Debates of Sept. 25th, 2017

This is page numbers 2705 – 2744 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was communities .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Update On NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework

Investing In Diversity

2017 Wildland Fire Season

Project Assessment Policy

Aurora College Foundational Review

Government Of The Northwest Territories Human Resources

One-Year Anniversary Of Gahcho Kue Mine

Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Lands Integrated Risk‑based Strategic Plan

Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Safe Houses For Victims Of Domestic Violence

Physical Literacy Theme For 2017 NWT Literacy Week

Support For Aboriginal Sport And Athletes

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Acknowledgment 28-18(2): Passing Of Gordon Lennie

North American Indigenous Games

Aurora College Foundational Review

Lands Project Assessment Policy

Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Impacts Of GNWT Employee Layoffs

Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Question 872-(18)2: North Slave Correctional Centre Perimeter Fencing

Safe Houses For Victims Of Family Violence

Aurora College Foundational Review

Lands Integrated Risk-Based Strategic Plan

Small Community Employment Support Program

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Report of Committee of the Whole

Orders of the Day

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy , Mr. Beaulieu , Mr. Blake , Hon. Caroline Cochrane , Ms. Green , Hon. Jackson Lafferty , Hon. Bob McLeod , Hon. Robert McLeod , Mr. McNeely , Hon. Alfred Moses , Mr. Nadli , Mr. Nakimayak , Mr. O'Reilly , Hon. Wally Schumann , Hon. Louis Sebert , Mr. Simpson , Mr. Testart , Mr. Thompson , Mr. Vanthuyne

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Good afternoon, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources

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Minister's Statement 207-18(2): Update On NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework

Ministers' Statements

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, climate change is an issue of serious concern for this government and the people of the Northwest Territories. Our government has made a commitment in its mandate to develop a territorial climate change strategic framework. I am pleased to provide Members with an update on the development of this framework, intended to guide our efforts on climate change from 2018 to 2030.

Since my last Minister’s statement on this topic in March, the department has been working hard to develop a draft NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework.

In April, a very successful three days of climate change education took place in Yellowknife called "Earth to Sky." The event was a collaborative effort between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Government of the Northwest Territories. NASA scientists and Environment and Natural Resources staff delivered courses and presentations related to data-gathering, impacts, and the importance of traditional knowledge to support research on climate change.

Further, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Infrastructure coordinated six joint regional engagement workshops on energy and climate change issues and undertook a public survey.

Workshops were held in Inuvik, Norman Wells, Fort Smith, Yellowknife, Fort Simpson, and Hay River. All workshops were well attended, and the feedback received has been positive.

Mr. Speaker, at these workshops we heard that NWT residents want better planning, community funding, and communication around climate change, renewable energy systems, and energy efficiency.

Residents raised concerns about a carbon tax and the cost of living. There was acceptance of a carbon pricing scheme if some revenues were allocated to improving energy efficiency in communities.

Residents expressed support for increased research and monitoring, and traditional knowledge was highlighted as an important tool in understanding and adapting to climate change. A Joint Engagement Report has been posted on the Environment and Natural Resources website which summarizes what we heard. Summaries of the workshops and written submissions gathered during the engagement period are also posted online.

Mr. Speaker, traditional knowledge has played an important

part in the development of the Climate Change Strategic Framework, and monitoring is an important component. The draft NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework rests on three pillars: knowledge; resilience and adaptation; and emissions mitigation. The department is working closely with the Department of Infrastructure to ensure the NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework and the NWT Energy Strategy are aligned.

The draft framework identifies three goals towards which the NWT must make significant progress by 2030. These goals are:

• transition to a strong, healthy economy that is less reliant on fossil fuel use;

• improve knowledge of the climate change impacts occurring in the NWT; and

• build resilience and adapt to a changing climate.

Proposed priorities and actions for each goal are detailed in the draft framework. Mr. Speaker, the draft NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework is now going through internal reviews and is expected to be released in late October for public review and comment. We will also be engaging with the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment on the strategic framework. Tabling of the final NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework in the Legislative Assembly is planned for February 2018.

Mr. Speaker, the federal government is expected to announce several new funding programs as part of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. As federal funding programs for climate change become available, there will be significant opportunities for our government to work together with the federal government, Aboriginal and community governments, industry, and other stakeholders to take numerous actions on climate change. In particular, these actions need to focus on adaptation to ensure our communities are healthy and resilient in the face of serious impacts of climate change.

We continue to look forward to working in partnership to protect our communities, our residents, and our economy by increasing our resilience to, and mitigating, the effects of climate change. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 207-18(2): Update On NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Investment .

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Minister's Statement 208-18(2): Investing In Diversity

Ministers' Statements

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, we are investing in an economy that will give the Northwest Territories residents and their families the opportunity to prosper, and give the government the financial means to pay for programs and services our territory and its people need.

This work is important to both sides of this House. Regular Members have played an important role to help move the work of this government, and with that collaboration we are able to support better diversification of our economy. Our residents deserve the opportunity to achieve economic self-determination, and this House can be proud of the work it has accomplished to provide better opportunities for our residents.

Our economy gains strength as it grows more diverse, and our government is doing its part to promote, contribute, and invest in progress across all sectors of our economy. Tourism is by far the strongest of these sectors. Our extraordinary landscapes and vibrant cultures attract visitors from around the globe to our spectacular home. Numbers released today confirm this was the case for more people than ever before.

The 2016-2017 fiscal year saw nearly 110,000 visitors reach the Northwest Territories, the first time visitor numbers have broken 100,000. This is a 16 per cent improvement over 2015-2016, and the latest cap on nearly a decade of consistent growth in visitors choosing to visit the Northwest Territories.

These visitors spent enough during their visits to set new spending records for our tourism industry. For the first time, the value of our industry topped $200 million, a 21 per cent increase over 2015-2016.

Mr. Speaker, while there are reasons to be proud of these successes, our work is far from over. The investments we have made in product development, world-class facilities, and marketing are just a few of the goals set out in Tourism 2020, the five-year strategic investment plan that is opening our spectacular home to the world.

We fully intend on following through on this strategy through the duration of our four-year mandate to help build on a more diverse economy and bring even more opportunity for NWT residents.

In the meantime, Mr. Speaker, the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy is another long-term plan which is guiding our ongoing investments in renewable resource-based sectors.

A number of major initiatives identified under this strategy are in progress. The department has developed the NWT’s first-ever agricultural strategy, investing in local greenhouses; agricultural programming, including the NWT’s agricultural development conference; community gardens; and experimental farming. We have also created an agricultural analyst position to help implement this strategy out of Hay River, the agricultural capital of the NWT.

The commercial fishing revitalization strategy will capitalize on the bounty offered by our world-class fish stock. To implement this strategy, we are working with our partners at the NWT Fishermen’s Federation. We have committed funds to re-establish a fish processing plant in Hay River and are helping to train the next generation of commercial fishers.

