Debates of March 3rd, 2009

This is page numbers 2705 - 2758 of the Hansard for the 16th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was communities .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Minister’s Statement 46-16(3): GNWT Knowledge Policy Implementing Framework And Enr Traditional Knowledge Plan

Minister’s Statement 47-16(3): Marine Safety Training Courses Northwest Territories Tourism Operators

Minister’s Statement 48-16(3): Honouring Phillip Rabesca

Minister’s Statement 49-16(3): Social Work Week March 2-6, 2009

Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

2008 Arctic Winter Games Review

Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

NWTHC Homeownership Programs

Property Disclosure Statement In Real Estate Transactions

Gravel Access Road In Paulatuk

Proposed Amendments In The NWT Adoption Act

Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Interest-Free Home Improvement And Repair Loans In The Yukon

Condolences To The Family And Friends Of Joe Mercredi

Dene Hand Games Tournament In Behchoko

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Property Disclosure Statement In Real Estate Transactions

Aboriginal Languages Month

Adoption Act And Need For Open Or Private Adoption Registry

Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Home Improvement And Repair Programs In The NWT

Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Funding For Gravel Access Road In Paulatuk

Completion Of Games Review Report

Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Planned Enhancements To Housing Corporation Communications Strategies In Tu Nedhe

Funding For Possible Gravel Access Road In Aklavik

Tabled Document 20-16(3): Department Of Environment And Natural Resources Traditional Knowledge Implementation Knowledge Plan Tabled Document 21-16(3): Government Of The Northwest Territories Traditional Knowledge Policy Implementation Framework

Bill 8: Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2008-2009

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Review Of Small Community Road Service Assessment And Design Work Carried

Report of Committee of the Whole

Orders of the Day

The House met at 1:35 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. For the information of Members and our guests in the audience, we have interpreters this week. Channel two is Dogrib and channel three is North Slavey.

Also, before begin to the orders of the day, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge a special day for a couple of our Members here in the Chamber today. I would like to wish a happy birthday to the Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee …

---Applause

…and also to the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes , Mr. Robert McLeod .

---Applause

Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Minister’s Statement 46-16(3): GNWT Knowledge Policy Implementing Framework And Enr Traditional Knowledge Plan

Ministers’ Statements

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, traditional knowledge is an essential component of program management within the Government of the Northwest Territories and we are committed to incorporating traditional knowledge into our programs and services.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is responsible for implementing the Traditional Knowledge Policy. As the lead department, ENR coordinated the interdepartmental working group which developed the GNWT Traditional Knowledge Policy Implementation Framework. The framework will guide the

government-wide implementation of traditional knowledge.

The GNWT recognizes the need to consider both traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge in our decision-making. The inclusion of traditional knowledge is vital for the development of sound natural resource management plans and programs. The Traditional Knowledge Policy was established by the Government of the Northwest Territories in 1997. The policy was meant to ensure that traditional knowledge played a significant role in government programs and services.

Mr. Speaker, the policy defines traditional knowledge as “knowledge and values which have been acquired through experience, observations from the land or from spiritual teachings, and handed down from one generation to another.”

We have been successful in incorporating traditional knowledge into a number of projects including construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, environmental monitoring and management of our wildlife and forest resources.

Additionally, we have conducted extensive consultation with traditional knowledge holders on exhibit development at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. The Department of Health and Social Services recently worked with the Dene Nation to incorporate into palliative care programs and services.

Although traditional knowledge is already being incorporated into a wide range of departmental initiatives, there is opportunity for further implementation.

The GNWT is dedicated to working with all Northerners to build a strong and independent North taking advantage of the unique experience and knowledge that partners bring to the table.

Mr. Speaker, our commitment to traditional knowledge is firm and we are eager to apply it in an appropriate and thoughtful manner to a wide range of government initiatives. The interdepartmental working group will coordinate and support departments in fulfilling the spirit, intent and obligations of the Traditional Knowledge Policy.

Due to differing mandates, some GNWT departments and agencies have a greater opportunity and obligation to incorporate traditional knowledge into their programs and services in the way in which they do business. As a result, the extent to which departments can implement the Traditional Knowledge Policy will vary. ENR has completed a departmental Traditional Knowledge Implementation Plan. It forms part of the overall GNWT Traditional Knowledge Policy Implementation Framework.

The implementation priorities of the ENR plan include improved coordination of traditional knowledge implementation as well as increased awareness, training, collaboration, promotion and support of traditional knowledge.

Mr. Speaker, we can all agree that traditional knowledge is best preserved through the continued use and application. Through the development of a formal implementation framework for our Traditional Knowledge Policy, I am confident traditional knowledge will remain an integral part of government-wide operations and services.

From determining the cumulative effects of human activity on our land, water and natural resources to guiding the development of community infrastructure, traditional knowledge will form an important part of the knowledge base of our government.

Later today, I will table both the GNWT Traditional Knowledge Policy Implementation Framework and the ENR Traditional Knowledge Implementation Plan. I look forward to updating Members on our government’s progress in formally implementing traditional knowledge into our programs and services.

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Minister’s Statement 46-16(3): GNWT Knowledge Policy Implementing Framework And Enr Traditional Knowledge Plan

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment , Mr. Bob McLeod .

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Minister’s Statement 47-16(3): Marine Safety Training Courses Northwest Territories Tourism Operators

Ministers’ Statements

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, according to new Transport Canada regulations tourism operators and guides who use motorized boats in unsheltered waters are now required to attain certain levels of training and certification. While these new requirements are dependent on a number of factors, they will nevertheless have a significant impact on the men and women who make up parts of our tourism industry and who must now pay the cost to obtain this new certification.

I have been informed by representatives of our tourism industry and Aurora College that, in fact, the expense and logistics of accessing and receiving the required training will not be feasible without government assistance. For that reason, I would like to advise the Members of this House and the Northwest Territories tourism industry that the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, through training investments allocated under the Tourism 2010 plan, will fund opportunities in coming months.

This funding will provide marine safety training courses for those licensed tourism operators in the Northwest Territories impacted by the Transport Canada decision. The first course of training will be delivered on May 25th to 29th in

Yellowknife, with other locations and times to be determined based on demand.

Wherever possible, this government is committed to investing in education and training that will enhance the opportunities and choices of Northwest Territories residents. I would encourage all individuals impacted by this decision to seek out and obtain the required training by contacting the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment office in their region. The department will be sending out notices to the tourism operators along with annual registration packages beginning next month.

