Debates of June 4th, 1997

This is page numbers 1305 - 1345 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 4th 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 action .

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Reform Of Health And Social Services In The NWT And Strategic Planning

1996 Housing Needs Survey

Small Boat Safety

The Jim Bourque Scholarship Fund

Arctic Energy Alliance

NWT Outstanding Volunteer Service Award - 1997

Northern Teacher Education Graduates

Providing A Strong Foundation To Children

Arctic Energy Alliance

Commercial Fishing Crisis

Water Delivery Cutbacks

Transitional Housing Needs

Appreciation For Government Employees

Mackenzie Delta Summer Events

Rae-edzo Power Outages

Small Community Employment Opportunities

Hmcs Yellowknife Launching

Accomplishments Of Iqaluit Residents

Congratulations To Rotary Award Winner Tony Whitford

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Baker Lake School Extension

Northern Companies In Good Standing

Summer Availability Of Ministers

Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Division Transition Plan

Holman Island Air Terminal

Nunavut Legislative Assembly

Employer Responsibilities Re: WCB Premiums

Ownership Of Pangnirtung Print Shop

Staff Training Information

Assistance To Ice-bound Constituents

Contract For Keewatin Medevac Services

Written Question 31-13(4): Cost Of GNWT Staff Reductions

Written Question 32-13(4): Financing For Legislative Assembly Building

Item 13: Tabling Of Documents

Item 16: Motions

Extended Adjournment

Relocation Of Federal Civil Servants

Item 17: First Reading Of Bills

Item 18: Second Reading Of Bills

Written Question 33-13(4): Availability Of Legal Aid For Family Law Issues

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

Committee Report 7-13(4): Report Of The Working Group On Affirmative Action And Human Resource Management

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills

Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Members Present

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

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Oh, God, may your spirit and guidance be in us as we work for the benefit of all our people, for peace and justice in our land and for constant recognition of the dignity and aspirations of those whom we serve. Amen.

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 1305

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Evaloarjuk . Good afternoon. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Ng .

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Minister's Statement 91-13(4): Reform Of Health And Social Services In The NWT And Strategic Planning

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1305

Kelvin Ng

Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to update my honourable colleagues and the public on the reform initiatives underway in the Department of Health and Social Services. As you know, the department wishes to create a sustainable health and social services system -- one that provides the care people need in the most effective way. Change is necessary to achieve this. Together with our partners, we have committed to reform based on sound principles. The first step in this process has been to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the current system, with an assessment of the challenges and options facing us.

Earlier this year, the department contracted with a multi-disciplinary group of health and social service professionals, Med-Emerg International, to carry out this analysis and prepare a strategic directions document. The Med-Emerg consultants met with department staff, health boards, and community leaders in each region. They reviewed the wealth of information that has been gathered over the years. In their final report, the Med-Emerg consultants have raised points which form a useful base for further discussions on the strategic plan.

Some of the areas covered in the Med-Emerg report include:

- a proposed organizational framework for Health and Social Services;

- a description of the demographics of the NWT, a profile of the diseases and social conditions affecting northerners and their health;

- recommended strategies for development of the social services and the health system;

- a review of the human resource issues facing health and social services, with strategies for recruiting, developing and retaining staff;

- a formula funding approach based on the population and needs of regions and communities; and

- recommendations for improving the governance of the health and social services system.

Public discussion of the strategic planning process will be coordinated by regional health boards, with the assistance of the department. The boards will be meeting with people in their regions until mid-October. Department staff will work with them, listen to the public comments, and analyze the information gathered in those meetings with a view to having a final strategic plan ready early in the New Year. In the meantime, the department is able to continue to progress in areas that are consistent with our overall goals for improving the system.

For example - the decentralization of Mackenzie Regional Health Services is substantially completed. Seven new governing bodies in the south Mackenzie will bring greater control of health and social services to the regional and community level. Public hearings on the new Child and Family Services Act are in progress and work to significantly improve the delivery of child welfare services is well underway.

Other reforms continue to be implemented in the fields of addiction services, long term care, repatriation of northern patients from southern institutions and the development of an integrated information system for the department.

A discussion paper on formula funding has been distributed to health boards. Work on the formula is expected to be completed by August. Boards and the department are working together to develop a memorandum of understanding which will clearly describe their respective roles now and into the future. The department is making organizational changes to support strategic reform and to prepare for division.

Mr. Speaker, I believe we are heading in the right direction. My staff and I look forward to working with the public and our other partners to develop a strategic plan which will set clear direction for the development of effective, responsive health and social services in both new territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 91-13(4): Reform Of Health And Social Services In The NWT And Strategic Planning

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1305

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Minister's Statement 92-13(4): 1996 Housing Needs Survey

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1306

Goo Arlooktoo

Baffin South

Mr. Speaker, later this afternoon I will be tabling the first of a series of reports on the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation's 1996 Housing Needs Survey. This first report contains initial findings and analysis of housing needs in the Northwest Territories. I am releasing this report on the overall results for the Northwest Territories to emphasize that we still face a serious housing challenge.

Almost 25 percent of all households in the Northwest Territories have a housing need which they cannot resolve without some form of government intervention. This is two times higher than the rate for any other area in Canada. Housing need in the north has risen to 4,350 households from 3,500 in 1992. this has occurred despite this government's investment of $160 million in 1,435 homes since 1992.

Since the last Housing Needs Survey in 1992, the environment in which the corporation has worked has changed dramatically. Most important is the fact that our funding from the federal government has been significantly reduced. As you will recall, Mr. Speaker, the federal government began eliminating funding for new social housing back in 1993. Since then, the provinces and territories have not received funding for the construction of new social housing units from the federal government.

Recently in Ottawa, I signed an agreement with the Honourable Diane Marleau, Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, to protect the funding we presently receive to operate the 6,000 social housing units currently in existence across the territories. However, the serious housing situation in the north remains and I will be bringing this issue to the attention of the new federal Minister at the earliest opportunity.

The next survey report will be published and sent to all Members in July and this report will outline individual community profiles. However, it will not just contain the number of households in need. The report will also outline possible solutions to address this need. I look forward to working with each member of this Legislative Assembly on the situation in each of their communities.

The Corporation will now be able to use the 1996 Housing Needs Survey to help each community to develop plans to help solve their specific housing needs. This will be done in close cooperation with local housing organizations and municipal governments. The Corporation will develop unique solutions to each community's problems.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my deepest thanks to all of the employees of the community housing organizations who went door-to-door doing interviews for this survey. Without their co-operation this survey would not have been possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 92-13(4): 1996 Housing Needs Survey

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1306

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Arlooktoo . Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine .

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Minister's Statement 93-13(4): Small Boat Safety

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1306

Jim Antoine

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly. Today I would like to give an update on the Small Boat Safety Awareness Program. This will be the third year the Department of Transportation has delivered the program in the Northwest Territories on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard.

The Small Boat Safety Awareness Program is a national public education initiative to promote small boat safety. The Department of Transportation takes a special interest in getting the program out to the communities because, year after year, the Northwest Territories has had the highest number of drowning fatalities per capita in Canada.

To gain the widest participation, the program enlists the help of federal, territorial and volunteer staff in the communities. The program's partners include the Departments of Municipal and Community Affairs; Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development; National Defence; local detachments of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as well as its Federal Enforcement Section; the Canadian Red Cross; Sports North; the NWT Canoeing Association and the City of Yellowknife Fire Department.

A training seminar is held each spring to teach the program's many partners in the proper use of boating safety equipment, safe loading limits for passengers and cargo and the use of a boat's power rating to match boat and motor properly. Over the boating season, the instructors take the boating safety message to public schools, hunters and trappers associations, boating clubs and many other interested community groups.

Once again, the target audience in 1997 will be school age children; teaching the next generation about boating safety as they grow up. This year's program will emphasize that most of our boating fatalities occur to young men between 18 and 35 years of age and, all too often, involve the use of alcohol.

In its first two years of operation, the Small Boat Safety Awareness Program has visited close to 50 communities and reached almost half of the population of the Northwest Territories. The success of the program can be seen in community interest for greater involvement and, more and more, we will see communities taking the lead in promoting water safety.

This year, the Small Boat Safety Awareness Program introduces its mascot, Pukta, the Water Safety Bear. I am proud to say that the idea of incorporating a northern mascot in the program was developed by our Department of Transportation. Pukta has since been adopted by the Canadian Coast Guard in its water safety programs across Canada. I would like to congratulate Sarah Ittinuar of Rankin Inlet for naming Pukta and winning the "Name the Mascot" contest. Pukta means "to float" in Inuktitut.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure the Members are with me in hoping for an accident free boating season this year. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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Minister's Statement 93-13(4): Small Boat Safety

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1307

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Antoine . Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin .

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Minister's Statement 94-13(4): The Jim Bourque Scholarship Fund

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1307

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In memory of Jim Bourque, P.C., a scholarship fund is being established through the Arctic Institute of North America. The fund will provide annual scholarships to Canadian aboriginal students who intend to take post secondary training in education, environmental studies, traditional knowledge or telecommunications.

The fund was endowed with a contribution of $10,000 from the Government of the Northwest Territories through the Department of Resource, Wildlife and Economic Development to recognize Mr. Bourque's public service to the people and environment of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Bourque's primary goals in life were:

-to promote the wise use of resources;

-to further the involvement of aboriginal people and traditional knowledge in resource management; and

-to ensure that our children inherit a healthy environment and economy.

In pursuit of these goals, Mr. Bourque shared his knowledge and wisdom with everyone he met and we hope you will help make this fund as big as Jim's heart and soul were. Mr. Bourque worked very hard on behalf of all of the people of the Northwest Territories. He was honest, well liked and highly respected. Everyone knew him as a fair man who believed in the rights of all people; he treated everyone, from trappers to world leaders, with respect. He was also blessed with a deep love of his family.

From 1982 to 1991, he served as deputy minister of Renewable Resources and played an instrumental role in promoting the fur industry. His reputation and love of the north led to a role in constitutional development and unity efforts in the north by heading the Bourque Commission in 1993.

Among his other accomplishments, Mr. Bourque served as co-director of policy for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in 1994 and as President of the Metis Nation from 1980 to 1982. In recognition of his long service to his people and his country, Mr. Bourque was appointed to the Privy Council by the Governor General at the recommendation of the Prime Minister in July, 1992.

Contributions are tax deductible and may be made payable to the:

Jim Bourque Scholarship Fund

c/o Mr. Mike Robertson, Director, Arctic Institute of North America

2500 University Drive N.W.

Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4

The first scholarships will be awarded in 1998. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 94-13(4): The Jim Bourque Scholarship Fund

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1307

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Minister's Statement 95-13(4): Arctic Energy Alliance

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1307

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as many Members know, approximately $300 million is spent in the Northwest Territories each year to supply heating fuels, electricity and water. This expenditure creates a tremendous burden on the economy of the Northwest Territories, especially where much of this cost is spent on importing fossil fuels from the south.

Today, I am pleased to announce an initiative which is expected to lead to the reduction of these costs for both this government and the people of the Northwest Territories. Earlier today, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs , the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board , the Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation, and the past president of the NWT Association of Municipalities, and myself as Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development , all signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will see the creation of the Arctic Energy Alliance.

The Arctic Energy Alliance is a new, joint initiative between the north's major utility customers, suppliers and regulatory services. Its purpose will be to reduce consumption and costs of energy related utilities by promoting greater co-operation and commitment to better energy management in the Northwest Territories. The alliance is a registered society, governed by a board of directors, core funded by the partner organizations and staffed with energy and communication specialists. The alliance is expected to be operational within six months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 95-13(4): Arctic Energy Alliance

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1307

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi . Ministers statements. Ms. Thompson .

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Minister's Statement 96-13(4): NWT Outstanding Volunteer Service Award - 1997

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1307

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to announce the recipient of the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for 1997. Mr. Alan Falconer is being recognized for the contributions he has made to improving the lives of so many seniors in the NWT.

Mr. Falconer's commitment to volunteerism is as long as his 32 year residency in the north.

Mr. Falconer believes strongly in creating a community that supports seniors and is often heard saying that the pioneers of the north should be able to remain here in their old age rather than being forced out of their community in later years. The work of Al Falconer is a model of how we may become empowered to improve our lives without being dependent on government.

The presentation ceremony for Mr. Falconer will be held July 25 at the Aven Manor. In recognizing his accomplishments:

-Al's name has been inscribed on the department's NWT Outstanding Volunteer Service Award recognition plaque;

-He will receive a personal plaque;

-He will also receive a carving, which Fort Smith artist Mr. Sonny MacDonald, donates to the award recipient.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to join me in congratulating Mr. Alan Falconer for his many years of dedicated service to our elders.

-- Applause

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Minister's Statement 96-13(4): NWT Outstanding Volunteer Service Award - 1997

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1308

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Ms. Thompson . Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent .

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Minister's Statement 97-13(4): Northern Teacher Education Graduates

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1308

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Education, Culture and Employment has set a goal that by the year 2000, 50 percent of the teachers in Nunavut and the new western territory will be aboriginal. The department, the public colleges, the divisional education councils and the two Yellowknife district education authorities have been working together to reach this goal through community-based Teacher Education Programs. As well, campus-based Teacher Education Programs are offered by the colleges.