A manufacturing strategy is being developed to guide our approach to locally manufactured products. A discussion paper is currently in development, with public engagement in-person, online, by e-mail, phone, and mail slated to begin in the coming months.

Our film sector is advancing, with investments in innovative marketing approaches, training initiatives, and new opportunities for local producers. We have seen these initiatives pay off with increasing international exposure for this budding industry.

We continue to build the profile of the Northwest Territories' traditional artists and their products through the Northwest Territories Arts brand. Our profile at airports has increased with significant northern traffic, including exhibits at the Edmonton and Calgary Airports. We continue to improve and modernize the Northwest Territories Arts website to connect more people with NWT-made art than ever before.

Finally, our investments in the traditional economy are paying off with a rebound in Northwest Territories wild fur sales under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur brand and greater use of our fur and procurement program by traditional artists across the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, while we have made many strides, we are still a long way from the broader economic horizons we want to reach. We are committed to continuing our pursuit of the Northwest Territories with the opportunities from mine site to the silver screen for the rest of the government’s mandate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 208-18(2): Investing In Diversity

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister for Environment and Natural Resources .

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Minister's Statement 209-18(2): 2017 Wildland Fire Season

Ministers' Statements

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, 2017 was an above-average fire season. This year, 249 wildland fires were reported, affecting over one million hectares. That makes this the seventh worst year for area burned by forest fires since Environment and Natural Resources began keeping records in 1975. As a comparison, in 2016 there were 188 fires that burned 229,000 hectares, a below-average year. In 2014, 385 fires and 3.4 million hectares burned. In a regular year, the Northwest Territories experiences about 213 fires, affecting just over 500,000 hectares of land.

This year, in addition to the 136 fire fighters who made up 34 four-person crews, ENR hired 378 extra fire fighters across the NWT for training or in support of wildland fire operations. These crews were critical in managing the 2017 wildland fire situation.

ENR fire crews continue to provide a professional level of service to the residents of the NWT. This was especially demonstrated this summer by the great work that crews did to protect communities when fires encroached on Fort Good Hope, Nahanni Butte, Fort McPherson, and Tsiigehtchic.

In addition to actioning fires and protecting values at risk, fires crews in all regions assisted communities with thinning and pruning projects to increase community protection.

As a government, it is important for us that we are able to provide assistance to other Canadian jurisdictions, as many of them helped us in our time of need during previous wildland fire seasons.

This season, with the extreme burning conditions in western provinces, we assisted British Columbia by providing 80 crew members, 24 overhead personnel, and equipment. In addition, the GNWT assisted Alberta and Parks Canada, specifically Wood Buffalo National Park, with a total of 14 air tanker missions for fires in their areas.

Mr. Speaker, every resident has a responsibility to help prevent fires in the NWT. Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns on fire safety, of the 249 fires this year, 17 fires are suspected to be person-caused. I cannot stress enough the value and importance of our FireSmart Program. It is everyone’s responsibility to FireSmart their home and cabin, and promote the FireSmart Program in their community. Property owners and communities should be using FireSmart tools to reduce their risk of loss from wildland fire.

In cooperation with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources continues to lead an initiative to review, update, and integrate community wildland fire protection plans into existing GNWT emergency management processes. This will ensure communities have a more complete understanding of their role in FireSmart and what is required to mitigate community risks of a wildland fire. Information about the FireSmart program and the community protection plans is available on the ENR website and at local ENR offices.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources remains committed to working with NWT residents and communities to finalize community wildland fire protection plans and develop and propose amendments to modernize forest protection legislation. Over the next year, we will remain vigilant in working with property owners across the North and all NWT residents to reduce the risk of wildland fires, and to prepare for a potentially extreme fire response in 2018.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to note that the GNWT employed the new group of 802 Fire Boss aircrafts on fires in all regions this summer. These aircrafts proved highly successful in initial and sustained attack. The 802 air tanker group was also exported to Ontario to help with fires, and also actioned several fires for our friends in Alberta and Wood Buffalo National Park. Feedback from fire crews and air attack officers this summer indicated they are both impressed and pleased with the group’s performance. Turbine aircrafts with the ability to use both foam and retardant and have access to more water sources are proving to be a sound investment for the people of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our fire personnel. From the fire crews out on the fire line, to our radio operators, logistics, planning, air attack officers, and everyone who worked hard this summer to protect our residents and communities and our neighbours to the south, your commitment and efforts are greatly appreciated. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 209-18(2): 2017 Wildland Fire Season

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Colleagues, I'd like to draw your attention to people in the gallery. We have with us Mr. David Ramsay, former Member of 15th, 16th, 17th Legislative Assemblies and a former Minister as well. Welcome. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake .

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Project Assessment Policy

Members' Statements

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. Cabinet approved the Project Assessment Policy on April 13, 2017, after a review by standing committee. The policy applies to all GNWT departments, boards, and agencies and establishes the administrative procedure for assessing any "seismic surveys, exploration, extraction and/or production of natural resources, development of infrastructure, or remediation of past resource or infrastructure activity that might have environmental impacts within the Northwest Territories."

Although it was improved as a result of standing committee review, it is still not a good policy. It makes no reference to the rights of Indigenous peoples to free, prior, and informed consent for resource development as recognized in

Article 19 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which was unanimously endorsed by this House on February 18, 2008.

The policy is established on the principle that the GNWT "should support resource management board processes and carry out project assessment in a manner that is transparent and accountable". Yet the operational direction is that "any technical advice and evidence provided to boards by their respective staff is in line with legislation, Cabinet direction, and ministerial policies".

Some may say that this sort of approach may lead to the muzzling of scientists and withholding of information that Cabinet does not agree with or that this policy could lead to policy-based evidence making. I'll give a concrete example. Cabinet has already endorsed and is actively seeking funds for an all-weather road into the Slave Geological Province. Will technical advice and evidence about the state of the Bathurst caribou herd, no matter how bad it is, be brought forward by our government if and when an environmental assessment is held on the proposed road?

The way this policy could operate is not at all consistent with evidence-based decision-making and transparency principles that it contains. The policy does not honour the spirit of reconciliation and recognize the rights of communities to free, prior, and informed consent. This policy is not why Northerners fought hard for devolution, and it's time to send it back. I will have questions for the Minister of Lands on how this policy is to be implemented and whether there is any appetite for greater transparency. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Project Assessment Policy

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh .

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Aurora College Foundational Review

Members' Statements

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last Friday the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment delivered a Minister's statement about the Aurora College foundational review and later tabled a letter written by the Standing Committee on Social Development. Both concerned the planned review. The Minister also said, and I quote from the unedited Hansard: "I appreciate committee's advice about the timelines and have decided to extend the timeline."