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Minister’s Statement 47-16(3): Marine Safety Training Courses Northwest Territories Tourism Operators

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Minister’s Statement 48-16(3): Honouring Phillip Rabesca

Ministers’ Statements

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The Tlicho region and the Northwest Territories experienced an unfortunate loss recently with the passing of Phillip Rabesca of Behchoko, also known as Phillia. Phillia was a skilled and educated interpreter-translator with a high level of fluency and literacy in his language. His knowledge and understanding of the Tlicho language was respected across the Territory. He worked with everyone in the community, including schools, the church, government, and the RCMP, to help people understand each other. In his relatively short lifespan he amassed a collection of works translated into the Tlicho language that will help our people keep our language for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, his commitment to the land and culture was well known in the region. He was very well respected by people of all ages. He had a detailed understanding of Tlicho land and boundaries and spent as much time as he could out on the land.

Phillip was not an outspoken person, but many people came to him for his quiet perspective and advice.

Phillip had been sick for some time before he passed away, but he continued to transcribe stories, even from his hospital bed, and used every bit of time he had left to share with his family and friends. It had been our hope to honour him with a special language leader award for his lifetime of dedication and learning. I am sorry to have to recognize his work posthumously.

I pass my condolences to his partner, Leslie Saxon, and his friends and family in the Tlicho community and around the Northwest Territories. We have lost a great Northerner and a great man.

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Minister’s Statement 48-16(3): Honouring Phillip Rabesca

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Minister’s Statement 49-16(3): Social Work Week March 2-6, 2009

Ministers’ Statements

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we celebrate National Social Work Week from March 2nd to 6th this year it is important to recognize

the exceptional work that social workers do for people in the communities.

This year’s theme is “Social Workers – Making a Difference in Seniors’ Lives”. Seniors and elders in all of our communities are our greatest source of strength. They bring value to our communities and provide a wisdom that social workers can learn from as they provide support to them.

Across the Northwest Territories social workers assist our seniors and elders in so many ways; by assisting with income related issues, discharge planning from hospitals, planning for care at home, and by helping our seniors cope with mental and physical health issues, including the issues related to elder abuse.

It is important to recognize that social work practice is rooted in the desire to provide a service to humanity. In the North we have over 140 diverse positions that employ social workers within the Department of Health and Social Services alone. Social work includes mental health and addictions, community social service workers, corrections and family counselling services, among other areas.

Social workers have unique training and education. This scope of practice prepares them to work in the non-profit and government sectors to advocate for important issues, such as social equality, eradicating poverty, and to support those who are more vulnerable; for example, children and elders. Social equality is always at the forefront.

Mr. Speaker, social workers are challenged with the delivery of day-to-day services for children, youth, adults, and elders. They have a very important role of ensuring that the health and well-being of persons in need are being addressed and achieved. I am aware of the skills and creativity used by social workers to problem solve, advocate, and provide effective services to the people of the North. I am also acutely aware of the challenges created by some of the limited resources available in communities.

Mr. Speaker, in my role as Minister of Health and Social Services I have come to appreciate the magnitude of the responsibilities of social workers and I am confident in the services that they provide. My experience has given me the opportunity to better understand the challenging roles and responsibilities of front-line social workers. I recognize that social workers need to maintain a delicate balance of services while adhering to legislation and combining this with best practice deliverables to our people.

Mr. Speaker, the contribution of the work that social workers provide to our people is invaluable and I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation to all social workers during this National Social Work Week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister’s Statement 49-16(3): Social Work Week March 2-6, 2009

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Item 3, Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Members’ Statements

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I support some system to look at the right reviews that are taking place in regards to the power rates in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, this issue has been around for some time. I believe that the people in the Northwest Territories are asking for change. Mr. Speaker, the change we are looking at is in regards to the review of power rates and the high cost in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, we do have to have a review process for looking at 28 applications for diesel communities that the Power Corporation provides power to; five communities that depend on hydro and, more importantly, a review of the regulatory process that it follows. The PUB process that reviews these applications is based on a processed camp rate community by community. Mr. Speaker, this process costs some $3 million in which the ratepayers have to pay back.

Mr. Speaker, there are 33 communities in the Northwest Territories that have different types of rates. We have eight hydro communities, 23 diesel communities and two natural gas communities. Yet, Mr. Speaker, people have always said, why is it that the power rates are so high in our diesel communities compared to hydro communities? Mr. Speaker, in order for us to get to the bottom of this, we do have to have a review process in place. I, for one, support the initiatives of the government in looking at all these aspects and that one of the priorities of the 16th Assembly is to reduce the cost

of living in our communities. One of the highest costs for our communities is energy.

Mr. Speaker, I feel that we do have to continue on with these reviews and, more importantly, assist the people in the Northwest Territories to reduce the high cost of power and the power rates in our communities. Mr. Speaker, with that, I will be asking the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation questions on this matter later. Thank you.

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Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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2008 Arctic Winter Games Review

Members’ Statements

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, as many know, in the lead-up to the Arctic Winter Games last year there was a lot of controversy surrounding team selection and representation as to who had jurisdiction: Sport North, regional sports councils, MACA. Also the Sport and Recreation Council decided that they could no longer support funding games from lottery money. In fact, it was not appropriate to do so.

As a consequence of these events, Municipal and Community Affairs decided to conduct a games review and they hired a consulting firm last fall. The report was to be timely and subsequent decisions would be based on recommendations included in the report. Normally there is a good debriefing by the sports community after each Arctic Winter Games but, in light of the review, this debriefing was delayed so any insights could be included in the community assessment. However, now in the long absence of the supposed timely review report, frustration has built up in the sport community involved with Arctic Winter Games.

Unfortunately, because of the games review, there has not been a forum for debriefing with respect to the Arctic Winter Games themselves.

Mr. Speaker, though apparently submitted to the Minister months ago, the games review report has still not been released to the public. With the Summer Games fast approaching and still no funds allocated within the MACA budget for games, Sport North is caught between a rock and a hard place.

Before we know it, we will be into the thick of preparing for the March 2010 Arctic Winter Games, certainly within the coming fiscal year of the 2009-10 budget. My understanding is that we will be frantically seeking $90,000 for the Summer Games and $450,000 for the Arctic Winter Games. Once again, Mr. Speaker, we have a recipe for disaster. Where is the clarity that was promised during the last kerfuffle? Where is the timely report on the lessons learned and solutions proposed and consultation with the sports community?

