resources. For example, campground operators or cultural organizations could apply through the Tourism Product Diversification program to deliver a range of cultural programs within the parks. Members recommend that the department pursue other means to support this activity.

The committee also recommends that the Parks Renewal Strategic Infrastructure project be cancelled. Members noted that at a time of fiscal restraint, there are greater priority needs that could be addressed through this level of investment.

Under the Territorial Parks Act, there are regulations that support the creation of wilderness and cultural conservation areas, natural wilderness parks and protected areas. While ITI is responsible for the creation and regulation of territorial parks, ENR has the responsibility for conservation and protected areas. Members discussed the overlap of responsibility between the two departments and recommend that there be a review to determine if conservation goals can be effectively met through ITI.

Maximizing Benefits from Resource Extraction

Committee members noted with concern the lack of proposals to increase revenues to the government from non-renewable resource extraction . Members identified a number of potential revenue streams, including owning equity stakes in diamond mines and oil and gas production; implementing a mineral or resource tax and exploring opportunities to expand secondary and tertiary industries related to diamond and oil and gas production.

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Committee Report 7-16(2) Standing Committee On Economic Development And Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Committee Report 7-16(2) accepted by the Assembly. The honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Committee Report 7-16(2) Standing Committee On Economic Development And Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nunakput , that Committee Report 7-16(2) be received by the Assembly and moved into Committee of the Whole for consideration.

Motion carried; Committee Report 7-16(2)

received and referred to Committee of the Whole.

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Committee Report 7-16(2) Standing Committee On Economic Development And Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you once again, Mr. Speaker, and thank you again, colleagues. I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 93(4) to have Committee Report 7-16(2) moved into Committee of the Whole for today.

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Committee Report 7-16(2) Standing Committee On Economic Development And Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 93(4) and have the committee report moved into Committee of the Whole for today.

Unanimous consent granted.

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Committee Report 7-16(2) Standing Committee On Economic Development And Infrastructure Report On The Review Of The 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates

Reports of Standing and Special Committees

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Item 5, returns to oral questions. Item 6, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

It is my pleasure today to welcome, as well, the grade 6 students from Princess Alexandra School and their teachers and chaperones here to the Legislative Assembly on their yearly trip. It’s always nice to have them here. I want to introduce some of them, and then my colleague Jane will introduce the rest of them.

I would like to introduce Shaylynn St. Jean, Brittany Tregidgo, Jasmine Vocat, Jenna Aken, Zackary Bonnetrouge, Scott Burrows, Amy Cayen, Nicholas Cockney, Deena Corrigal, Clell Crook, Emily Fraser, Joely Gauthier, Kimberly-Ann Grandy, Jeffrey Greonheyde, Carter Hill, E.J. Lau-a, Sean Mabbit, Rachel Mack, Zachary Martin, Ashley Rowe, Patrick Smith, Sadie Stark, Bailey Vogt, Shylow Warrington, Lyndon Yee.

I’d also like to recognize a constituent of mine, Joe Gagnier, the driver of the bus that brought the students over here. Also, I’d like to recognize my constituency assistant, Deb Mageean, in the audience.

I’ll go to my colleague Mrs. Groenewegen , Hay River South, for recognition of visitors in the gallery.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’ll read these names quickly. I would like to recognize teachers Jennifer Tweedie and Elliot Johnson; chaperones Deb Monkman, Steve

Anderson, Barb Aiken, Elizabeth Scheper, Robert Fraser, Rodney Burrows, Aaron Martin and Rachel Yee; and students Max Anderson, Abby Annavarapu, Thomas Appaw, Shania Bernarde, Makyla Buckley, Nathanial Cockney, Cameron Croucher, Jack Jensen, Keenan Lafferty, Carlie Larocque, Kathleen Lundbek, Bryce Maher, Hanna-Jo McBryan, Dane Monkman, Gabriel Pangborn, Herbert Pekok, Chad Plamondon, Drake Roberts, Nathan Scheper and Andre Schmidt. I’d also like to recognize my constituency assistant, Ms. Wendy Morgan.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Sahtu