I am wary of arguing who said what. Nevertheless, as a member of this committee, I must object. As the Member for Yellowknife Centre has already said, we're not interested in further delay. Quite the opposite. We're concerned with expense, staff and student wellbeing, project scope, and college stability, tensions colouring this project from the start.

Mr. Speaker, without concerted effort from Regular Members, ECE would have already eliminated the Teacher Education Program and the Social Work Diploma Program, programs treasured by students, teachers, alumni, and the college board, not to mention critical to meeting labour needs.

The board's own minutes show its unease at how ECE made major budget decisions without consulting them, before they were fired altogether.

Now the department plans to spend nearly $400,000 reviewing the college? Teacher and social worker intake is frozen and the board is gone. What about their experiences? Yes, the committee was able to review and comment on the RFP before it went out, and to give credit where credit is due, the department adopted some of our recommendations. Then, Mr. Speaker, months went by until the RFP was awarded to a company specializing in "accounting, consulting, and tax." Is that what's best for our only college?

One of my biggest challenges with the review was that ECE planned to run it out of sync with the budgeting cycle, leaving programs in limbo while next year's budget was planned without the insight the review would supposedly bring. Well, guess what? Extending the timeline doesn't solve that problem. The teacher and social work programs, and the college itself, remain trapped in limbo for another year. Will these programs wither on the vine? What can current and prospective students plan for?

The Minister said that, when it came to college programming, "there was little agreement on what to do." Well, Mr. Speaker, at least we can agree on that. I'll have questions later for the Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Aurora College Foundational Review

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Government Of The Northwest Territories Human Resources

Members' Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [translation not provided].

Mr. Speaker due to reductions, the layoff of staff has created real issues for people of the NWT. Several people working for the GNWT were told the GNWT no longer needs their service. Meanwhile, the GNWT continues to fill jobs. Mr. Speaker, as a hypothetical example, the GNWT places more value on hiring a young engineer from Toronto than keeping a young mother from the North in their job. This young mother serves as a key to the entire extended family. She uses her income to help her extended family. Mr. Speaker, the layoff of employees has a negative effect on more people than just the immediate family and the employee.

Mr. Speaker, the person relocates outside the NWT with four members of their family for 80 per cent of their salary for one year to go to school. What are they going to do after that? They can't become an engineer, and the job at the GNWT is no longer needed. Mr. Speaker, the government will have assurances that a bridge or a highway will be completed a year earlier. Don't get me wrong, Mr. Speaker; it is good that we have young, bright engineers working for us, but it should not be at the expense of our families in the North.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT does not have the socio-economic analyses of the impact of this type of decision. When we make decisions to lay off people, we must be fully aware of what those decisions do to our families and the NWT in general. Mr. Speaker, under this scenario the government would save $90,000 in salary but give up about $130,000 in federal transfer payments, plus will carry the full costs of financing for the people who are left behind, the extended family that was getting assistance from this young mother as the main income earner.

Do this a few times and we will have to hire a few income support officers, social workers, housing officers, and nurses to support the families. Mr. Speaker, in addition the entire family could be lost in the system down south.

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Government Of The Northwest Territories Human Resources

Members' Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, each time the GNWT decides to lay a person off, this scenario has the potential of repeating itself. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Government Of The Northwest Territories Human Resources

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake .

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One-Year Anniversary Of Gahcho Kue Mine

Members' Statements

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, as all honourable Members of this House know, I have been a consistent advocate of natural resources development and mineral exploration since I was elected almost two years ago. It is the life blood of our economy, representing almost 40 per cent of our GDP, and an important part of our heritage and the key to our future prosperity. Mr. Speaker, Northerners look optimistically towards the opportunities that future mining projects will create for our communities.

Although we are all hoping for that next big discovery and see new projects at the scale of the Ekati or Daivik mines, today I would like to recognize the great success of the Northwest Territories' newest diamond mine: Gahcho Kue.

On September 20, the Gahcho Kue diamond mine has just celebrated its one-year anniversary since operations began. A joint venture between De Beers Canada and Mountain Province Diamonds, Gahcho Kue is the world's largest mine to open in the last 13 years, located at Kennady Lake, approximately 280 km northeast of Yellowknife and 80 km southeast of De Beers' Snap Lake Mine. This open-pit operation will employ about 530 workers and will produce almost 54 million carats of rough diamonds from an estimated 35 million tonnes of ore during its approximately 12-year lifespan.

Mr. Speaker, those are big numbers, but they translate into an even larger number for our economy: $5.3 billion in gross value added output. That means jobs for Northerners and proves the incredible potential of resource development industry and the future it holds for us all.

Mr. Speaker, it is projects like these that keep our territory from being dominated by public sector spending. It is projects like these that create real economic growth that benefits northern communities and northern businesses. It is projects like these that make the North what it is today, a place of opportunity, hard work, and limitless potential.

Mr. Speaker I offer my sincere congratulations to De Beers Canada, Mountain Province Diamonds, and the workers who have made the Gahcho Kue mine such a grand success, and I thank them for investing in the North and its peoples. I wish them only continued success for the future and hope that we see more mining success stories as we continue to support a prosperous future for our Northwest Territories. Thank you Mr. Speaker.

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One-Year Anniversary Of Gahcho Kue Mine

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Members' Statements

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have some numbers I want to share; 97 per cent, that is the percentage of Canada's economy made up of small business; 70 per cent, that is the percentage of labour force made up of small business; 30 per cent, that is the percentage of Canadians who have started their own business; and a number that I find most interesting, Mr. Speaker, 68 per cent, the percentage of Canadians who want to start their own business and be their own boss someday.

These stats may not be the same in the North, but they certainly indicate the potential for opportunity. However, these numbers are being threatened, Mr. Speaker. The federal government is proposing new tax revisions to small business. These revisions are being termed as corrections to "loopholes." The federal government suggests that these revisions are necessary and will balance the tax contributions between middle-income earners and what the feds term as wealthy business owners. Now, while these measures might be seen as fair by some, the fact is we are a very small jurisdiction in the North. Those tax changes will apply to our small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, by and large small businesses in the NWT are not wealthy, and they certainly do not get sick days, maternity and paternity leave, health benefits, or unemployment insurance. Honestly, the struggle of a small business owner today is trying to squeeze a living into the margin somewhere between income and expenses.

In the North we have a higher cost of doing business, higher transportation costs, higher utilities, higher labour rates, and now a new federal carbon tax coming. With all these factors narrowing that margin, the ability to earn an actual living as a small business owner is becoming more and more difficult.

Our government has been doing good work to support small business and, as we continue to broaden, diversify, and invest in our economy, small businesses will become more and more important and necessary. In most of our small communities, small businesses offer one of the only ways to create jobs and keep communities sustainable and vibrant.

Mr. Speaker, this new federal tax regime brings a lot of apprehension and concern to small business in the North. We cannot continue to sit on our hands with this matter. We need to stand behind the small business community. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Premier . Thank you.

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Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu .

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Lands Integrated Risk‑based Strategic Plan

Members' Statements

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last summer I attended the NWT and Commissioners Lands Act engagement meeting in Norman Wells, one of many consultation sessions on land regulatory reform.

Mr. Speaker, after negotiations, the GNWT assumed responsibilities as identified within the provisions of devolution. There are a number of concerns on the whole issue of lands; for example, the status of Municipalities. We have communities registered as cities, towns, villages, and chartered arrangements. Mr. Speaker, there is a large number of stakeholders with interests in the direction our government is taking. The Department of Lands is conducting a comprehensive review of its dual land administration systems, legislative and regulatory scheme, and policy suite to allow the department to better tailor its existing policies in an effective manner.

In maximizing time management, Mr. Speaker, the stakeholders have encouraged better use of time, with the somewhat industry slowdown, to address reform on land systems and regulation on post-devolution maturity as administrators of public lands. Mr. Speaker, community Indigenous landowners and stakeholders consultation is fundamental to the success. Views of this are under way in the current consultations on the new Mineral Resources Act engagements.

Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie Valley Resources Management Act legislated in 1998 by the federal government provides an opportunity under devolution to assume additional authorities.

As a demonstration of our strategy and hard work to success, rewards of additional responsibilities would none other than bring our independence. Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Lands on these actions to independence. Mahsi.

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Lands Integrated Risk‑based Strategic Plan

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho .

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Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Members' Statements

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [no translation provided].

Mr. Speaker, those who have housing are worried about overcrowding and its impact on family relationships, unmanageable arrears, debts carried over from family members who have passed away, and the difficulty getting repairs and maintenance done.

Those who cannot get housing wonder why vacant houses on the reserve have not been put to good use. Young people who want to live on their own have no choice but to live with their parents or leave the community. If they choose to leave, families are separated and traditional ways of life are threatened. If they choose to stay, they have to deal with endless waiting lists and bureaucracy.

Because of these long-standing and serious problems, it was good news earlier this year when the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation advised this House that the Housing Corporation was working on making 16 units available for people on the Hay River Reserve.

There can be no question, Mr. Speaker, that federal jurisdiction for reserve lands makes it challenging for the GNWT to address the problems of those living on the reserve. I was encouraged by the Minister's news that they had managed to negotiate and successfully obtain land tenure for 10 of the units and that they were entering a tender process to repair those houses.

Now that autumn has arrived, I am concerned whether these units will be available for access before the cold weather arrives. I am also wondering what progress has been made on land tenure for the remaining six units. Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful that the day is coming when I no longer need to speak about inadequate housing on the Hay River Reserve. We are finally beginning the dialogue about strategies, proposals, and actions that will make adequate housing available for the people of the K'atlodeeche First Nation. I believe we can keep up the positive momentum, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.

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Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta .

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Safe Houses For Victims Of Domestic Violence

Members' Statements

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, housing is one of the core critical challenges facing the 18th Legislative Assembly. Homelessness plagues our communities, whether rural and remote or our regional centres. Public housing tenants face lengthy wait lists. We do not yet have enough long-term care beds for our seniors and elders.

Today I want to talk about a housing issue more likely to be hidden, but no less likely to be harmful and costly: the housing needs of women and children escaping family violence. Research into women's homelessness in Canada's North, including our territory, is sobering. The Homeless Hub found that women's security is often taken out of their control, dependent on their partners' behaviour and circumstances. A study from the YWCA found that domestic violence was a major determinant in women's homelessness. You must know, Mr. Speaker, that the NWT, with Nunavut, has the highest rate of family violence in Canada.

In spite of this, we have only five family violence shelters in all regional centres. That means that women and children in many of our small communities, often our most vulnerable communities, cannot have local access to a safe place to stay, not to mention victim services or the RCMP. Yes, it is true that the government will help families travel to the nearest shelter, but can you imagine the disruption of not only leaving your home, but also your community? What happens in an emergency?

This is an area that needs greater resources, Mr. Speaker, but the mandate of the government authorities addresses only the status quo. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous content granted

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Safe Houses For Victims Of Domestic Violence

Members' Statements

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, continuing support for these five shelters, that is certainly critical, but what about all the other women? In my riding, the communities of Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic want to establish a local safe house, a place where the community can support some of its most vulnerable residents. Provided a location could be secured, such a place could be managed by the local organizations, like the band, with the government's support.

A safe house is exactly that, Mr. Speaker, a safe place where a woman and her children may find shelter, access government services, receive counselling and advice, and simply rest, knowing that they are secure. Women who leave violent partners and unsafe homes are acting with incredible courage, and they need more support from us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions later today.

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Safe Houses For Victims Of Domestic Violence

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Physical Literacy Theme For 2017 NWT Literacy Week

Members' Statements

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this week is Literacy Week here in the Northwest Territories. While most of us think first about reading, the NWT Literacy Council is exploring a different dimension of literacy.

The theme for this year's annual event is Physical Literacy - Life in Motion. Physical literacy is a new term that encompasses the basic knowledge, skills, and motivation we all need to be physically active for life. We can look at physical literacy in a variety of ways. Each of us needs to know our body and its needs so that we can keep that body working for a long time, get things done, and enjoy our lives. Physical literacy stresses the need for good nutrition and sleep, which are vital to our physical, mental, and emotional health. Mr.

Speaker, traditional Indigenous life demanded high levels of physical literacy so that people could be safe and successful on the land as they travelled and hunted. Physical literacy is for everyone, no matter their age or ability. It is critical to counteract the sedentary lifestyles encouraged by our digital world. Knowing what that involves and building it into our lives is what physical literacy is all about.

The NWT Literacy Council has developed and distributed NWT-themed learning and activity resources that people can use to promote and develop physical literacy. There is a how-to kit, and the council has offered community organizations funding of up to $300 to stage a community event. In keeping with the council's belief that learning often comes through play, the resources help people engage themselves, their families, and their communities in fun activities that strengthen physical literacy.

The council's literacy coordinator has also promoted the link between physical literacy and reconciliation, including ideas about how we can incorporate cultural activities like dancing and games into physical literacy activities in communities.

All around the NWT this week, people are gathering for these community events celebrating personal and community development through literacy. Join me in saluting the NWT Literacy Council for its leadership and support, and for all the people who are joining in for Literacy Week this week. Thank you.

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Physical Literacy Theme For 2017 NWT Literacy Week

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput .

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Support For Aboriginal Sport And Athletes

Members' Statements

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has been said that "youth sports are the ultimate classroom." Kids learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, respect for authority and rules, and how to win with class and lose with dignity. It gives our youth a positive way to channel their energy, to learn about cooperation and team dynamics, and to build self-esteem, all while having fun.

Youth sport also contributes to health and wellness by encouraging kids to be active and increasing their levels of physical fitness. This in turn helps reduce rates of obesity and diabetes in young people and helps instil fitness habits that last a lifetime.