Our sport groups need the budgets to do their jobs up front and predictable so they don’t constantly deal with panic situations. Where are the games dollars, Mr. Speaker? Are we going to waste time again on a fully predictable supplementary appropriation and leave our public hanging until that gets done belatedly through backdoor financing once again? I will have questions for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs during question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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2008 Arctic Winter Games Review

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Members’ Statements

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to follow up on some discussions held here in the House yesterday on the different power-related reviews currently underway. During this sitting, there has been a significant amount of discussion on highly controversial changes being put forth by Cabinet, specifically the changes to supplementary health benefits and the direction taken on board reform. One of the most obvious problems with both of these initiatives is the lack of public consultation and research obtained in order to make informed decisions.

The Regular Members’ frustration with this type of direction peaked during the debate to revoke Cabinet appointments on February 6th . Although the

motion was defeated, I believe the Cabinet heard what many of the Regular Members were saying. I would even say that improvements in communication between Cabinet and Regular Members is already happening. An area that I feel demonstrates this is the direction Cabinet has taken with respect to the three separate but related power reviews.

It is clear, power rates are too high. They are negatively affecting residents throughout the NWT and something must be done. The reviews of the NWT Power Corporation and the separate electricity rate review will go a long way to encouraging public input and allowing government

to get real, concrete information and public opinion on where problems lie and what some possible solutions might be. To their credit, Cabinet has met with committee on several occasions to outline the process. Further, again yesterday, the Premier committed to getting terms of reference for the reviews to help put them into context.

In the absence of the information that these reviews will provide, I believe that we will be limited in our ability to make informed decisions on the future of power supply and rates in the NWT. So I support Cabinet’s direction on these reviews.

Mr. Speaker, with respect to the ATCO proposal, I believe it would be irresponsible not to conduct a thorough review of this submission. We must know our options. We should leave no stone unturned. Currently I do oppose the sale of this critical asset. However, in the absence of information and analysis which this review and the other two reviews will gather, it is a little premature to say that we know absolutely what is in the best interest of Northerners for both today and into the future. We need the information. So I support the reviews to the ATCO proposal as well.

As a note, I was very happy yesterday to hear the Premier state very clearly that Cabinet has not made a decision to sell the NWT Power Corporation to ATCO. Unless the review clearly demonstrates the sale to ATCO is in the best interest of all residents today and into the future and will reduce power costs, there is no reason to sell it. Why sell our long-term future for short-term gain?

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

---Unanimous consent granted

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Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Members’ Statements

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

On issues of this magnitude, we need to work together to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of all people of the Northwest Territories. The findings of these reviews will be a valuable tool as we move forward. I look forward to further discussion and debate on these topics as we move forward. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will have questions for the Premier . Thank you.

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Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Members’ Statements

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, will join my colleagues in talking about the review of the NWT electricity system. Mr. Speaker, as

someone who has long advocated for the most affordable power rates to our residents, I welcome the reviews of the Northwest Territories electricity system that are currently underway. These reviews will provide residents, business owners, community leaders and other stakeholders with an opportunity to give voice to their concerns and bring forward their ideas for improvements to our current system.

Mr. Speaker, these reviews are long overdue. During the last session I spoke about the high energy costs and impact this is having in our communities and on our residents. I spoke about the frustration community government leaders have with the cost of electricity and the management of the NWT Power Corporation. This frustration had led to the large non-hydro communities, like Fort Simpson, Norman Wells and Inuvik, to consider a number of options including finding alternate energy suppliers. If these three communities withdraw from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, this could have a serious impact on the remaining NTPC customer base and overall operations of the NTPC.

These community leaders have put two options forward. One would be to treat every resident of the Territory the same and bring in the one-rate zone. The second option, Mr. Speaker, would be to enter into an agreement with another energy supplier with the capacity to develop some of the vast hydro potential in our Territory.

Mr. Speaker, these three reviews that the government is currently engaged in -- electricity rates and regulations, the structure and efficiency of the NTPC and the review of the ATCO proposal -- is the kind of action so many people have been calling for. They also provide a venue to discuss alternatives like the ones proposed by community government leaders. The information gathered through the community and stakeholder consultations will hopefully provide the government with a roadmap for redesigning our electricity system that will result in real change.

By that, I mean affordable power rates for all Northerners and an efficient electricity system that will provide benefits to the NWT well into the future. Mahsi.

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Reviews Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

Members’ Statements

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to speak today to the issue of animal neglect, cruelty and abuse. Along with many Northerners, I was shocked and in disbelief yesterday when I heard that charges were stayed against a Behchoko man who was charged last September after the local government in Behchoko called in a veterinarian to

examine his sled dogs because of concerns about their health and living conditions. The veterinarian determined that 34 of the sled dogs were so malnourished they had to be euthanized.

Mr. Speaker, the Crown stayed the charges of animal neglect in this case because they felt it was unlikely of getting a conviction. To me this is a very, very sad commentary on our current animal protection laws here in the Northwest Territories and an indication that we must take action. The current Dog Act is woefully insufficient, ineffective and, as the name clearly states, does not even begin to address any other pets or animals.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories desperately needs an animal rights act. We have seen and heard far too many stories of animal neglect and abuse, and are getting a bad name both nationally and internationally for not protecting animals. I believe we can come up with a piece of legislation that will protect animals here in the Northwest Territories. We need to look at much tougher fines, incarceration for more serious offences and, at the same time, this new legislation should respect lawful and traditional pursuits such as hunting, fishing and livestock.

Mr. Speaker, without adequate and proper legislation in place it makes it almost impossible to get a conviction in the Northwest Territories. Our neighbours to the west in the Yukon have come up with an action plan to address the animal rights issue. They were prompted to act when a man shot 56 dogs on his property in Dawson City and there was nothing the authorities could do about it.

Mr. Speaker, we have had this latest incident in Behchoko coupled with the freezing death of many more sled dogs in Tuktoyaktuk recently and the picture begins to get much clearer. We need to move to protect animals from abuse and neglect and we must be able to pursue those who commit these heinous acts so that they face real consequences like time behind bars.

Mr. Speaker, as a legislator I would support this government taking some clear and urgent action to address our archaic animal rights legislation here in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

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Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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NWTHC Homeownership Programs

Members’ Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned yesterday, it is the time of the year for the deadlines for all applications

for NWT Housing Corporation homeownership programs. More specifically, Mr. Speaker, I spoke about the need for the corporation to deliver a more aggressive communications strategy and develop a more client-friendly orientation program. Mr. Speaker, many clients are left frustrated and confused when dealing with the NWT Housing Corporation applications and programs. When it comes to these all-important deadlines, Mr. Speaker, many are left scrambling at the last minute in order to complete their applications. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, many just don’t bother and they don’t apply.