Norman Yakeleya

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize a constituent of mine who has relocated to Hay River, Shania Benard, from Tulita, visiting her grandmother in Hay River.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Sahtu

Norman Yakeleya

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to also welcome the young group from Alberta and B.C. on the Carlson tour of our Northwest Territories. I understand they spent the night in Hay River and also spent two nights in Yellowknife. They’re going to be leaving tomorrow back to their respective communities. Have a safe drive. We certainly appreciate having you visit the Northwest Territories.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, I think I speak for all Members when I say that when doing this job, we need the unconditional support of your family. With that, I’d like to recognize my wife, Judy, who’s been my source of support and encouragement for the last 29 years.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

If we’ve missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the House. I hope you’re enjoying the proceedings. It’s always nice to have an audience in here.

Item 7, acknowledgements. Item 8, oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Question 214-16(2) Minister’s Advisory Panel On The Economy

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In follow up to Mr. Bromley ’s questions from yesterday and Mr. McLeod’s announcement yesterday that he plans to form a Minister’s Advisory Panel on the Economy, I have a few questions about that.

Right now, as everyone knows, we are undertaking some pretty drastic cuts in the GNWT budget, and we are also undertaking a review of all agencies, boards and commissions, with an eye, I suppose, to streamlining and reducing the number of boards and agencies we have.

With that backdrop in mind, I would like to ask Minister Bob McLeod how much this new Minister’s Advisory Panel on the Economy is going to cost this government.

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Question 214-16(2) Minister’s Advisory Panel On The Economy

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

The honourable Minister Bob McLeod .

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Question 214-16(2) Minister’s Advisory Panel On The Economy

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

I expect the cost to be minimal to the government.

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Question 214-16(2) Minister’s Advisory Panel On The Economy

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

If the advisory panel is going to be representative, it is going to have to comprise people from different regions of the Northwest Territories. I assume, unless we’re going to use modern communications technologies, that is going to involve getting those people together on a quarterly or annual basis, and that’s going to mean bringing people to a meeting. So I’d like to ask the Minister if any cost analysis or budget was prepared for this panel.

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Question 214-16(2) Minister’s Advisory Panel On The Economy

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

We would work out the budgets with the panel. The expectation is that we would use the modern technology that’s available so we could have long-distance meetings. The expectation is that most of the representatives would pay their own way.

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Question 214-16(2) Minister’s Advisory Panel On The Economy

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Yesterday when the Minister was questioned about why this was the first time Regular Members had heard of this new advisory panel, the Minister responded that he was advising us right here in this House. That’s where we heard it. You heard it here first. We never heard of it before.

I’d like to ask the Minister how long this plan has been in the works and if he doesn’t believe it would’ve been appropriate to bring this to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure, since it is a panel — a Ministers’ panel — on the economy.

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Question 214-16(2) Minister’s Advisory Panel On The Economy

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

This isn’t something that’s new. I think the 13th Assembly and I believe the 14th Assembly had advisory panels. It is a panel to advise the committee, and I’m quite prepared to discuss it with the standing committee.

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Question 214-16(2) Minister’s Advisory Panel On The Economy

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 214-16(2) Minister’s Advisory Panel On The Economy

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Mr.

Speaker, there have

been advisory panels on the economy in the past. As long as they’ve been around while I’ve been a Member of the Assembly, I’ve always thought it a little odd…. Not that we shouldn’t talk or dialogue with people outside this Assembly, but might I suggest there’s a good advisory panel on all manner of things sitting right over here on this side of the House? I would appreciate Ministers taking that into account more often.

Mr. Speaker, will the Minister commit to coming back with a budget and letting us know how much and how we’re going to pay for this new Minister’s Advisory Panel on the Economy?

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Question 214-16(2) Minister’s Advisory Panel On The Economy

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr.

Speaker, we’re quite

prepared to do that. Also, to clarify the Member’s expectations that we would consult only with the honourable Members…. We’re quite prepared to do that, and we want to do that, but I think we also need to consult with other stakeholders in the Northwest Territories.