Teacher Education Program graduates first receive a diploma in teaching, after which many choose to continue their studies in a Bachelor of Education program. Students with Aurora College transfer to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, while students at Nunavut Arctic College can work towards a McGill Bachelor of Education in Iqaluit or Montreal.

I am pleased to announce that a number of northern teacher education students have graduated from Bachelor of Education programs this year. In April, six students received their McGill Bachelor of Education degrees at the Nunavut Arctic College convocation in Iqaluit. They are Leesie Akulukjuk, Mary Alikatuktuk and Marlene Angnakak all of Pangnirtung; Nute Arnauyuymayuq of Arctic Bay, Lyn Kennedy of Iqaluit and Maggie Kunilusie of Broughton Island.

In May, seven students from the western Arctic graduated from the Indian Teacher Education Program at the University of Saskatchewan. They are Phoebe Allaire, Ruby Blake, Mary Grundy, Beverly Hardisty, Sheila Hilliard, Lorna Masazumi and Tammy Steinwand. I would like to note that Ms. Grundy and Ms. Steinwand both graduate with Great Distinction, and they were the only two students in the entire class to achieve this honour. Ms. Grundy is a graduate of the Teacher Education Program in Fort Smith, while Ms. Steinwand is a graduate of the Dogrib Community Teacher Education Program.

Well-trained, well-qualified teachers are essential to providing quality education to NWT students. Teachers who are born and raised in the north have a particular advantage because they share the language and culture of their community and the students they teach. The NWT Teacher Education Programs are providing northern teacher trainees with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed with university studies and to succeed as competent and highly-skilled classroom teachers.

-- Applause

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Minister's Statement 97-13(4): Northern Teacher Education Graduates

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1308

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Item 2, Members' statements. Mr. Roland .

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Member's Statement 387-13(4): Providing A Strong Foundation To Children

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1308

Floyd Roland

Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by sending greetings to my wife and children back home.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been some time now since we first took

part in our first session of the 13th Assembly. I believe that we have all tried to represent our constituencies as best we can. It seems, Mr. Speaker, that the people of the north look to the government for solutions to all our problems. Mr. Speaker, we need to get the message out to our constituents that we, as a government, can only try to provide the necessary tools to help them in their normal, day to day lives.

Mr. Speaker, governments have tried to be the body to deal with all our problems, and it has failed time after time. I am not saying that governments have failed at everything. We have had some successes. Mr. Speaker, the message the government needs to start sending is one that nobody likes to deal with and it is time that someone starts to address this. Mr. Speaker, we have heard that it is very important that a solid foundation is formed early in a child's life. As I have said earlier, as a government we can only try to help by providing the tools necessary in building this foundation. Mr.

Speaker, we cannot make decisions in place of parents and family members. Indeed, we cannot make any individual do what they do not want to do, but we can help them in some of their daily decisions by providing information in a timely way.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to end by quoting from the Good Book, Proverbs 22, verse 6: "Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it." Mr.

Speaker, I know that what we do as a government is only policy and programs, but it is the message we send along with those that can help in day to day lives. Thank you.

-- Applause

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Member's Statement 387-13(4): Providing A Strong Foundation To Children

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1309

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Member's Statement 388-13(4): Arctic Energy Alliance

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1309

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would just like to rise in support of the announcement made by the Minister for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development in regards to the Arctic Energy Alliance. I think this is a very critical initiative when we look at the amount of money being spent. This is critical now and in the future. Mr. Speaker, this is an area where there can be great savings realized, savings unlike the ones we have just had to experience in the first two years. These would be relatively painless and can be realized by efficiencies in the use of energy and making use of the new technologies.

Mr. Speaker, the community that I am from, Fort Smith, in my opinion has been a leader in some of these areas to do with hydrogen, district heating initiatives, the whole area of community energy planning, working closely with the college and the South Slave Research Centre. So along with my accolades to the department, I would like to suggest that Fort Smith would be an ideal location for this Arctic Energy Alliance office, given their involvement of the people.

Obviously, there is full support for this suggestion, Mr. Speaker and I am sure the Minister will remember that when it comes time to make an important decision of this nature. Thank you.

-- Laughter

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Member's Statement 388-13(4): Arctic Energy Alliance

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1309

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Member's Statement 389-13(4): Commercial Fishing Crisis

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1309

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my Member's statement today is about the plight of an industry, an economic sector very important to the riding that I represent. For the past 50 years commercial harvesting of fish from Great Slave Lake has been a sustainable industry creating wealth, employment and livelihood for many people. Today I am sorry to report that most Great Slave Lake fishermen cannot afford to fish this summer.

A combination of low prices announced by the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation and the reduction in the freight subsidy due to GNWT budgetary cuts will net a bottom line resulting in projected losses which eliminate the viability of commercial fishing this summer season.

By a show of hands at the annual general meeting of the NWT Fishermen's Federation, the majority of fishermen indicated that they cannot afford to fish this summer. I would like to thank Mr. Kakfwi , the Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife, and Economic Development for coming to Hay River and meeting with the fishermen. We heard that the problems facing this industry consist of more than the reduction in the freight subsidy. Many areas, including marketing, operating costs, harvesting techniques, product development and processing are all areas that need to be addressed.

While the cost of wages, food, fuel and equipment has risen dramatically in the past 25 years, the price being paid for fish has not risen proportionately. At a time when this government is counting on the private sector to provide much needed jobs for northerners, we must examine our renewable resource sector industries such as commercial fishing, to ensure we are doing everything we can to ensure their viability and continuance.

Commercial fishing on Great Slave Lake employs approximately 180 individuals who could not easily transfer their skills and experience to other types of work. Great Slave Lake yields a sustainable, high quality grade of fish for which there is a market. However, it is an export market and for the past 25 years we have relied on the services of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation to fulfil this marketing role. Along with the raw resource of our fish, we have exported the monetary spinoffs and jobs for processing and handling to a plant in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

When it was determined by this government that Freshwater was not serving the interests of the char and turbit fishery in the eastern Arctic, the development corporation stepped in to assist with transportation, marketing, product development and working capital resulting in workable prices and secondary processing jobs.

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

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Member's Statement 389-13(4): Commercial Fishing Crisis

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1309

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Member's Statement 389-13(4): Commercial Fishing Crisis

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1309

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you to my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I am not suggesting that the eastern Arctic fishery is receiving too much support or that the Great Slave Lake fishermen want or need the assistance of the development corporation but what I am saying is that whitefish producers are in need of help at this time. Although the fishing industry contributes $6 million to our economy annually, at this point in time it is not self-supporting and this is not unusual in the primary production sector in the north, or in the country for that matter.