Mr. Speaker, in my riding, with respect to homeownership houses, there are approximately 50 homeownership units in Lutselk’e and approximately 100 homeownership units in Fort Resolution. Mr. Speaker, if we break that down even further you see what it would take for the NWT Housing Corporation staff to go door to door. The core needs in these communities are approximately 40 percent. That leaves about 60 households in Tu Nedhe to visit.

Mr. Speaker, another important exercise that could go a long way to improving client/corporation relations is the regular delivery of various housing and homeownership workshops in the community for the people. In general, Mr. Speaker, I’m asking the Housing Corporation to reach out to the people in need and make the extra effort to obtain applications from everyone that needs help. Later today I will have questions for the Minister of the Housing Corporation . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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NWTHC Homeownership Programs

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Property Disclosure Statement In Real Estate Transactions

Members’ Statements

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Merci, Monsieur President. Mr. Speaker, buying a home is likely the largest purchase many of us will ever make. It’s important that buyers do everything that they can do to ensure that their decision to purchase a home is well-informed. It is also important that there are consumer protection measures in place to ensure that the seller of the home discloses all reasonable information about the condition of that home and property that they are selling.

Mr. Speaker, proper disclosure statements have been introduced by real estate associations in many provinces. They are detailed forms that ask a property seller to disclose any defects to prospective buyers. They typically ask questions about any known structural defects, flooding problems, plumbing and mechanical problems and

even include questions about possible environment liabilities. At this moment, there are no legal requirements for completing these statements. They provide prospective buyers with information which might not be readily seen through a casual inspection or a walk-through. Misrepresentation regarding the physical conditions or defects of a property are common reasons why people go to court. If defects are disclosed, the disclosure statement can equally protect the seller if any litigation occurs because the buyer has bought a property knowing about the defects. In the end, this ensures that the purchaser is fully informed and is able to make an informed decision.

Mr. Speaker, while the disclosure statement is not a legally binding warranty of the property and the condition, it does provide some protection to both the buyer and the seller in these real estate transactions. However, it not only covers what the owner knows but it doesn’t replace the fact that a good home inspection is still necessary.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the Minister responsible for consumer protection to work with the NWT realtors and our home inspection industry to implement the use of a property disclosure statement. This will help create strong protection for all consumers, particularly when they are making one of the biggest purchases in their life, which is a home for their family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Property Disclosure Statement In Real Estate Transactions

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Member for Nunakput , Mr. Jacobson .

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Gravel Access Road In Paulatuk

Members’ Statements

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My Member’s statement today is on the Nunakput community of Paulatuk. For years we’ve been trying to establish a gravel site. Recently the hamlet has identified the site and has rough road access. They received some funding from the Department of Transportation and the rest of the funds come from the community. Because the funding arrangement amount is so small that they received from the GNWT, the work can’t be done. On the road it’s minimal and uncertain. In addition to the access road, it requires consistent maintenance due to all the erosion in the design.

This access road in Paulatuk’s gravel source may not grab the headlines, but it’s just as important with the community’s social and economic development. Without access to gravel, the community cannot grow. It is literally the foundation of any community. Gravel is required to build roads, lots for new homes, businesses, et cetera. The cost is so high that the communities such as Paulatuk become unattractive for even the limited investment that they receive. The limited availability of gravel is

another example of unique challenges experienced by many small and remote communities that larger centres need not worry about.

It is no longer acceptable to tell the communities that because the costs are so high that communities will just have to do without. This government needs to commit multi-year and adequate funding to provide certainty to the community that the access road will be available for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions at the appropriate time for the Minister of MACA . Thank you.

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Gravel Access Road In Paulatuk

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Proposed Amendments In The NWT Adoption Act

Members’ Statements

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to speak to a missing provision in our Adoption Act. As it stands now, a birthmother who is looking to place a child in an open adoption situation must find adoptive parents on her own without assistance from the government. Unlike closed adoptions where neither party in the adoptions process knows the identity of the other, an open adoption allows the adoptive family to have continued contact with the birth family and vice versa. The degree of openness is determined between the adoptive family and the birth parents, always considering the needs of the child.

The NWT does not have a registry of adoptive parents for private or open adoptions. For closed adoptions, yes, but not for private adoptions. A registry for private adoptions would allow the birthmother or the birth family to access a list of prospective parents for her child, to meet and select the people who will become the child’s adoptive parents, and as the child grows up the birth parent can keep in contact with the child and share in his or her life.

NWT legislation allows for private adoptions, but does not provide for a registry of willing adoptive parents to facilitate the process. Finding parents or finding a child is left to either the birth family or the adoptive family. This means that for a successful private adoption these two sets of people probably know each other or know someone common to each of them; kind of a hit and miss situation.

In other parts of Canada birth parents can access adoption registries and adoption agencies that will help them choose an adoptive family and allow them to maintain contact with their child after the adoptions process is complete. So what happens here when the birth parent doesn’t know of a family who wishes to adopt privately? Where does the

child go? In most cases they end up in provinces that do have private adoption registries only because the NWT does not.

A fairly simple amendment to the Adoption Act or the regulations would fix this problem. There is a provision for a registry in the act already. And if we expand the registry to include parents willing to enter into private adoptions, the problem is solved.

We need to keep our northern children in the North, not send them south. As a government we should be doing everything possible to enable northern adoptions of northern born children, whether they are closed or private adoptions. Let’s make that legislative change and keep our kids at home.

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Proposed Amendments In The NWT Adoption Act

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Members’ Statements

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Teachers in the Sahtu are very important to our communities. From our child’s first day of school through graduation, teachers are there to instruct and encourage their students. I am pleased that many of our students are able to finish high school in their home communities. This is possible only because we have qualified and dedicated staff.

It also helps when staff members continue from one year to the next because it provides stability in schools. As well, more experienced teachers can be more effective.

Teachers consider the quality of their housing when making decisions about staying or leaving. In the past teachers were assured of government housing. However, the government policy on housing changed and the government no longer provides staff housing for its employees. All of the stakeholders in education, including the TTA and the division school councils remain concerned that the lack of good, affordable housing makes it difficult to attract and retain teachers.

The budget of the NWT Housing Corporation shows there’s $1.5 million needed to increase the number of rental units available for essential service personnel like teachers and nurses who are working in smaller NWT communities. There are only a handful of rental units available in Tulita, Deline, and Fort Good Hope, not enough to provide the housing that teachers need. I hope the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation has practical plans for this funding so units can be constructed this summer.