All of these benefits are magnified for Aboriginal youth, especially those living in smaller, more remote communities, and those whose lives are touched by poverty, addictions, and poor nutrition. For this reason, it is important that the GNWT provide as much support as possible to sporting events such as the North American Indigenous Games or NAIG, as they call it. Mr. Speaker, NAIG is recognized as an important vehicle to promote Indigenous sport development and recreation in Canada. It also provides an important opportunity to showcase and celebrate Indigenous culture across North America.

This event is so significant that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has included it in its Calls to Action. Call to Action Number 88 reads: "We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel."

Mr. Speaker, I am told that the GNWT contributed $663,000 this year to the Aboriginal Sport Circle of the Northwest Territories to fund the NAIG games. It is critical that our young people have proper training, more training time, and the continued opportunity to participate in these games. I want to encourage the GNWT to meet or exceed this funding in its next budget and to keep up the good work.

This summer, the North American Indigenous Games were held in Toronto. Athletes from the Northwest Territories brought home 28 medals, 5 gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze, in an array of activities, including archery, track and field, canoe, kayak, golf, rifle shooting, and swimming. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues in this Assembly will join me today in congratulating the medal winners and acknowledging the hard work and competitive spirit of all athletes, coaches, and mission staff from the Northwest Territories who participated in this event. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.

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Support For Aboriginal Sport And Athletes

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Colleagues, I would like draw your attention to visitors in the gallery. We have with us Julia Naedzo from Behchoko. Welcome to our Assembly, one of the Aurora College students. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Frame Lake .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I would like to recognize three of the nursing and social work students from my riding, in the gallery: Jennifer Pitt, Meagan Shuparski, and Samantha Heatherington. I would also like to recognize two dear friends and former residents of the Northwest Territories, Chris O'Brien and Deborah Molvasie, who are joining us in the gallery, as well. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Kam Lake .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Ms. Krista Schauerte, Ms. Lindsay Paul, and Ms. Samantha Brissette. They are all Aurora College nursing and social work students. I would also like to recognize Ms. Prudence Kalnay- Watson, who is only four but is joining us today in the gallery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Thebacha .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Nadine MacDonald from Thebacha, Fort Smith. Thank you.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nahendeh .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize two constituents of mine, Kristen Tanche and, of course, my daughter Jenny Thompson, who are both part of the social work program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize two of the nursing and social work students from the Range Lake riding, Ms. Kathie Pender and Ms. Shenel Cruz. I just want to say that nursing and social work are two very honourable fields. One of them is myself, a social work degree; it's about caring for people, and I give my humblest respect for all of the students. Thank you.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Sahtu .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize nursing and social work student Shelly Pierrot. Mahsi.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome and recognize all the students in the nursing program, as well as the social work program; in particular, Amber-Joy Gruben, who is from Inuvik and is taking the nursing program. Welcome, and I hope you guys had a good visit to the Legislative Assembly and had a good tour. Thank you, Mahsi.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the nursing and social work students who are from Yellowknife Centre, including Cindy Villeneuve, Diana Lubansa, Jonah Gordon, Megan McDougall, Rick Miller, Shelby Clarke, Shelley Hessdorfer, Toby Siziba, and Vivian Nyika. I would like to welcome them to the House. Thank you.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to recognize in the gallery today we have Dr. Rob Gordon, Vice-President of Research and Professor in Geography and Environmental Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University. They just opened an office here in Yellowknife this morning, and we are pleased with the partnership that we have with them. I would also like to recognize Joel Peters, who is in external affairs with Wilfrid Laurier University, and also with them from ENR is Mr. Andrew Applejohn. Welcome to the gallery. Welcome, gentlemen.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, want to recognize all of the students who are joining us today, but in particular from the Yellowknife North riding, I would like to welcome Ana Strbac, Chantele Fage, Kiana Moosavi-Karimi, Sandra Richardson, Susan Fitzky, and Tammy Badari. I would also like to, at this time, welcome Yellowknife North constituent Mike Kalnay; and I would like recognize former Minister and MLA who is a Yellowknife North constituent, Dave Ramsay. Thank you, and welcome everyone to the House.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife South .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to recognize all the students who are here today, in particular, Maurissa Antle, a constituent from Yellowknife South. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. I, too, would like to welcome all the students who are here with us today. Good luck with your studies. Make us proud. Also, to those who we may not have mentioned today, welcome. It is always nice to have an audience as part of our proceedings. Masi. Item 6, acknowledgements. Member for Sahtu .

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Acknowledgment 28-18(2): Passing Of Gordon Lennie

Acknowledgements

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to acknowledge the late Gordon Lennie, who passed on at the age of 69 on the September 9th day of this year.

Gordon did not take nature for granted; he worked to make sure his passion was being protected. Gordon was involved politically with the NWT Metis Association and the Metis Heritage. He also co-authored a book called The Fiddle and the Sash: A history of the Metis of the NWT. Mr. Speaker, his most important love was his children. Gordon was a well-respected bush man who will always be remembered. Mahsi.

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Acknowledgment 28-18(2): Passing Of Gordon Lennie

Acknowledgements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Our condolences to the family as well, and also to the region. Acknowledgments. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Nunakput .

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Question 866-18(2): North American Indigenous Games

Oral Questions

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke about North American Indigenous Games, and my questions are for the Minister of MACA . Mr. Speaker, my first question is: can the Minister advise how the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT uses the funding it receives from the GNWT for the North American Indigenous Games? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 866-18(2): North American Indigenous Games

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs .

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Question 866-18(2): North American Indigenous Games

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Aboriginal Sports Circle receives $663,000. That money was to support Team NWT at NAG. Most of the money actually was spent for team travel. It is expensive to send people from the northern communities and pay for their accommodations while they are down there. Some of the money was used for territorial sports organizations. They were provided grants so that they could complete the selection of their teams for the games, and that is how the money was utilized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 866-18(2): North American Indigenous Games

Oral Questions

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

I appreciate the clarification. Mr. Speaker, my next question is: for the next North American Indigenous Games, how will the department support and improve long-term planning in athlete development?

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Question 866-18(2): North American Indigenous Games

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

The next Northern Indigenous Games are actually in Winnipeg in 2020, so in the meantime, we are actually doing a sector-wide strategy with all of the stakeholders, sports and recreation organizations to look at gaps, to look at areas that we are duplicating, to look at areas that we could improve. Part of that is looking at how to get more participation for all residents of the Northwest Territories. The other thing that we are doing within that strategy is we will also be implementing the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations surrounding sports, as well.

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Question 866-18(2): North American Indigenous Games

Oral Questions

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

It is good to see that long-term planning is getting under way. I know the year before, the planning was maybe about three or four months ahead. I think long-term planning for Indigenous youth and participation will help youth in remote communities. Mr. Speaker, my final question is: in what other ways does Municipal and Community Affairs support their participation of Indigenous youth in sports?