I realize that the level of financial support to this industry may be fixed due to limited resources. However, I would like to see the fishermen given the opportunity to assess the needs of their industry in light of the existing support, to determine if reallocation of what now is primarily a freight subsidy could be more effectively spent. I believe that we can come up with a workable plan which could be implemented quickly. The research has already all been done, we need a plan developed and driven by the fishermen, not by the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation or by this government. One driven by the fishermen that they can agree with and that they can buy into.

I do not have the answers to the questions that need to be addressed concerning the Great Slave Lake commercial fishery, but I do know that we have a renewable, sustainable, high quality resource sitting right on our doorstep which employs significant numbers of primarily aboriginal northerners which, without some organized support from this government, is going to be lost to the detriment of our economy, my community and most importantly, the fishermen.

The reason that the commercial fishermen of Great Slave Lake are here in the Visitor's Gallery today and are not out fishing is because this, Mr. Speaker, is an industry in crisis. Thank you.

-- Applause

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Member's Statement 389-13(4): Commercial Fishing Crisis

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1310

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Member's Statement 390-13(4): Water Delivery Cutbacks

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1310

Vince Steen

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today my statement will be related to the cutbacks on GNWT programming and the end results of these cutbacks. Mr. Speaker, Members of this government, Legislative Assembly and in particular the Members of Cabinet have made statements in regards to obtaining a balanced budget but not on the backs of the poor or the elders so therefore, we try to design programming that would not affect those types of people.

However, at some point in time I feel it is important that we, as Members and Cabinet Members in particular, take the opportunity to travel to the different regions and see the results of their decisions and the results of the decisions of this Assembly as a whole in person.

Mr. Speaker, probably the best grasp that people can use to judge the effects of our programs and our decisions is to see what effect these program cutbacks are having on the particular elders, poor and, in some cases homeless people. Therefore, it is beneficial once in awhile to hear from a constituent what those actual cutbacks are and the effects they are having. Mr. Speaker, in particular I would like to refer to a letter I received from one of my constituents in regards to water delivery cutbacks. At a later time today, I will table this letter.

It starts off, "I am writing on behalf of Tuktoyaktuk housing residents who are currently encountering many hygienic and financial problems because of the water delivery cutbacks. I have been in Tuktoyaktuk almost three months and I have heard and I have also gone through the problems that Tuktoyaktuk housing residents are unfortunately going through. I would like to point out a few of the problems the water delivery cutbacks are causing:

1. Elders are going without water for at least one or two days...

Mr. Speaker, I would like unanimous consent at this time from my colleagues to complete my statement.

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Member's Statement 390-13(4): Water Delivery Cutbacks

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1310

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Member for Nunakput is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? Mr. Steen , you have unanimous consent.

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Member's Statement 390-13(4): Water Delivery Cutbacks

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1310

Vince Steen

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues. I will start again:

1. Elders are going without water for at least one or two days, as their children and grandchildren are using their water to do laundry, shower and bath.

2. People are bringing in pipeless honey buckets, and by this they mean, honey buckets with no air vents as the flush toilets are useless when they run out of water.

3. Limited water use is hygienically unhealthy as people have to cutback on their showers, baths, laundry, flushing toilets and house cleaning.

4. People are going to their neighbours, friends and relatives with a pail to borrow water, shower, bath and do laundry. It is not only embarrassing, but it is cutting in on people's privacy as well.

In the long run, it is so unhealthy it is beyond our imagination as to what health problems this water cutback will cause and has already caused. Most families are allowed 500 litres of water a week. If they run out of water and want water delivered, they have to pay $50 for a 250 litre tank. Even for people who can afford to pay it, it is another hardship as the cost of living here is so high. I know of some people, even those who are working, who have to go without water for at least two days as they just cannot afford to pay the $50.

The ones suffering are the unemployed, the elders and the single mothers, as they are on a very limited income and this unbelievable cutback is just another hardship to set them back. I am sure there are many other problems I have not mentioned. I would also like to point out that we are definitely going back in time when we use honey buckets. But at least at that time, the honey buckets had vents, running around with a pail to get water. Unfortunately, those who cannot afford very much have to suffer more because of the water issue. Whoever made this water delivery cutback should know this water is the main source of living, especially in this modern age and day."

Mr. Speaker, it is hard to really nail down as to who can trace responsibility for the final decision for the water cutback. If we go and trace this thing, Mr. Speaker, this supply is in particular to residents in social housing. This does not apply to people who own their own homes. We are in a situation here where who would make the decision to cutback water in social housing? Is it the local housing board? Obviously, they are only responding to cutbacks from the Housing Corporation. Is it the Housing Corporation? No, they are responding to cutbacks designated to them by the Minister. Is it the Minister then? No, he would say that he is responding to cutbacks agreed to by Cabinet.

At some point in time, somebody will say well, maybe it is the hamlet council. Well then the hamlet council will say no, we are responding because we have been cutback by MACA and MACA will say no, we are not responsible because we are responding to a cutback approved by the Members. And of course we Members will say no, we did not approve any of this, the departments did it on their own or they stretched the decisions made by the Legislative Assembly. Therefore we come back to this one particular point, that we all agreed the elders and the poor would not be the ones to pay for us to balance the budget.

-- Applause

We all said that and we all intended it that way, but that is not the way it is turning out. We should take that into consideration. We have been doing this for two years now and we should see what the results are of the decisions we have made. Who do I, as a Member, an MLA, which Member of this House do I question as to who made the final decision of the cutback? I have already said that when it reaches the point of the Ministers, they all say no we are responding to a cutback or the Finance Minister says everybody must cutback ten percent. The Finance Minister will say we all agreed to this, therefore, nobody is responsible for this in the end. Nobody is responsible for this decision.

I, as an MLA, am confused as to who I ask in order to put the water back. If nobody is responsible for cutting it, then obviously it should not have been done. Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite the Premier and the Finance Minister to personally view the results of their decisions in my region. I would like them to come to my community and I will personally introduce them to some of these people in this letter. If they are invited for tea by these people, they should take the tea because more than likely that elder had to borrow the water to offer them tea. Thank you.

-- Applause

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Member's Statement 390-13(4): Water Delivery Cutbacks

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1311

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Member's Statement 391-13(4): Transitional Housing Needs

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1311

Jake Ootes

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was pleased to see Mr. Arlooktoo speak about the 1996 Housing Needs Survey today because my statement relate to the need for transitional housing in Yellowknife. Transitional housing, for those who are not familiar with it, is for people who have no money, who are destitute or perhaps are in need of fleeing abuse. I am not talking about people who are perpetually in need of housing, the homeless who also need help, that is another critical area, but I am talking about people with dependants who require interim accommodation for a period of time until they get on their feet.