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Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Interest-Free Home Improvement And Repair Loans In The Yukon

Members’ Statements

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the Northwest Territories people struggle with the high cost of housing and we as a government need to help find solutions. Our government needs to make a difference for our people.

A constituent suggested to me that I look into programs that are available in the Yukon Territory and I have had the opportunity to do that. The Yukon Housing Corporation found creative solutions for home repair programs, energy efficiency programs, and started a Green Home Initiative that should inspire us as a Territory and as a government to think likewise.

The GNWT should learn from this forward-thinking approach. Offering similar home improvement loans would allow people to do upgrades that they otherwise probably could not afford. They will pay back the loan and, in the meantime, the GNWT has won on all levels. Households will conserve energy, reduce their environmental impacts, and save money on their energy bills.

A comprehensive GNWT home improvement program would also act as a stimulus for our northern economy, providing trade training and other employment opportunities. Because it will make housing more affordable, it will encourage

people to stay in the North. It is time that our government thinks about innovative and creative ways to deal with the housing issues that challenge our residents and later today I will have questions for the Minister of Housing .

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Interest-Free Home Improvement And Repair Loans In The Yukon

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Member for Deh Cho , Mr. Michael McLeod .

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Condolences To The Family And Friends Of Joe Mercredi

Members’ Statements

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last Monday we were all saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Joe Mercredi, a resident of Enterprise and a strong advocate of Metis rights. Today his family and friends will gather in Fort Smith at the St. Joseph’s Cathedral to say good bye to Joe, or the Metis Prince as he was better known to many of us.

Mr. Mercredi was born in Fond-du-Lac, Saskatchewan, into a family of 17 children. He was the son of Louis Mercredi of Fort Smith and Mary Waguan-Powder who was from Fort Chipewyan. After living for a period of time in Fond-du-Lac they all moved back to Fort Smith when Joe was still a very young child and he raised a family there.

Joe was educated at the first federal high school in Fort Smith where he first realized his writing skills and abilities after being encouraged by his favourite teacher, Sister Sarasin.

In 1969, while living in Ottawa, Joe met his wife Amy. They were married on September 9, 1972, in St. Albert, Alberta. After many years of travelling and serving for a period of time in the Armed Forces, he eventually settled in Fort Simpson and became the owner and editor of the Mackenzie Times, which he published for over 25 years. Along with their two children, Malinda and James, Amy and Joe fostered many children in the community of Fort Simpson. They also home boarded many children from outlying communities, like Trout Lake, who had to leave home to attend school in Fort Simpson.

Joe was a Metis and this was his role in life. He, along with Harry Daniels, Dave McNabb, and others, founded the Metis Association of the NWT, which later evolved to become the Metis Nation of the Northwest Territories. He worked as the vice-president of the local Metis Nation and other territorial and federal Metis organizations. He was an advocate for justice, a strong supporter of youth, and also an advocate for aboriginal veterans. He was an avid sports fan and he would fundraise all year long to represent the Northwest Territories at the annual Grey Cup parade.

I had the chance to visit Joe a couple days before Christmas this past year and had the chance to listen to him talk about the many projects that he wanted to get done over the next while. He was working on a book about his experiences at residential schools. He was advocating to rename the Hay River Airport to honour the memory of Constable Christopher Worden. He was also very busy lobbying for aboriginal veterans’ funding to build a monument to permanently recognize aboriginal soldiers.

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Condolences To The Family And Friends Of Joe Mercredi

Members’ Statements

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

He was very busy lobbying for aboriginal veterans’ funding to build a monument to recognize the aboriginal soldiers across the Territories and he was already talking about attending next year’s Grey Cup.

Joe was a great entertainer and certainly could fill a room with his presence. He loved to sing and dance. The song “Blueberry Hill” was his favourite and will be played for him for one last time today at his service.

I have many fond memories of Joe. Over the years Joe offered me many words of encouragement. He certainly wasn’t one to keep his opinion to himself and never shied away from a good fight. He had a very strong presence in our communities and across the North. He was a character with many antics that we won’t forget for a long time and we certainly will miss him.

He is survived by his wife, Amy, his son, James, his granddaughter, Xaye, his daughter, Melinda and Mike St. Armour, grandson, Karl, and granddaughters, Kathleen and Gina. On behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories and the Deh Cho I rise today to offer my condolences to Joe’s family and his friends.

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Condolences To The Family And Friends Of Joe Mercredi

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Monfwi , Mr. Lafferty .

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Dene Hand Games Tournament In Behchoko

Members’ Statements

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

This past weekend the community of Behchoko was the place to be. The community held the biggest aboriginal traditional hand game tournament ever. The population of the community almost doubled. There were over 30 teams from

across the vast Northwest Territories. There were people from all walks of life that came to take

part in this eventful tournament from as far south as northern Alberta and as far north as the Sahtu region. This is a time to rejoice, make new friendships, reconnect or rekindle the friendship, and simply be a model nation of people, the community, and the event.

Especially impressive was the number of youth actively engaged in this traditional event, both as players and spectators. There was an overall sense of excitement and joy, a sense of belonging and connectivity. We need more of these kind of gatherings that strengthen and rekindle our traditions that will help the young generation to recognize who they are.

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Dene Hand Games Tournament In Behchoko

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Monfwi , Mr. Lafferty .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. There are a number of people here from the teaching and learning centre, the coordinators of the communities. If I could just highlight some of the names that are here with us: Fanny Swartzentruber, Deh Cho; Betty Chinna, Sahtu; Albertine Ayha, Sahtu; Liz Hansen, Beaufort-Delta; Edward Wright, Beaufort-Delta; Barb Memogana, Beaufort-Delta; Rosa Mantla, Tlicho; Shannon Payne, Yellowknife; Brent Kaulbach, South Slave; Gladys Norwegian, ECE; and those I may have missed, welcome to the Assembly.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

I’d like to recognize two constituents, or people that reside in Fort McPherson and might live elsewhere, but I’d like to recognize Liz Wright and Edward Wright from Fort McPherson.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . The honourable Member for Thebacha , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

I’d like to recognize Mr. Brent Kaulbach, who is a resident of Fort Smith and the Thebacha constituency. Welcome to the Assembly.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

I’d like to welcome Ms. Candy Brown of Fort Simpson to the gallery, as well as to mention Fanny Swartzentruber and welcome her, as well as Ms. Gladys Norwegian, whose home is in Nahendeh.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake , Premier Roland.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