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Question 214-16(2) Minister’s Advisory Panel On The Economy

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 215-16(2) Road Paving In The Community Of N’dilo

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transportation . I mentioned today the shameful situation of the pavement stopping at the entrance to N’dilo. I’m not sure exactly; it seems to be an overlap in responsibilities and so on. I think what’s needed is possibly a lead in getting this issue resolved. I’m wondering if the Minister of Transportation sees a role he could play to help this issue get resolved.

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Question 215-16(2) Road Paving In The Community Of N’dilo

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . The honourable Minister of Transportation , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Question 215-16(2) Road Paving In The Community Of N’dilo

Oral Questions

Sahtu

Norman Yakeleya

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, the Member raises the question about the previous government having done some work on the N’dilo road there. As the Minister, I would be happy to sit down with the Member and possibly some of the leadership of N’dilo in terms of looking at this issue within the municipal boundaries. I need to sit down with the Member and see where he sees his

part in terms of assisting with this issue, probably with the city. So I’d like to have this discussion further with the Member once we can arrange some time to sit down together.

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Question 215-16(2) Road Paving In The Community Of N’dilo

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, thanks to the Minister for those comments. He’s quite correct; I believe it was Mr. Ballantyne in the past who actually arranged for a small, central strip of pavement to be laid down on this road. It’s long gone now, of course. But it does show there is some feeling of responsibility and a role for the territorial government. I appreciate the Minister’s comments. Would he be willing to contact the members of the Yellowknife Dene First Nation, say within the week, during their protest here and let them know he is interested and supportive and will be seeking ways to help out with this?

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Question 215-16(2) Road Paving In The Community Of N’dilo

Oral Questions

Sahtu

Norman Yakeleya

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, I would be happy to call the leadership. Also, I would have to speak very clearly on that in terms of the

department facilitating, possibly, some meetings between the proper authorities in terms of this responsibility. I’ll look into it more and work with the Member in terms of how we facilitate something the Member is raising today.

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Question 215-16(2) Road Paving In The Community Of N’dilo

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

We have a record number of years, now, of government saying they’re not sure where the responsibilities lie, and so on. So obviously, we’re looking for resolution. The Minister has made that commitment. Does the Minister have some source of funds that could at least help to get this program started and off the ground — the chipseal program, et cetera?

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Question 215-16(2) Road Paving In The Community Of N’dilo

Oral Questions

Sahtu

Norman Yakeleya

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, I can discuss this with my officials and would certainly keep Mr. Bromley in the loop in terms of our responsibility — where it starts and where it stops in terms of dealing with the municipalities. We certainly want to facilitate this discussion with him. As Mr. Bromley knows, this could also be requested from other communities in other regions, so I want to be very careful in terms of our investment, in terms of where we are. But I will be there to sit down with the leadership, Mr. Bromley , and have that discussion with the appropriate authorities.

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Question 215-16(2) Road Paving In The Community Of N’dilo

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Mr. Speaker, in light of my statement, and also with the National Day of Action in regard to the First Nations to court and the situation we find with our First Nations people, I don’t think the Northwest Territories is any different from any jurisdiction in Canada.

I’d like to ask the Deputy Premier : exactly what is this government doing to deal with the poverty that First Nations children and families find themselves in, in the Northwest Territories? More importantly, what are we doing to stimulate those community economies so these people can get out of poverty?

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Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Deputy Premier , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

First, I’d just like to note that Premier Roland is out meeting with the other First Ministers at the annual Western Premiers Conference in Prince Albert. They took time to recognize this important day and encourage everybody to take part and look to how we can do things better.

In regard to the question from the Member, clearly the budget that’s before this House is replete with areas where there’s money for communities. We have a unique circumstance: there are only two

jurisdictions in Canada that have consensus government. They have a 50 per cent aboriginal population. We have a public government that administers programs on behalf of all Northerners. We have a health system, education system, tourism, economic development, transportation; every program we deliver is there for all Northerners. We try to pay attention to small communities as well. We have many other initiatives as we struggle to deal with the cost of living and some of the social indicators. Clearly, everything we do is geared toward having the best possible life for all Northerners, including aboriginal people.