Yellowknife has become a magnet for a lot of people from throughout the territories and perhaps other areas as well. They are moving here from the communities. We attract a lot of families and a lot of people, some of whom are in need when they get here and likely this will increase as we go, both the numbers of people that we attract because of the potential here, because of the services here and so forth, and that will put increasing pressure on transitional housing needs. There is no shortage in our community in terms of apartments to rent or houses for sale. As a matter of fact, there is a surplus.

But these are not for people who have no money, people who do not even have a damage deposit.

I was at a meeting of the YWCA recently and there were a number of community organizations represented there. There was anxiety about the future ability to provide housing and support programs. The NWT Housing Corporation has been very supportive over the years and continues to do that, but there is a limit to that support. The Housing Corporation cannot continue to increase its support forever, especially under the current financial conditions. The reason I am raising this today, Mr. Speaker, is because I want people to be aware. It is not just in the communities that there is a housing need for certain sectors.

We also have a housing need and we are getting a lot of people from your communities. I have a responsibility when they become my constituents. I have a responsibility to address that problem and I will continue to address it, Mr. Speaker, to try and find some solution to it and to pressure the Minister when it comes to housing needs for my community. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 391-13(4): Transitional Housing Needs

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1311

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Member's Statement 392-13(4): Appreciation For Government Employees

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1311

Tommy Enuaraq

Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon colleagues. In a short time, this Assembly will take its recess for the summer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues, and especially the government employees in this building. I would also like to thank the residents of Pangnirtung, Clyde River, Broughton Island, and my wife and my kids. Have a good summer.

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Member's Statement 392-13(4): Appreciation For Government Employees

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1311

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Member's Statement 393-13(4): Mackenzie Delta Summer Events

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1311

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is regarding two upcoming events in the Mackenzie Delta this summer, Fun in the Land of the Midnight Sun, north of the Arctic Circle. Mr. Speaker, the first event will take place in Aklavik which is well known as Pokiak River Festival, which is the sixth annual alcohol free event and will take place the weekend of June 20th to the 23rd. Everyone is welcome to

that event, which includes some of the Delta's well known talent, especially native musicians with their natural born talents. Also, this year the event will be in honour of the youth and community wellness.

The other event, Mr. Speaker, is in regards to the Midway Lake Music Festival, which is the 12th annual Midway Lake Music Festival, which will be held July 25th, 26th, and 27th. Mr. Speaker, this year the music festival will be dedicated in honour of the late fiddler Alfred Frances, who passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer. Alfred has been entertaining us at Midway Lake from the beginning in 1985, along with other festivals across the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I welcome all the residents of the Northwest Territories, Yukon and the rest of Canada to this well publicized event to be held this summer. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 393-13(4): Mackenzie Delta Summer Events

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1312

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Member's Statement 394-13(4): Rae-edzo Power Outages

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1312

James Rabesca

North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement is geared towards the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. Over the last weekend during the heavy rains that we had in Rae-Edzo, the Edzo residents woke up Saturday morning to find that a power outage was taking place. This outage lasted from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 12 noon. As you can see, this is an extremely long period and although it is not winter, it was very cool and did create an uncomfortable situation.

Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time this type of thing has happened this year. However, most are not as long as this particular outage, but they do happen. This spring, we had a number of power outages.

Mr. Speaker, it almost seems like these lines are not waterproof or something, as most outages do happen when it is raining out. I realize the Power Corporation does have accidents from time to time on the lines, but there must be something that can prevent or reduce this from occurring often.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be asking the responsible Minister a question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 394-13(4): Rae-edzo Power Outages

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1312

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Member's Statement 395-13(4): Small Community Employment Opportunities

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1312

John Ningark

Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will be using my first language so I think you need to wear your earpiece here. Thank you.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the people in the Northwest Territories get government employment and employment from private sectors in each community. But we all know, Mr. Speaker, that all of our people cannot obtain government jobs and jobs from the private sectors because there is a high unemployment rate in the communities. Whenever there is a job coming to smaller communities, the people that obtain these jobs try to keep them as long as they can, which is understandable. Madam Groenewegen mentioned people who commercial fish that can obtain some money when they have a short term employment and some people do trapping and carving to make money to live.

We all know, today, that the government, during their fiscal restraint do not have any money to provide for the people. We have to try to look for other ways of getting some money. As well, there are hunters and trappers and fishermen that are trying to get income by doing their traditional way of life. We have to try to help those people.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage my fellow Members that we should try to help out people who are trying to make money by their traditional way of life, because they have a need as well. We have to help them out because the government does not provide for them and they are trying to provide for themselves. We have to support them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

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Member's Statement 395-13(4): Small Community Employment Opportunities

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1312

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Member's Statement 396-13(4): Hmcs Yellowknife Launching

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1312

Roy Erasmus

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about HMCS Yellowknife, which will be officially launched tomorrow on June 5, 1997.

Mr. Speaker, in the late 1980s, Canada's navy recognized the need for an effective coastal defence platform that would complement Canada's combat capable, general purpose maritime forces. The navy decided to build 12 maritime coastal defence vessels, MCDVs, to meet this requirement. The first of the new kingston class, HMCS Kingston, was launched in August 1995. Kingston class vessels are now joining the fleet about every four months, but the project is scheduled for completion in 1999.

The primary role of the kingston class MCDVs is coastal surveillance and patrol. This involves a wide variety of missions, including general naval operations and exercises, search and rescue, and support to other government departments for various activities such as law enforcement, resource protection and pollution control.

Mr. Speaker, a few days ago, in preparing for the launch, a ship slipped into the water on her own. Fortunately, no damage was done and HMCS Yellowknife is now ready for her official launch. I believe this is a good sign. HMCS Yellowknife is already acting like a true northerner, getting on with things and not waiting to stand on ceremony. I am sure this House joins me in wishing good luck to HMCS Yellowknife and that she has a long and distinguished career in the Canadian navy. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 396-13(4): Hmcs Yellowknife Launching

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1313

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Member's Statement 397-13(4): Accomplishments Of Iqaluit Residents

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1313

Edward Picco

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak a little about the accomplishments of residents from Iqaluit. Too many times we raise issues of concerns, complaints, et cetera. Today, I would like to end this sitting on a most positive note.

Last week one of the Pages here in the Assembly from Iqaluit was Sean Doherty. Sean is a grade seven student at Inuksuk High School and was one of three students who represented the NWT at the Great Canadian Geography Quiz in Ottawa. Sean did very well.

Three Iqaluit high school students were selected to participate in the architecture, engineering, and computer program. Erin Levy, Jean Simpson, and Denis Plaza will travel here to Yellowknife in July for orientation. Congratulations.