It is a pleasure to recognize in the gallery someone down from Inuvik as well: Ms. Rosemary Kirby as well as Val Robertson and, again, Ms. Hansen.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

I’d like to recognize two constituents: Mrs. Chinna from Radilih Koe, and Mrs. Albertine Ayah from Deline; two of the best in their language in the Sahtu. Welcome.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Member for Nunakput , Mr. Jacobson .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

I’d like to welcome today in the House Ms. Rosemary Kirby from Inuvik and Ms. Barb Memogana from Ulukhaktok.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

It’s my pleasure today to recognize one of our hardworking Pages. Ms. Victoria Brenton from St. Pat’s is working with us today and has been for the last couple of weeks. Welcome and thanks for all the hard work that you guys do.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . If we’ve missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the Chamber. I hope you’re enjoying the proceedings. I’d also like to recognize a constituent of mine, Ron Courtoreille, in the gallery. And if we’ve missed anyone, welcome to the gallery. I hope you’re enjoying the proceedings. It’s always nice to have an audience in here.

Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 235-16(3): Property Disclosure Statement In Real Estate Transactions

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement today I talked about the need for a disclosure statement provided through the

assistance of the Department of MACA. It’s about consumer protection for homeowners when they go to buy a home. My question to the Minister of MACA would be, would he be willing to work on a disclosure statement form in cooperation with our real estate agencies out there, association board, as well as our home inspection companies out there that could help provide better protection for our northern families when they go out to buy that home?

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Question 235-16(3): Property Disclosure Statement In Real Estate Transactions

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 235-16(3): Property Disclosure Statement In Real Estate Transactions

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is no formal disclosure required. I see the Member’s point. Normally it’s a process that’s worked out between the buyer and the seller. Usually they have a contractor go in and do an inspection report before the purchase. So we’d be able to...We can work on something with the Member to try and see where we can go with this issue.

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Question 235-16(3): Property Disclosure Statement In Real Estate Transactions

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

I’ll take that as a clear and firm commitment that something will be worked on. It’s good to hear that. Does the Minister of MACA think he can involve the Real Estate Board as well as, of course, there are several home inspectors out there, to make sure that it’s a comprehensive form? It might not be mandatory at this stage, but it’s certainly a process that we can bring in to help protect our northern homeowners when families are trying to make that big purchase.

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Question 235-16(3): Property Disclosure Statement In Real Estate Transactions

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

As I stated before, there is a process out there and the process is usually worked out between the buyer and the seller. That should be the protection, especially if they go through a third party to do the inspection. If there is a concern out in the public that this is something that needs to be looked into and we hear from other people that are involved in the industry, then I’m sure it’s something that we’ll have to have a look at.

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Question 235-16(3): Property Disclosure Statement In Real Estate Transactions

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

I think I heard the anti-commitment in that response. First it was we’ll look into it and now I’m not sure. He sounded like we’ll look into it if we hear a concern. I just want to make sure that if the Minister did in his first response say, yes, we’ll look at this, that they’ll involve those agencies I highlighted. Would he take that into consideration? And I can certainly provide representatives about those agencies if his department would be willing.

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Question 235-16(3): Property Disclosure Statement In Real Estate Transactions

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Okay. I’ll go back to square one. Like I said, if it’s a concern out there, then it’s something that we will have to seriously

look at. If it involved members of the industry, then we will involve the members of the industry as well.

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Question 235-16(3): Property Disclosure Statement In Real Estate Transactions

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Question 236-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask the Minister of ECE some questions. Yesterday he kicked off Aboriginal Languages Month here in the Northwest Territories. I was just curious about some of the activities that his department may be planning for the regions and our communities.

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Question 236-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 236-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Certainly there is a lot of work ahead of us in our department, just on the strategies I talked about yesterday, with respect to our language development and also identifying the education gap within the schools. Certainly there will be more consultation with the communities, with the agencies, with the aboriginal governments, and with the educators as well. Not only that, we are reaching out to the communities to deliver the Teacher Education Program and also Aboriginal Language and Culture Instructors Program in the communities. We’ve done that in Behchoko as a pilot project.

Now we’re doing it in Beaufort-Delta this fall. We will be reaching out to other regions to maximize our opportunities in the regions.

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Question 236-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

I’m glad that he’s piloting a project. Is that something that he’s looking to implement into our smaller communities this coming fall? As well, another key aspect about developing our language, of course it begins in the schools, but also it begins for the adult population. Is there a strategy there as well to help those that want to learn at home and the adult learners there?

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Question 236-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Certainly this will be part of the discussion during our consultation process involving those individuals who are willing to learn another language or even their mother tongue language. For those who lost their language in the past, certainly that will be one of the drives we need to work with. With this particular pilot project that I’ve referred to, obviously we want to produce more of aboriginal language speaking teachers, so that’s our prime focus reaching out to the communities. That’s our prime target to achieve that dream of producing more aboriginal teachers.

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Question 236-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

I certainly agree with that and this side of the House certainly concurs with that. Is that something that the Minister foresees developing for this coming fall? I know that the need to expose our language and continue to teach it in the small communities can be done right away. What is the strategy to continue developing our aboriginal Teacher Education Program?

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Question 236-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

I did highlight the delivery of the Teacher Education Program and also Aboriginal Language Instructors Program into the communities. Beaufort-Delta will be a prime example slated for this fall. Those communities, those regions that are interested in pursuing or delivering those programs into their regions will certainly be interested in sitting down and talking about in their respective regions. Because that’s part of our long-term plan to deliver those programs into the communities. Not everybody is interested in leaving the community to get trained or to be qualified. I think this is one proactive approach where we’re going out to the communities.

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Question 236-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche .

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Question 236-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

I kind of like the idea that he’s reaching out to the communities. I’d like to ask the Minister to continue the exposure right to the community leaderships and say, look, we’re going ahead with our strategy and those who are interested to provide contact information. I know that each region is different there.

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Question 236-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

The Member is right; I have to respect each region’s wishes. Each region is quite unique. It’s different in various ways. Certainly this has been brought up by the Dene Nation when I met with them last week. I did present to them that this is a part of the strategy of pilot projects that we’re doing. They are very keen on working with us as well. I’ll continue to work with the communities, the leaders on a moving-forward basis on making it even stronger in the communities.