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Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

As I stated in my statement, just by assessing the incomes of people who live in small aboriginal communities in relation to larger centres, where the average income in the small community is $30,000 and in the larger centres it’s $90,000…. That alone tells you the economy in those communities is not there. I’d like to ask the Minister: exactly what is this government doing to stimulate the economies of those communities and not simply put the people on income support or welfare?

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Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

First, let me state that a good education is the best investment we can make for any Northerner or any Canadian. The statistics show very clearly that the better educated you are, the better your job opportunities. The employment rate among those with college degrees and diplomas and university degrees is very, very high. It is in the 90 per cent range, I believe. In the small communities we recognize there are limited opportunities. With those that are close to a major resource development, there’s been impact benefit agreements. We have extensive support for adult upgrading education.

We have funding through the BDIC to work with local small business initiatives. We have ITI. We want to work with the aboriginal governments as well as look at pooling our money. There are a host of ways we’re trying to work to improve the quality of life for all those in all communities.

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Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

I know I’ve heard this issue around the table a couple times here today: dust control, pavement in communities. That’s a quality-of-life issue. I think that by hearing it here today…. It was raised in the protest I was at today; that item was heard loud and clear down Franklin Avenue. As a government, a good example is the quality of life in communities. The day of dust and dust and more dust is gone. I think this government has to have a better program in place to improve the quality of life in communities. I’d like to ask the Minister: exactly what are we doing to really improve the quality of life for people in our 28 communities in the Northwest Territories?

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Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . We’re going into a bit of a different line of questioning here, but I’ll allow the Minister to answer. Mr. Miltenberger .

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Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the good things about having the march down Franklin Avenue, of course, is that it’s fully paved with curbs and gutters. Although it’s not an issue here in Yellowknife, I appreciate the concern of the Member.

I want to point out that the Government of the Northwest Territories through MACA has significantly increased funding to communities with the gas tax money, the infrastructure money that has been flowed to the governments. I believe there’s another $25 million in the budget as well, this time, to further supplement the funding to communities. We’re working very hard through the New Deal to make sure communities have the tools and ability to be able to deal with issues in the communities such as dust control.

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Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Again, I’d like to ask the Minister: do they have a plan to deal with poverty in the Northwest Territories and compare it to the national statistics out there? Living in the Northwest Territories it’s pretty obvious we have homeless people, who we see here in the streets in Yellowknife. We see the drug abuse that’s going on. It is affecting all communities in the Northwest Territories. Again, that’s another sign of poverty.

I’d like to ask the Deputy Premier : is this government going to develop any statistics by way of the request that was made to deal with the poverty of children in the Northwest Territories and also with investment in those communities? I’d like to ask the Deputy Premier : is that something this government is developing as part of your strategic initiative to ensure we have a document that can…?

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Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . I’ll let the Minister answer.

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Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Clearly the initiatives that we’re working on, including the cost of living, maximizing benefits for Northerners, improving services to communities, are all geared to that end. Clearly, as it was pointed by the Member for Tu Nedhe , while we have one of the hottest economies in the country and our unemployment rate is overall very low, not all communities have shared the benefits of that rapid expansion and hot economy. What we have to do is be able to create a rising tide that raises all the boats of all communities, not just a select few. That is a challenge before us, and it’s one we’re committed to working on.

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Question 216-16(2) Poverty Issues Affecting Aboriginal People

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 217-16(2) Eliminating Government Red Tape (Hawkins)

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, in today’s Member’s statement I talked about the need to help eliminate red tape. I highlighted that the lead Minister, Minister Miltenberger , will be leading a committee called Refocusing Government Strategic Initiative Committee. He talked about a lot of actions, but there’s a special area he quotes where he talks about efficient and effect government.

I’d suggested a red tape initiative, and I’d like to hear if our lead Minister on this file, Minister Miltenberger , would take on this task and add this to the mandate of this Refocusing Government Committee.

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Question 217-16(2) Eliminating Government Red Tape (Hawkins)

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Mr. Miltenberger .