Donna Kenneally, Jimmy Arlooktoo, Ineak Ipeelie, Edward Flowers, and Jason Carpenter, all students of Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit, flew to Latvia to learn about the history, culture and language of the country and then to New York where they represented the country Latvia at the model United Nations conference. They were excellent ambassadors of the north and thanks go out to David Willman, Lin Moss, Derek Cutler, and Ramon Deluca, who were the staff accompanying the students.

The first all women's expedition to the north pole was completed successfully. Members of the women's polar relay expedition were led by Iqaluit's own Matty McNair. Congratulations, Matty.

Moosa and Pitsula Akavak of Iqaluit completed a walk with their children from Lake Harbour to Iqaluit. Mr. Speaker, Moosa and Pitsula were walking to raise awareness of family issues. They are excellent role models for all northerners.

Nunatsiaq news, based in Iqaluit, recently won two awards for best editorial and second best for colour on a tabloid page. Over 145 community newspapers competed in that competition. Congratulations.

Finally, I know that all Members of this House know long time northerner, and my good friend, Mr. Gordon Rennie. Gordon celebrated his 50th year of employment with the Northwest Company, formerly the Hudson Bay Company, last month.

Mr. Speaker, Gordon is still working every day at the northern convenience store in Iqaluit and I know Members of this House will join me in congratulating Gordon and wishing him and his family good health and hopefully soon, a happy and quiet retirement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 397-13(4): Accomplishments Of Iqaluit Residents

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1313

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Member's Statement 398-13(4): Congratulations To Rotary Award Winner Tony Whitford

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1313

Seamus Henry

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier today Ms. Thompson announced the 1997 NWT Outstanding Voluntary Service Award which was presented to Mr. Alan Falconer of Yellowknife. I would also like to recognize another Yellowknife gentleman who in this past week also received a very prestigious award. The award, Mr. Speaker, is known as a Paul Harris award, sponsored by Rotary International. Rotary International is a voluntary service club with over 75,000 clubs in every country of the world except China. It has over one million members. The recipient of the award was Mr.

Tony Whitford who is well known to a lot of the residents of the NWT. This award has been presented to rotarians and non-rotarians over the past number of years and the recipients presently stand at around 6,000 members. Other recipients of the award, Mr. Speaker, were the Reverend and Mrs. Bailey from Yellowknife, Mr. Barb Bromley and Alan Falconer also received this award a number of years ago. Mr. Speaker, I would ask you to join with me and other Members in congratulating Mr. Tony Whitford on the award.

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Member's Statement 398-13(4): Congratulations To Rotary Award Winner Tony Whitford

Item 2: Members' Statements

Page 1313

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Item 4, oral questions. Mr. Dent .

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Return To Question 521-13(4): Basic Income Support Funding

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1313

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a reply to a question asked by Mrs. Groenewegen on June 2nd. Mr. Speaker, it is not the Department's role to assume responsibility for the payment of income support Program clients' bills. The income support Program promotes financial responsibility and financial accountability, and provides support and training for clients to help them become financially responsible and accountable.

There are three circumstances in which service providers are given a client's income support cheque directly. In the case where there has been a demonstrated and severe money management problem, the worker may directly pay the local supplier. Secondly, a community, through a hamlet or band resolution, may direct the income support worker to pay the supplier for all clients. Also, the department can pay a guardian on behalf of a person with a disability that prevents their informed decision-making. In addition, there is an appeal process for income support clients if they feel mistreated by this process.

Mr. Speaker, three manuals related to the Income Support Program have been developed which provide extensive support for field and management personnel. These manuals were jointly developed by the Departments of Education, Culture and Employment, Justice, and Health and Social Services. They provide income support staff with the information they need to complete their tasks. The training manuals are competency-based, self-directed and community-oriented and will soon be available through the Internet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 521-13(4): Basic Income Support Funding

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1314

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Ms. Thompson .

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Return To Question 510-13(4): Land Development Policy

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1314

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two returns. One was asked by Mr. Krutko on May 30, 1997 on land development policy. The western land claims that were settled allowed for the land claim groups, Inuvialuit, Gwich'in, Sahtu, to select lands within municipal boundaries for their ownership and use. These were called municipal lands in the claims. These are not lands owned by the municipalities. Lands within municipalities that were not selected by the claimants have remained under the administration and control of the commissioner or the federal crown.

In Nunavut, TFN was allowed to select land within municipal boundaries as part of settling the land claim. The Nunavut Claim was unique in that it designated the municipality as the owner and administrator of titled land within its boundary. As a result of this, each Nunavut community has had to develop a bylaw regulating how land is to be administered and developed. The fact that most Nunavut hamlets now have land administration bylaws in place has made the GNWT Land Development Capital Program redundant. It is expected that communities administering their own land will also access their own resources through collected lease revenues or borrowing funds to do land development.

In the Inuvik region, the GNWT still administers land on behalf of the communities and the Land Development Capital Program is still in place. There is, however, interest from communities to acquire and administer their own land particularly in Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk. Should this interest remain, it will be possible for these hamlets to obtain ownership and control over lands and draft and implement land administration bylaws. This would also make the Land Development Capital Program obsolete in these communities just as in Nunavut, and the western communities would then access funds either from collected fees or through long term borrowing to maintain a supply of land in their community.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 513-13(4): Land Development And Pricing Policies

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1314

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

I have another return, asked by Mr. Steen on June 2, 1997 regarding land development and pricing policies. When the hamlet owns the land within its community boundaries, it can charge whatever it wants for lease fees on existing lots. The less it charges, the less revenue it has. However, in Tuktoyaktuk, the hamlet does not yet own the land. It is Commissioner's land and MACA administers it on behalf of the hamlet. The Land Pricing Policy applies and the minimum lease rental is generally $600 per year. There are some exceptions, such as for seniors and non profit organizations, where the rental is reduced.

Each community that wishes to take over ownership and control over the land must develop its own pricing rules, which are set out in a land administration bylaw. This process is currently underway in Tuktoyaktuk. Until ownership is transferred however, the land will remain under the administration of the GNWT and the $600 minimum lease rental will apply. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 486-13(4): Clyde River Adult Education Centre

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1314

Goo Arlooktoo

Baffin South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Enuaraq on May 28th regarding the Clyde River Adult Education Centre. A Clyde River contractor known as Qanait Construction Ltd., requested a negotiated contract for the construction of the Adult Education Centre in Clyde River. In January, 1997, after following a normal practice for negotiated contracts, Cabinet directed Public Works and Services to negotiate the contract subject to

Article 24 of the Nunavut Final Agreement.