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Question 236-16(3): Aboriginal Languages Month

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 237-16(3): Adoption Act And Need For Open Or Private Adoption Registry

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My Member’s statement spoke to a missing piece in the Adoption Act. I want to give a bit of background. I had a constituent approach me and mention that when they went to the NWT Adoption Commissioner to find out if there were any parents interested in private adoptions, because their family did not know of any, there was, in her words,

absolutely no offer of assistance to help them enter into a private adoption. So to me it’s the job of Health and Social Services to assist people in this particular situation. I would like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services why in this case there was no help for this particular individual.

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Question 237-16(3): Adoption Act And Need For Open Or Private Adoption Registry

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 237-16(3): Adoption Act And Need For Open Or Private Adoption Registry

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our legislation in the Territories enables the department to support adoptive parents who want to adopt children. The department is directly involved. I think what the Member is asking is that there is no registry system where the general public could sign their name up if they are interested in adopting and the families are matched with children. That sort of system is not available because by practice we have accommodated private knowledge. Usually with adopted families, they usually find families who want to adopt. So a lot of this work is done and the department is involved in there and helping, but it’s done on a more informal basis and not by legislation.

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Question 237-16(3): Adoption Act And Need For Open Or Private Adoption Registry

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thanks to the Minister for those remarks. I understand that the act does enable. I appreciate that the act enables. But the act doesn’t enable all the way. The Minister spoke about past practice and that private adoptions are done now basically where people know somebody or people know a child or people know parents. That doesn’t help anybody who does not know a parent who is willing to adopt. That doesn’t help the parents who are looking for a child and don’t know of a child who needs adoption. So I’d like to ask the Minister, other than the fact that we kind of go on past practice, why do we not have a registry for private adoptions?

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Question 237-16(3): Adoption Act And Need For Open Or Private Adoption Registry

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

The fact is the adoptions are, even in other jurisdictions, there are no open, private adoptions, that I think the Member is thinking of, that government is involved. We want to make sure that children being adopted are, there are no profits being made in adopting children and that families, whoever wants to adopt babies, their families are studied and there are home studies done to make sure that they are suitable for adoption. Even in other jurisdictions where private adoption is allowed, it’s not entirely private and open. They are done through licensed agencies and the government licenses them.

They are given that power to do private matching by legislation. So I think we’re just talking about different ways of doing things. We in the North have a system in place in an informal manner where there are children that need to be adopted or that are offered adoption and the communications are done in an informal way. Thank you.

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Question 237-16(3): Adoption Act And Need For Open Or Private Adoption Registry

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister. She has pretty much said that, no, there is nothing out there anywhere else in the country. I have to disagree. Perhaps the Minister ought to look at the situation in Ontario where this particular birthmother and child found a home and found willing parents who have let them stay as part of their family. They visit regularly once or twice a year. The grandparents of the child are also involved in the raising of this child. It doesn’t wash, to me, that, because we do it this way, that is the way it should stay.

I would like to ask the Minister whether or not she is open to changing our legislation or maybe regulations so that it will allow people who do not have the opportunity to know of a baby or parents who are looking for such a situation. Will the Minister consider making a change so that people who don’t have that connection can find one? Thank you.

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Question 237-16(3): Adoption Act And Need For Open Or Private Adoption Registry

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

The Ontario legislation that is what I was thinking of. It is not completely open and lawless or without rules. The Ontario government has legislation. It licenses agencies to be able to adopt children. We just do it differently in that we have an informal system. In our system, the personal adoption process is possible. It is just that you hire a lawyer to do this, and same with Ontario. They have a Children’s Aid Society that connects families to children who are up for adoption or open for adoption, but still there is all the legal process that has to be gone through.

I think we could look to see if we could make our process better. I am always open to do that, but I don’t think one system is necessarily better than the other. Thank you.

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Question 237-16(3): Adoption Act And Need For Open Or Private Adoption Registry

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Final supplementary, Ms. Bisaro .

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Question 237-16(3): Adoption Act And Need For Open Or Private Adoption Registry

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have to reiterate that if there is no opportunity for me as a birthmother to find a willing adoptive parent for my child, how am I supposed to keep that child in the North? The whole point that I am trying to make here is not that I want things to be lawless. I do want homes to be vetted. I do want people to go through a lawyer. That is what happens in Ontario, but it allows the birth parent or the birthmother to stay in contact with that child throughout their life. That cannot happen here if there is no registry for me to go and find people who are willing to do it.

I would ask the Minister if she would reconsider and look at the possibility of expanding our registry to include parents who are willing to go for open adoptions as well as closed. Thank you.

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Question 237-16(3): Adoption Act And Need For Open Or Private Adoption Registry

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, yes, I would be willing to look at this. I have to advise the Member that most of our adoptions are done in custom adoption, there are very few private adoptions, so we have to look at the possibility of setting legislation to set up a private agency. That is

something we could look into, but the numbers so far have not warranted that.

I don’t understand the Member’s suggestion that not having this process is sending our children south, because that is not the case. In Ontario, you have to be an Ontario resident to adopt an Ontario baby.

Mr. Speaker, from my understanding, we have children that could be helped by finding adoptive parents. I think I will look to see how we could improve that system. Also we have an open system in that, since 1998, with the legislative changes, birth parents could opt out to have their information released when their adopted baby turns age of majority. That child could also do that as of 1998. We have an open adoption process. Thank you.

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Question 237-16(3): Adoption Act And Need For Open Or Private Adoption Registry

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 238-16(3): Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Justice . Yesterday charges were stayed against a man from Behchoko in relation to an incident last fall where 34 dogs had to be euthanized in the community of Behchoko. It has a lot of people in the North and around the country scratching their head, trying to understand how the Crown thought they were unlikely to get a conviction in this case. I would like to ask the Minister of Justice , what is his department doing to try to get the Northwest Territories new legislation as it pertains to animal protection and cruelty. Thank you.

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Question 238-16(3): Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The honourable Minister of Justice , Mr. Lafferty .

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Question 238-16(3): Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

Oral Questions

Monfwi

Jackson Lafferty

Minister of Justice

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Certainly this has been an issue that has been brought to our attention. As the Department of Justice and also the Government of the Northwest Territories, we are following it through with what has been said. I will continue to work with Municipal and Community Affairs and Environment and Natural Resources. MACA specifically has a Dog Act and ENR has a responsibility for wildlife policies and legislation. It is all preliminary right now, but my Department of Justice is doing much of the research on animal welfare legislation across Canada and other jurisdictions.

We continue to do more work in that area. We are looking forward to hearing some input from the general public as well. There will be lots of consultation on this particular legislation because it is broad for Northwest Territories as a whole. Mahsi.