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Question 217-16(2) Eliminating Government Red Tape (Hawkins)

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

That function is implicit in the work we do. I acknowledge the Member’s point. If it needs to be more explicit, then we will make it so. I do want to point out that some of the things we’re doing, like boards and agencies, for example, are by definition going to be exercises in efficiency. We’re going to look at rationalizing policies, legislation, bringing together financial systems to get away from duplication of services so that any funds freed up can be put into program delivery. Those are all going to be ways that will address the issue the Member has raised.

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Question 217-16(2) Eliminating Government Red Tape (Hawkins)

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

We have policies that are in writing that we have a hard enough time getting fulfilled and followed. Consensus is implicit, as we all know, but at times it isn’t done that simply. If Minister Miltenberger is saying he would be willing to put it into writing clearly that elimination of red tape will be an initiative they’ll take on, I would prefer he do that. Would he do that?

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Question 217-16(2) Eliminating Government Red Tape (Hawkins)

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

As we work with the federal government and Mr. McCraig to sort our regulatory reform and streamlining of processes, so too are we doing that through our internal processes. While we may not use the term “red tape,” I will commit to the Member that we will look at recognizing and realizing the same such efficiencies through processes, clear policies — maybe fewer policies, better-coordinated policies — and better and more coordinated interaction between the different arms of government.

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Question 217-16(2) Eliminating Government Red Tape (Hawkins)

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Nothing would be more clear than if we added an item number 6 under his actions that said, Work to eliminate red tape at every possibility.

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Question 217-16(2) Eliminating Government Red Tape (Hawkins)

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

I’d be happy to take that clear suggestion and exact wording to the refocusing committee. I’m the chair, but there are other Ministers on the committee, so I will commit to

take that to committee. I will let the Member know the outcome of that. The point is a good one, and it’s not to be denied.

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Question 217-16(2) Eliminating Government Red Tape (Hawkins)

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 217-16(2) Eliminating Government Red Tape (Hawkins)

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

I’ll take the Minister on that commitment. Could the Minister further commit to having that done within the next few weeks? It’s only a simple line.

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Question 217-16(2) Eliminating Government Red Tape (Hawkins)

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

I’ll commit to having it done before the end of session.

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Question 217-16(2) Eliminating Government Red Tape (Hawkins)

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 218-16(2) Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Health and Social Services , Ms. Lee . I wanted to get back to Stanton Territorial Hospital. In my Member’s statement I identified some previous decisions governments have made that, in my mind, have led to some substantial low morale and inadequate operational capacity at that hospital. Like I said in my statement, this is just one area.

I’d like to ask the Minister some questions in regard to the privatization of services at Stanton; I’m talking about housekeeping, laundry and food services. I’m wondering if the Minister knows how much those contracts cost and whether or not the department has done an analysis on the cost-benefit to having those contracts in place.

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Question 218-16(2) Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The honourable Minister of Health , Ms. Lee .

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Question 218-16(2) Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Oral Questions

Range Lake

Sandy Lee

Minister of Health and Social Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The current contract the authority has with Sodexo is a five-year contract for dietary, housekeeping and laundry services. The total cost of the contract is $2.3 million. Our studies indicate that by doing it in-house we’re looking at probably about $700,000 more than we are spending on the contract.

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Question 218-16(2) Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

I think these are some of the issues that need to be fleshed out. They need to be discussed, whether it’s in a public forum or back and forth between the Minister and me — or maybe the Social Programs Committee should get involved in this. But, Mr. Speaker, of that $2.3 million a year, I think a good portion probably heads straight south. Like I said, Sodexo’s a multinational corporation, and they must take a good percentage of that $2.3 million per year with them.

I’d like to ask the Minister: the public administrator who has been brought in to look at the operational

management areas at Stanton — is this going to be an area they will concern themselves with?

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Question 218-16(2) Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Oral Questions

Range Lake

Sandy Lee

Minister of Health and Social Services

I have to state that while the latest topics of discussion are with respect to the deficit situation, I think it’s more correct to say we are looking at all aspects of the operation. We are looking at transformational changes needed, not only to deal with the deficit situation. It is an organization under stress, and I think we need to look at all the programs — they do run 53 programs. We need to look at them all and see how they’re doing, if we can do better, what things need to be changed.