The intent to negotiate was advertised and two other firms expressed an interest in the construction of the building. As for our deadlines on negotiated contracts in Nunavut, the negotiations were then stopped and the three firms were then invited to submit bids. The tender closed on May 16, 1997, and the bids are still being analyzed, so the contract has not yet been awarded. Thank you.

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Return To Question 486-13(4): Clyde River Adult Education Centre

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1314

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Arlooktoo . Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1314

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure today to recognize a number of my constituents in the gallery. Just give us a wave when I call your name so that people will know who you are. Bert Buckley and two junior fishermen, Bert Buckley Junior and Jonathon Buckley. Lionel Rundle, Len Cardinal, and Helen Kinnison. Can I put in a little plug for the fact that Helen made this beautiful white fish vertebrae jewellery that I am wearing today. Alex and Irene Laliberte, Don Sinclair, Ken Laliberte, Franklin Gauthier, Merial Berry, Alex Morin, Jimmy Thomas. The manager of the fresh water fish marketing corporation, Dave Bergunder and a

reporter from the local newspaper in Hay River, The Hub, David Helwig. Welcome to the House.

-- Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1315

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. O'Brien .

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Question 537-13(4): Baker Lake School Extension

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

Kevin O'Brien

Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for DPW and is in reference to a letter that I received from Mayor William Noah in Baker Lake. Mr. Speaker, the people of Baker Lake have been waiting for years for the extension to their school. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is incumbent upon us as leaders to ensure that the children and the staff from the various schools have adequate facilities. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister is, what is the status of the tender for the Baker Lake school extension? Thank you.

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Question 537-13(4): Baker Lake School Extension

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Mr. Arlooktoo .

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Return To Question 537-13(4): Baker Lake School Extensions

Question 537-13(4): Baker Lake School Extension

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

Goo Arlooktoo

Baffin South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member asked the question about the status of the Baker Lake school expansion. I am pleased to confirm that, after several days of the Department of Public Works analyzing a proposal with the assistance of the Department of Education, the contract will be awarded today to the local firm in Baker Lake.

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Return To Question 537-13(4): Baker Lake School Extensions

Question 537-13(4): Baker Lake School Extension

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien .

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Supplementary To Question 537-13(4): Baker Lake School Extensions

Question 537-13(4): Baker Lake School Extension

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

Kevin O'Brien

Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister for his understanding and support in regards to this contract. I am sure the people of Baker Lake will be very thankful. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 537-13(4): Baker Lake School Extensions

Question 537-13(4): Baker Lake School Extension

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Evaloarjuk .

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Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

Mark Evaloarjuk

Amittuq

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question will be directed to the Minister of Public Works and Services . Can the Minister confirm that the GNWT only offers contracts to companies which are in good standing? (Translation ends)

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Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Minister of Public Works and Services , Mr. Arlooktoo .

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Return To Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

Goo Arlooktoo

Baffin South

(Translation) Mr. Speaker, in

summary my response would be for companies that are incorporated and in good standing, we offer contracts. Thank you. (Translation ends)

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Return To Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Evaloarjuk .

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Supplementary To Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

Mark Evaloarjuk

Amittuq

(Translation) I would be interested to find out how "in good standing" is defined. Mr. Speaker, does the government only review the company's credit history as it relates to government organizations or do they look beyond this and review a company's entire history of repaying bills? (Translation ends)

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Supplementary To Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Arlooktoo .

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Further Return To Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

Goo Arlooktoo

Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Public Works with the Workers Compensation Board, the Business Incentive office and other organizations to see if there are any outstanding debts or if there are any complaints about companies. (Translation ends)

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Further Return To Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Evaloarjuk .

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Supplementary To Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

Mark Evaloarjuk

Amittuq

(Translation) I am aware of some contractors that have not paid their bills for things such as accommodation and rental of heavy equipment vehicles in the communities. Does the department take this into consideration and will the Minister commit to reviewing this particular concern which has been brought to my attention? (Translation ends)

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Supplementary To Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Arlooktoo .

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Further Return To Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

Goo Arlooktoo

Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When the department is asked by the contractors of outstanding bills, we can look into this. If the Member knows about a particular incident, I can look into this. Thank you. (Translation ends)

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Further Return To Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Question 538-13(4): Northern Companies In Good Standing

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1315

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Krutko .

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Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Premier . It is regarding the upcoming events this summer in Inuvik, the assemblies and other meetings that are going to be held in the Inuvik region. The Gwich'in Assembly will be held July 28th to the 31st in Inuvik. With regard to the concerns and issues that are raised at these assemblies, I believe it is critical and important that the government is present when these concerns are being raised. I would like to thank Mr. Antoine for making his appearance at the assembly last year, but it will be nice if other Ministers could be present at the assembly this year.

I would like the Premier to have people available to field questions on topics such as cuts to programs and services, self-government talks, community empowerment, questions about the Northern Accord, a concern on negotiated contracts. Mr. Speaker, I would like to request the Premier to ensure there are representatives there from this government, especially from the Department of Social Services, at this annual assembly.

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Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Premier .

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Return To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are many assemblies throughout the Northwest Territories during the summer. All the regions have assemblies. As well, we have the Dene National Assembly and the Metis Nation Assembly. We will be looking at all the assemblies and then we will make sure Ministers or some government representative is present at each assembly. Thank you.

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Return To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Supplementary To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In regards to my earlier question, I clearly stated one particular department I would like to see there, especially in regards to cuts to programs and services. There is a real concern from the aboriginal bands and the tribal councils in relation to their negotiations for self-government and the cuts that have taken place in the Inuvik region, especially in regards to the area of alcohol and drug programs and to mental health workers. At that particular assembly, I would like the Premier to make a commitment that the Minister of Social Services would definitely be there.

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Supplementary To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Morin .

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Further Return To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated earlier in my response, once I have the opportunity, I will look at the meeting

schedule of all the assemblies. Last year Mr. Antoine and Mr. Kakfwi had the honour of attending the Gwich'in Assembly. This year, we will try to pick a Minister to go to the Gwich'in Assembly. It has to balance with the Ministers' time schedules, other assemblies, as well as Ministers' personal commitments to their families. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

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

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Supplementary To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Premier make a commitment to ensure that there will be someone there from the Department of Social Services at the Gwich'in Annual Assembly?

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Supplementary To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Morin .

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Further Return To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will instruct the Minister of Social Services to make sure that we have someone from his department at the Gwich'in Annual Assembly in July. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Final supplementary. Mr. Krutko .

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Supplementary To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In regards to ensuring that someone will be there, I would like to thank the Premier for making that commitment. But I would like someone who is there who has some senior authority, who can take some direction and hopefully do something about it, not just a social worker. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Morin .

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Further Return To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The social workers are front line workers of this government, we value their service very much. We understand how hard of a job they have. I would never say just a social worker. But let me reassure the Member that they will send someone to the Gwich'in Annual Assembly in July from the Department of Health. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Question 539-13(4): Summer Availability Of Ministers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Rabesca .