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Question 866-18(2): North American Indigenous Games

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs recognizes that physical literacy, physical activity, is actually something that we need to be promoting with youth from the very beginning until actually when people pass on. There are a number of ways that we actually support, specifically for Indigenous children and youth. We support the Aboriginal Sport Circle, which was stated with nearly $1 million for sports programming. That includes the traditional Indigenous Games, including the annual school championships that they do.

We support them with canoeing, lacrosse, and archery, snowshoe making, the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, and an annual awards program. These programs are specifically for Indigenous youth, but we also have programs that are offered for all youth, and all youth includes Indigenous youth, too. Like I said, that starts from the very young. Things like the After-School Physical Activity Program that gives funding for schools to support their things. We give things right from there to our high-performance athletic grants that we provide.

We also do things that often people don't see as related to promoting youth in sports, but we do. The Youth Ambassador Program and the NWT Youth Leadership Strategy are all about role modelling, and role modelling health living, and part of healthy living is to actually take

part in physical activities. We support activities from birth till the end, and we will continue to do so.

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Question 866-18(2): North American Indigenous Games

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh .

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Question 867-18(2): Aurora College Foundational Review

Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to follow up on my Member's statement, and I have some questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Mr. Speaker, I must be very honest with you, I'm gravely concerned that the teachers and the social work programs are in peril no matter what the review process or the outcome is. The Minister has repeatedly stated that the programs have limited success but great expense and that they're not having the intended results, but I'd like further clarification. Mr. Speaker, what issues did the department expressly identify in these programs and when did they do so? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 867-18(2): Aurora College Foundational Review

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 867-18(2): Aurora College Foundational Review

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think we've gone through this discussion over time, at our last session as well, that decisions were made and we're moving forward in the best interests of students, in the best interests of education in the Northwest Territories and post-secondary. We continue to support our students here in the North at Aurora College programming, the two programs in particular that were discussed.

We continue to support the students from our department as well as through Aurora College to make sure that the students who are in those two programs will succeed, will become workers of the GNWT hopefully, and we continue to support them. I think we've had this discussion long enough that decisions were made and the fact that we're moving forward in the best interests of the students and our education in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 867-18(2): Aurora College Foundational Review

Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

I thank the Minister for his words. I don't know that he answered my question, but we'll move on to my next one. Mr. Speaker, I'm the kind of person who doesn't like to throw the baby out with the bathwater. If something isn't working, I try to fix it. What did the department and Aurora College do to address the issues identified in these programs before they proposed eliminating them altogether?

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Question 867-18(2): Aurora College Foundational Review

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

The Aurora College and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment continue to work together on a regular basis to review programs that are offered at three of our campuses, as well as our community learning centres, and we continually work to support and improve programs and student outcomes throughout those three campuses as well as our community learning centres. I'm going to continue to do that work and work together to make sure that we have the best interests of our students and our education in the Northwest Territories.

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Question 867-18(2): Aurora College Foundational Review

Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

I thank the Minister for his words. Again, he didn't answer the question, and I feel like it's going to be similar to what the rec leaders program did, was they kept on moving it and then they got rid of it, so I'll move on to my next set of questions.

Mr. Speaker, under the current timeframe the review will not be completed until March 31, 2018, and recommendations won't be addressed until next fall business plan for 2019. Students and other residents have asked me to help them find out what is going on. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister advise the House what will happen to the teachers and social work program in the 2018-2019 school year and before the review results can be implemented?

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Question 867-18(2): Aurora College Foundational Review

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

As I've stated earlier, we continue to support the students in the TEP program as well as the social work program. We will continue to commit to making sure that they have every opportunity to succeed here in the Northwest Territories at Aurora College, but also students who are getting an education down south. That we're going to commit to making sure that our students have every opportunity to succeed in whatever programs they're registered in, Mr. Speaker.

I can't speculate at this time what the review is going to say and what those recommendations are going to be, but when we do get those recommendations we will formulate a departmental response and we will share it with committee.

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Question 867-18(2): Aurora College Foundational Review

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh .

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Question 867-18(2): Aurora College Foundational Review

Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Minister for his answer. Mr. Speaker, I understand the department is also currently working on the funding and accountability framework for Aurora College. How can work on accountability framework proceed when potential fundamental changes to the college are being contemplated? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 867-18(2): Aurora College Foundational Review

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Nationally there are standard performance measures such as number of enrolments, graduations, and student satisfaction that can be used for existing and future programs. I recognize that a new accountability framework will need to be informed by the foundational review, and that's where we are heading moving forward. In the interim, the department will continue to work with the college to advance this work, but also work with the college on how do we best serve our students in the Northwest Territories who decide to get educated here in the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 867-18(2): Aurora College Foundational Review

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake .

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Question 868-18(2): Lands Project Assessment Policy

Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. My question is for the Minister of Lands , who is responsible for the implementation of the Project Assessment Policy. In 2008, this House unanimously endorsed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. I see that our government still supports the declaration, but it's not clear what we're actually doing to implement it. Can the Minister tell me and this House whether there was any consultation or engagement with Indigenous governments in developing and refining the Project Assessment Policy, and if not, why not? Masi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 868-18(2): Lands Project Assessment Policy

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Lands .

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Question 868-18(2): Lands Project Assessment Policy

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government did not consult with Indigenous organizations with respect to this policy. The policy creates the authority for the government to establish its own internal procedures to meet the requirements of the current legislative environment. Now, of course, ultimately when decisions are made we must and do follow and abide by our responsibility as under

section 35 of the Constitution. Thank you.

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Question 868-18(2): Lands Project Assessment Policy

Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Thanks to the Minister for that information. Of course, I'm glad that

section 35 rights, our government respects them, but we've also supported in this House the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Can the Minister commit to review the Project Assessment Policy to fully incorporate the concept and practice of free, prior and informed consent?

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Question 868-18(2): Lands Project Assessment Policy

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Of course, this policy has been reviewed, not only by Cabinet but by committee, and I think it's the first time we've heard of this specific concern. The government of course does realize and is guided by its obligations under

section 35 of the Constitution, and as well our approach to engaging with Aboriginal governments as set out in the respect, recognition, and responsibility document.

Now, one of the issues regarding the UNRIP legislation, or rather the UNRIP UN Resolution, is that it may have an effect on a wide variety of policies. No, we don't incorporate it directly; we are aware of it, but there is also some uncertainty in academic circles as to what it actually means.

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Question 868-18(2): Lands Project Assessment Policy

Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Thanks to the Minister for that. Unfortunately, I didn't hear a commitment that they were going to be reviewing the policy even though he says that we still support the declaration. I'm not prepared to review the policy, but maybe I'll try a different slant here.

In my statement earlier today I pointed out the inconsistency between the lofty and courageous principles in the Project Assessment Policy and how a GNWT interdepartmental committee may operate in assembling technical advice and evidence.