I want to advise the Member and the public out there that whatever we do will be a completely public process. I think it’s an important institution and a hospital for all of the territory, and we should all be a part of moving forward on what changes are to take place.

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Question 218-16(2) Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, I didn’t really hear the Minister say whether or not the public administrator would be looking at this. I believe not, but I’d like to ask the Minister if she would entertain having a full cost-benefit analysis done on those functions at Stanton Territorial Hospital — I’m talking laundry, housekeeping and food services — so we can find out if, indeed, we can spend that money more wisely. And if it is a little bit more money and it’s going to go into our local economy, that’s something we need to have that discussion, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister commit to doing something like that?

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Question 218-16(2) Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Oral Questions

Range Lake

Sandy Lee

Minister of Health and Social Services

Mr. Speaker, in fact, the public administrator is engaged in the review of all 53 programs. That includes a cost-benefit analysis, but also the mandate given to the 53 programs: whether the Stanton Hospital, as it is, should be delivering all the programs it is; whether some of them could be moved elsewhere; whether some of the privatization should be moved in or out. I think those are all broad questions we need to look at, and we are looking at. The public administrator certainly has the mandate to look at all that. It will be something I will work on with the Members on the other side as well.

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Question 218-16(2) Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms.

Lee. Final

supplementary, Mr. Ramsay .

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Question 218-16(2) Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To my knowledge, there is no requirement by Sodexo to hire northern people for these positions. I’d like to ask the Minister if she knows how much of that $2.3 million per year on those contracts actually stays in the North.

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Question 218-16(2) Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Oral Questions

Range Lake

Sandy Lee

Minister of Health and Social Services

Mr. Speaker, I don’t have that information on hand. It is a private contractor. I will be happy to enquire as to whether we could get

information on how many employees they have, where they live, and such.

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Question 218-16(2) Privatization Of Services At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Minister. The Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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Question 219-16(2) Deficit At Beaufort-Delta Health Board

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Social Services . It is in regard to the quality of health care services being provided out of the Inuvik Hospital, and the deficit situation they find themselves in.

Speaking as the Member for Mackenzie Delta , each community has a lot of money designated for community expenses for health and social services, yet services continue to be taken away from communities, moved to Inuvik and then, basically, administered out of Inuvik. They fly people into the community, put them up in a hotel for a week and then fly them back.

Mr. Speaker, the Inuvik health board has a major deficit year after year after year, and yet nothing seems to be done about it. With regard to Stanton Hospital, you basically have a caretaker administrator put in place; they go in there and they basically micro-manage the thing to death. I’d like to know why you aren’t doing that in the case of the Inuvik Hospital.

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Question 219-16(2) Deficit At Beaufort-Delta Health Board

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

The honourable Minister of Health , Ms. Lee .

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Question 219-16(2) Deficit At Beaufort-Delta Health Board

Oral Questions

Range Lake

Sandy Lee

Minister of Health and Social Services

Mr. Speaker, first of all, we do have a governing body, a governing board, in the Beaufort-Delta Regional Health Authority. We do have a deficit situation there, but it is not as severe as Stanton, obviously.

I would like to advise the Member that the deficit-recovery plan for Stanton will be in a package that speaks to all authorities, Mr.

Speaker, when it

comes forward in this House.

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Question 219-16(2) Deficit At Beaufort-Delta Health Board

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Mr. Speaker, I have to disagree with the Minister on that one. When basic programs and services aren’t being delivered in communities — such as the mental health, the alcohol and drug, and nurses — or even the doctor’s visit or dental care, for that matter, is now not being offered like it should be, I think we have a problem.

I would like to ask the Minister: exactly why is it that we are having such a major problem delivering basic services in communities, but it doesn’t seem to be a problem in the larger centres where a lot of these decisions are being made? I’d like to ask the Minister: exactly what is your department doing to ensure that basic programs and services are being

delivered in communities that are recognized under the Canada Health Act?

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Question 219-16(2) Deficit At Beaufort-Delta Health Bo