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Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1316

James Rabesca

North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier, during my Member's statement, I mentioned my concern about a power outage that had occurred in Rae-Edzo last weekend, as well as on various other occasions. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for NWT Power Corporation, Mr. Dent , I would like to know why there was this extremely long outage on Saturday, May 31, 1997.

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Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation. Mr. Dent .

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Return To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Member noted earlier, the power was off from about four in the morning until nearly noon. The reason for the long outage, was that the control station in Yellowknife was not aware that there was a problem with the power until about 7:30 a.m. The Corporation was never able to determine the cause of the outage, but it may have been related to the high winds that night. Mr. Speaker, the Power Corporation takes full responsibility for the power outage and apologizes to the community for any problems that may have resulted.

Changes to the 24-hour trouble reporting line between the community and Yellowknife meant that the phone system was disconnected for a period of time. That is the reason the staff on duty were not aware there was a problem in the community for three and a half hours. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral question. Supplementary. Mr. Rabesca .

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Supplementary To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

James Rabesca

North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Why has there been a number of outages, particularly when it is raining, even though there does not seem to be any lightning activity within that region?

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Supplementary To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Perhaps the Minister would like to respond to the Member as to why there are so many power outages in the Member's area. Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have to say that I do not know why there are a number of outages. I am not sure if there are a disproportionate number of outages in Rae-Edzo or not. We do know that the outage on Saturday was not the result of equipment failure, but the corporation has not been able to determine whether or not there is any relation between the rain and the power outage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral question. Supplementary. Mr. Rabesca .

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Supplementary To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

James Rabesca

North Slave

What is the Power Corporation doing to prevent/reduce the number of outages that keep occurring within our region? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the lack of a good indication at the control centre about whether or not there is a power problem has been clearly recognized by the Power Corporation. This problem is being addressed. The Power Corporation is in the process of spending about $500,000 on a major upgrade to the power system in Rae-Edzo. Once a new computerized control system is installed, the control centre in Yellowknife will automatically be notified of any major power fluctuations in the area. That would mean that there would not be a requirement for somebody in the community to call the control centre.

So, Mr. Speaker, there has been a recognition of a problem in the area and the corporation is moving to solve it in the next few months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Final supplementary. Mr. Rabesca .

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Supplementary To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

James Rabesca

North Slave

In the future, can the Minister try to consult myself or the community? There has to be more information regarding the cause of the re-occurring power outages. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will commit to keeping the Member informed of progress on the work to the system that is being done and let him know when it is fully operational. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Question 540-13(4): Cause Of Rae-edzo Power Outage

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development . I realize that the Minister is up to speed and well aware of the challenges that are facing the fisherman at this time. For the record, Mr. Speaker, I was wondering if the Minister could please indicate if his department is able to provide the necessary resources to allow the fishermen of Great Slave Lake to develop and implement a plan that would enhance their fishery and address some of the problems they are facing today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1317

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development . Mr. Kakfwi .

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Return To Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister responsible, I am prepared to support the development of a strategy, in partnership with the fishermen of Hay River, to look at how we can best make use of the existing allocated resources by this government in support of the fishing industry and to look at a strategy that would look at how we can best harvest and market this resource from Great Slave Lake.

We would look at the present subsidy and whether the resource using that subsidy is being used to the maximum benefit of the industry and the fishermen and look at questions of whether being members of the Fresh Water Fish Marketing Corporation is in fact being maximized to the full benefit of the fishermen or whether or not we should review being members at all at this time. The department and its' officials have, I believe, begun some preliminary discussions with the fishermen to begin development of a strategy together with them.

It is my commitment that we are prepared to fund the development of a strategy as long as the fishermen take the lead in doing that work. Thank you.

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Return To Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Supplementary To Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister very much with that commitment and will look forward to seeing the results of that. One of the other questions that the fishermen themselves have wanted me to ask is in regards to one of their major operating costs of fishing on Great Slave Lake and that is the cost of fuel. I know that there has been some preliminary discussion about the tax that is levied on fuel which in fact relates to roads. Of course, their vehicles are not driven on roads. They are on the water.

I was wondering if the Minister could tell us what process would be involved in addressing the issue of tax on fuel and perhaps implementing a gas at a price similar to what farmers pay in southern Canada, something known as a purple gas. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Kakfwi .

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Further Return To Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

Stephen Kakfwi

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, there are existing resources, such as the subsidy and other resources that will be available to assist the fishermen, that are within the present budget of this government. How we can make better use of that is what we are prepared to discuss with the fishermen. Any questions like that we will be prepared to discuss in that context. We are open to all questions and suggestions in that context. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Question 541-13(4): Plan For The Great Slave Lake Fishery

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Henry .

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Question 542-13(4): Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

Seamus Henry

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Premier . Today, the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation advised the House about the provisions of homes for northerners. This government, a number of times, has acknowledged that with the continuation of the high birth rate in communities, it will not be able to continue to provide accommodation and services at the present levels. My question to the Premier is what standards or actions is the government taking to advise and educate residents of the NWT of this fact? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 542-13(4): Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Premier .

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Return To Question 542-13(4): Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Question 542-13(4): Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Four or five years ago, when I was the Minister of the Housing Corporation , there was a needs survey done. At that time, we were approximately 3,500 units short. We were predicting that these numbers would climb unless there was action taken. Now today, we find out that we are 4,350 units short. This is driven by the population growth, this is one of the reasons. But, we must also fully understand that the federal government never did live up to its fiduciary responsibility to the aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories.

This is also driven directly from when people were relocated off the land into communities. There was never adequate housing for our people in the Northwest Territories. The federal government always fell short on funding of adequate housing for the people of the Northwest Territories. It has fallen so short that it is non-existent now. There is no federal money available for housing of aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories and that is the main reason that we are short 4,350 units of housing today. But let me assure you that the birth rate also has an effect. Thank you.

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Return To Question 542-13(4): Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Question 542-13(4): Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry .

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Supplementary To Question 542-13(4): Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Question 542-13(4): Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

Seamus Henry

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand from the Premier 's comments that we certainly do have someone to blame. But my question is what is this government doing to educate the residents of the Northwest Territories that we have to do something about our birth rate? That we cannot continue to have the numbers of children we are having because we cannot, as the Premier has advised, provide accommodation for them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 542-13(4): Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Question 542-13(4): Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Morin .

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Further Return To Question 542-13(4): Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Question 542-13(4): Causes Of Increasing Housing Needs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1318

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not think it is the responsibility of this government to tell people to stop having children, but I do think it is the responsibility to let people know that they will be responsible for the children they do hav