I will just give an example here. If government scientific experts produce evidence that demonstrates a Slave Geological Province road will have an adverse and irreparable impact on the Bathurst caribou herd, will that information be brought forward during an environmental assessment?

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Question 868-18(2): Lands Project Assessment Policy

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

I think or I detect that behind this question is a concern that has been expressed with respect to some former governments, perhaps federal ones, that muzzled scientists. I can assure you that that will not happen with this government.

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Question 868-18(2): Lands Project Assessment Policy

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake .

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Question 868-18(2): Lands Project Assessment Policy

Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Let's talk about muzzling, I guess, but I do not really feel a lot of reassurance by that response. I pointed out the inconsistencies between the principles of the policy and how it may operate in the future. Given those problems that I have pointed out in this House, can the Minister commit to bringing forward the policy to his Cabinet colleagues in an expedient fashion and consult with Indigenous governments to make revisions to ensure public confidence, transparency, and the spirit of reconciliation are maintained?

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Question 868-18(2): Lands Project Assessment Policy

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

This is, of course, an internal policy of the government, but I would like to point out again that it was reviewed thoroughly by committee, and they had certain suggestions. Now, I will say that of course, ultimately this government is guided by

section 35 of the Constitution. I do not think we are contemplating another review of the policy. It was reviewed by Cabinet, reviewed by committee, and so the policy is now in place. Of course, if there can be improvements to it, we would always be open to hearing about those types of suggestions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 868-18(2): Lands Project Assessment Policy

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Question 869-18(2): Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier today I spoke about the new federal tax regime on small business, and so my questions today are for the Premier . Mr. Speaker, Premiers from around the country are starting to voice their concerns to Ottawa about the proposed changes, and so I would like to ask the Premier : has our government had the opportunity yet to review the 65-page proposed changes, the consultation paper? If so, what is our government's position, or what are our views and thoughts on that consultation paper? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 869-18(2): Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

The Honourable Premier .

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Question 869-18(2): Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to advise that our Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Finance has reviewed the federal consultation paper, and we continue to monitor the national discussion. I can clarify that the Premier of Nova Scotia has been very careful about his comments on these tax changes; the Government of BC has expressed concern about the level of consultation; the Governments of Manitoba and Newfoundland have been critical of the federal government.

We as a government, the Government of the Northwest Territories, support small businesses. We recognize small businesses are a very important part of our economy and our population, and we want to ensure that a fair tax system continues across the country, including the Northwest Territories.

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Question 869-18(2): Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

I appreciate the reply from the Premier . Mr. Speaker, the federal government is calling these "loopholes," and small business in fact are calling them laws, which in fact they are, that allow them to exist as businesses. Going forward, businesses are sharing a fear that these new laws will kind of tax them out of existence, or certainly not incentivize anyone to start a new business. My question for the Premier is: how has our government been communicating so far with small business on this issue? We just returned not long ago from Opportunities North.

There were plenty of small businesses there sharing their opinion, so what are we doing to show small business that we support them and that we "have their back?"

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Question 869-18(2): Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

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Question 869-18(2): Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Well, I guess that supports, maybe, the case of my next question. Some governments, some provincial governments, are calling on Ottawa to not rush through this and to extend the consultative period.

I am wondering, because we have not had the opportunity to reach out to small business here to date, can our government at least send a message to Ottawa, write a letter to the Prime Minister saying that we have put in some good work up here in the North; we are stimulating small business; we certainly do not want to see our efforts inhibited; and will they extend the consultative period and allow the federal government and the territorial government to collect some input from small business so that they can have their voice be heard on this matter?

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Question 869-18(2): Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

All Premiers will be attending a First Ministers’ Conference in the very near future, and several have indicated they would raise this issue because of the fact that there will be some discussions in that regard. Once we have the information and a clear understanding of where the federal government is going in tax reform, we will develop an appropriate response, including writing a letter. Certainly, when we talk about the economy, we have concerns as a government. We recognize small business is very important. We have stayed away from increasing a tax on small business, and we are quite prepared to work on behalf of small businesses in the Northwest Territories.

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Question 869-18(2): Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Question 869-18(2): Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Premier for indicating that he will be raising the issue at upcoming First Ministers’ Conferences. Certainly, any time that Ministers are meeting with their federal counterparts, I am going to certainly encourage them to raise this issue on behalf of small business in the North. Again, I appreciate that the Premier is inclusive of writing a letter to show and state our position of support for small business in the North.

However, if all fails and these laws come into enactment, what will our government be prepared to do? If we find that these laws are going to somehow have detrimental effects on the small business community in the North, as a government, what next steps are we prepared to do to maybe mitigate some of those impacts? We certainly do not want to see our small business community start to decline. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 869-18(2): Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Once we determine the impact of the new federal tax, recognizing that a federal election is coming in 2019 so I expect there will be something in 2018, once we know what the effect of this new federal tax will be on small businesses, the Government of the Northwest Territories can look at what appropriate actions we can take.

As everybody knows, as a government, we already support small businesses through a number of economic development programs. We will continue to do so. If there are negative impacts, we will certainly prepare to look at them to see how we can continue to have small business flourish in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 869-18(2): Federal Small Business Tax Changes

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 870-18(2): Impacts Of GNWT Employee Layoffs

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member's statement today I talked about the layoff of GNWT staff. I would like to ask the Minister of Finance a couple of questions. In this current year of 2017-2018, have the departments of the GNWT been directed to lay off staff for reduction purposes? Thank you.

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Question 870-18(2): Impacts Of GNWT Employee Layoffs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Finance .

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Question 870-18(2): Impacts Of GNWT Employee Layoffs

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in 2018, the budget included 65 position reductions. Thirty-three employees received their layoff notice. Of the 33, five employees have elected to retire; one employee remains eligible to retire; 15 employees have been redeployed; three employees remain on affected status; and nine employees are on a layoff notice period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 870-18(2): Impacts Of GNWT Employee Layoffs

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

The GNWT has policies to retain a priority status when they are recruiting employees to the GNWT. Does that same set of policies apply when there are layoffs being contemplated by the GNWT in I guess sort of in a reverse sense? Would the GNWT look at the Affirmative Action Policy to lay individuals off?

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Question 870-18(2): Impacts Of GNWT Employee Layoffs

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

We have a staff retention policy that applies to affected employees, and we take every opportunity to try and find other positions within the Government of Northwest Territories for these employees. The preference would be their home department, but if that is not the case, then we do work to try to find other positions for the employees.

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Question 870-18(2): Impacts Of GNWT Employee Layoffs

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

I am familiar with the staff retention policy. In fact, I mentioned one of the retention policies in my Member's statement; giving somebody 80 per cent of their salary for one year to go to school. My question is more: would the Affirmative Action Policy apply the same way when we hire individuals? We use a priority; priority one, priority two, and people who do not have a priority. I am wondering if that policy would apply when you are contemplating layoffs.

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Question 870-18(2): Impacts Of GNWT Employee Layoffs

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

For staffing of positions, we do apply the Affirmative Action Policy for the layoff of employees. We have the Staff Retention Policy. It is just the layoffs; so it does not matter -- that is not the right way to put it. The affirmative action would not apply to layoffs as well.

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Question 870-18(2): Impacts Of GNWT Employee Layoffs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 870-18(2): Impacts Of GNWT Employee Layoffs

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is something that does not make me happy, but it is what it is, and I will move on to my next question. I would like to ask the Minister if the Minister can commit to doing a socioeconomic analysis of staff members when they are laid off. In my Member's statement, I talked about the loss of actual people to the Northwest Territories. If we lay someone off and they take their family and four of them go down south, we lose transfer payments, which could be potentially higher than the salary that we are saving by reducing that position.

Again, my question is: would the Minister commit to applying socioeconomic analysis when they lay individuals off regardless of their status? Thank you.

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Question 870-18(2): Impacts Of GNWT Employee Layoffs

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

I am not willing to commit to something until I know more about it. We have 5,000 employees within the government system. We have had a number of people the last few years who have been affected. I am not sure where the Member is going with this, if they want us to apply what effect it might have on the family or whether we may lose people or not. I do not think that it's something that we currently do, and it is not something that I am willing to commit to do until I know more about it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 870-18(2): Impacts Of GNWT Employee Layoffs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho .

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Question 871-18(2): Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Earlier, in my statement, I made an attempt to try to outline the progress of the housing issue on the Hay River reserve. A term that I use to describe the sense of despair that the constituents feel, in my language what it means is that there is a sense of futility, the acceptance that nothing will be done in regards to housing. That is how some people feel on the reserve. My question is today, Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Minister: would the Minister advise the House on the progress that has been made on the 10 units on the Hay River reserve? Mahsi.

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Question 871-18(2): Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of NWT Housing Corporation.

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Question 871-18(2): Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Currently, the 10 units on the Hay River reserve were negotiated with the Hay River reserve and the federal government to get the units and the land leases that were held by the federal government. During this fiscal year, we actually will be doing renovations to the building, to some of the units. It will take some time. We currently have one person in those units who was in that unit when we took it over from the K'atlodeeche First Nation band. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 871-18(2): Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

I would like to thank the Minister for providing that update. The Minister had stated that there is one occupant one of several houses that had been focused on in terms of getting them ready for people to access them, and they are being renovated. Can the Minister advise what progress has been made on the remaining six homes? I understand there are six other homes as well.

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Question 871-18(2): Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

The process to actually get the 10 units under the Housing Corporation has taken a few years, actually. It was a huge process trying to negotiate with the federal government to get the land turned over to the Housing Corporation, so we are still in the process of trying to get the other six units secured from the federal government. I cannot give a timeline. All I do know is it took quite a bit of time to get the initial 10 units, but we are working diligently with the federal government to try to get this done as soon as possible.

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Question 871-18(2): Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

On the reserve, too, aside from the 10 houses that have been the focal point of this government and the federal government to try to get them to a point where they could be accessible and liveable by people from the reserve, there are other units on the reserve that are abandoned and unoccupied. At the same time, their existence is to the point where they are derelict. What is the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation's plans for those houses?

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Question 871-18(2): Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Derelict buildings throughout the Northwest Territories are an issue for the Housing Corporation. Once they reach the stage of being derelict, they are no longer transferable to people. It is not appropriate to give them to people for home ownership, and the cost to renovate them is more substantial than actually to build new units. We are working very actively to address the derelict buildings within the communities. I believe we have over 33 in this fiscal year that we have taken off.

We will, every year, be looking at demolishing the derelict buildings, but it is important to note that, every year when we do the housing assessment, more derelict buildings may be identified. It will be an ongoing issue, but hopefully not to the extent that it is now.

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Question 871-18(2): Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho .

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Question 871-18(2): Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on the reserve, and like the whole of the NWT, there is a shortage of housing. How is the department working to address people who are waiting for housing? I understand, in some communities, the waiting list is pretty long. How is the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation addressing people who are seeking to get into housing off the waiting lists? Mahsi.

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Question 871-18(2): Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Earlier in today's session, the honourable MLA spoke about wanting to be able to reach a time that he would no longer have to say that housing on the Hay River Reserve was an issue. I would also like to reach a time that I can say housing within the Northwest Territories will never be an issue; however, I am not so sure that that will come during my term, but I can say that we are working diligently to address the issue of the wait list.

Housing is a major component of peoples' wellbeing. It's critical that people have a house. With the program renewal that we are currently in, there's a number of strategies that we will be implementing. I did speak earlier in this session about having a Minister's statement at the end of the last week of session, but if I keep getting the questions I might not get to do much of a statement.

Some of the things that we are doing that we will be talking about is a lease-to-own program for people who are higher-income but still fall within the core needs, so that their units can actually be moved into home ownership, which will free up more space for public housing units. We have the Community Housing Support Program that we're working with Indigenous and/or municipal governments to see if we can work in partnership to address housing needs. We're looking at a brand new home design, which will accommodate larger families and also accommodate people with disabilities or seniors.

In the market communities, we're looking at a different model of a rent supplement program that will be available to individuals, both through the government, the Housing Corporation, or else through non-government organizations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 871-18(2): Hay River Reserve Housing Issues

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 872-(18)2: North Slave Correctional Centre Perimeter Fencing

Oral Questions

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Masi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Justice . During the last Capital Estimates, Members approved funds for an enhanced perimeter fence and security upgrades for the North Slave Correctional Centre. I'd like to know whether the work on this fence has been completed. Thank you.

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Question 872-(18)2: North Slave Correctional Centre Perimeter Fencing

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Justice .

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Question 872-(18)2: North Slave Correctional Centre Perimeter Fencing

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, really there are two fences that we're talking about. There are the improvements that are needed as a result of the critical incident of August 2016, and a budget was approved for this work, but the bids came in a lot more than expected.

With respect to the perimeter fence, the tenders closed on August 29, 2017. I'm not sure whether the contract has been formally awarded yet, but I can find that information out and provide that to the Member opposite. Thank you

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Question 872-(18)2: North Slave Correctional Centre Perimeter Fencing

Oral Questions

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

I appreciate the Minister providing that information at his convenience. It's my understanding from a constituent who is at the jail often as a volunteer that the inmates aren't using the bigger fenced yard where the cultural program is available. Is that because of this fencing issue?

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Question 872-(18)2: North Slave Correctional Centre Perimeter Fencing

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Yes, it is a result of the incident that took place last year. Clearly, enhanced security was required and, as I say, a budget was approved, but the bids came in at far higher than expected. We are now going to a revised approach that hopefully will lead to an enhanced security so that the inmates will be able to use that area again, and hopefully this can be accomplished at a reasonable cost.

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