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Question 238-16(3): Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

I would like to thank the Minister for that. I can understand and appreciate he has to work with his colleagues on that. I would like to ask the Minister, though, when might the government have a game plan as it pertains to new legislation and be able to bring something before the standing committee, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Question 238-16(3): Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

Oral Questions

Monfwi

Jackson Lafferty

Minister of Justice

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, it is all preliminary. This is all new legislation. Before it comes into play, we need to consult with the standing committee and also the general public. I also need to work closely with the two departments that will have some impacts and also seeking their input, as well, into the legislation. During the consultation process, it could be in the fall of this year. We will do what we can if we need to fast-track it. We are in the process of doing that. We are doing a lot of research from other jurisdictions as well, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.

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Question 238-16(3): Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Final supplementary, Mr. Ramsay .

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Question 238-16(3): Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, I don’t think the Minister and the government have to look too far. I made reference in my Member’s statement to the Yukon experience. They have gone through something similar just two years ago, Mr. Speaker. Again, I would like to thank the Minister for that. Again, I would like to just get some reassurance from the Minister that this is…How far up the priority is this, Mr. Speaker? I would like to think that given the national and international publicity a case like this draws, something like this is given high priority by this government. Thank you.

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Question 238-16(3): Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

Oral Questions

Monfwi

Jackson Lafferty

Minister of Justice

Mr. Speaker, I agree with the Member. This is one of the highest priorities for the Government of the Northwest Territories. It is an issue that was brought to our attention. Just recently, since we have heard from the general public, there is a working group that has been formed. As I indicated, there are Municipal and Community Affairs, Environment and Natural Resources and our department, the Department of Justice, to deal with animal welfare legislation. Again, it is a broader issue. Yes, we are fully aware of the Yukon legislation. We will continue to work with our neighbouring Yukon.

Nunavut, on the other hand, does not have legislation as of yet but we are only two jurisdictions so we will continue to seek out more input from neighbouring legislation. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 238-16(3): Animal Rights Legislation In The NWT

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Question 239-16(3): Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I talked about the teachers’ housing in the Sahtu. I want to ask the Minister of the Housing Corporation if the staff is working with the education divisional boards, the communities and in the Sahtu in terms of fighting for much needed adequate teachers’ housing. Some of the teachers that are living in these units are overcrowded because of the lack of housing. If the Minister can elaborate if there are any types of discussion going on with the educational boards in the communities to provide housing for the teachers.

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Question 239-16(3): Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation , Mr. Michael McLeod .

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Question 239-16(3): Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, that is a very specific situation. I don’t have any information as to that. I would have to commit to going to the regional office to find out what is actually happening in the area that the Member is referencing and get back to him. Thank you.

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Question 239-16(3): Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister then tell me what the Housing Corporation did last year in terms of improving the housing situation for the Sahtu teachers?

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Question 239-16(3): Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

I do believe there was some assistance provided to the teachers in the Sahtu, more specifically Tulita. I am not familiar with the terms. We are currently not in a position to provide the housing for staff. That is a program that is being worked on right now. I believe there was a temporary measure put in place. I would have to commit to finding out the details and getting back to the Member once again. Thank you.

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Question 239-16(3): Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the Minister in terms of going forward in terms of the new funding arrangements with the federal government. Are there plans in place? Can the Minister tell me if there are plans in place for 2009-10 budget in terms of seeing if units can be put in the Sahtu region for essential personnel such as teachers and nurses?

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Question 239-16(3): Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Yes, I can assure the Member that we are working on trying to address the situations across the Territories in the different communities regarding the difficulty some of the communities are facing to providing accommodation for some of the professionals that are coming to the community to work. We have been working with the Department of Finance on a program titled Housing for Staff to try to work with the Development Corporation or the band councils. We still have a number of logistics to work out.

Hopefully that will be resolved fairly quickly and be able to deliver something this year. Thank you.

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Question 239-16(3): Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 239-16(3): Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, as the Minister has alluded to, working up the final details of the plans, can we expect within the Sahtu that these teachers possibly can expect some housing allocated to them through the different mechanisms of construction and financing for September’s teaching year?

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Question 239-16(3): Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, the allocation methodology has not been formalized yet. We are not sure we would be able to go forward by looking at dealing with the communities that seem to have the most challenges, or we would go forward with the communities that are most willing to invite us in to work with this program. As we finalize the details, as we work out some of the logistics, I would be glad to share that information with the Member. I would also be glad to hear some of the challenges that he is facing in his communities with trying to accommodate the professionals that are required to help the community. Thank you.

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Question 239-16(3): Housing For Teachers In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 240-16(3): Home Improvement And Repair Programs In The NWT

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement I talked about a program in the Yukon. It is a home repair program for private homeowners. Mr. Speaker, I don’t think I need to repeat all the benefits of doing something like this. Northerners are facing high cost of living. Many homes could use upgrades, which would conserve energy for the homeowner. It would be environmentally good stewardship to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There is a multitude of reasons why something like this would be a good idea.

I think the number of $35,000 is a good number, because if you look over 12 years interest-free, it works out to about $250 per month. I think most homeowners could afford something like that. I would like that program in the Northwest Territories. Does the Minister of Housing have any money? Thank you.

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Question 240-16(3): Home Improvement And Repair Programs In The NWT

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation , Mr. Michael McLeod .

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Question 240-16(3): Home Improvement And Repair Programs In The NWT

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We recently revised our program. We had

a number of different programs that were causing complications as to the many different ones that we had that fit little pockets of issues that were coming forward. We tried to change them so that there is only a small number. There are four programs now that address the many areas that are being demonstrated as needed in the communities. We do have a repair program to address issues with energy and renovations. Our program is called CARE. It is a program that we contribute up to $90,000 to a homeowner that wants to retrofit their house for upgrades, including energy efficiency. Thank you.

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Question 240-16(3): Home Improvement And Repair Programs In The NWT

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Is that program means tested? Thank you.

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Question 240-16(3): Home Improvement And Repair Programs In The NWT

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Yes, Mr. Speaker. The program is means tested. It is based on how much income you make, the community you live in and the cost of living in that community. It is a sliding scale of contribution, anywhere from $10,000 to $90,000. Thank you.

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Question 240-16(3): Home Improvement And Repair Programs In The NWT

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

What is the total dollar amount available in that program today? Thank you.

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Question 240-16(3): Home Improvement And Repair Programs In The NWT

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

We have four programs, as I indicated. We have a total, with the new federal funding, we expect to have a total amount of $52 million this year and also next year. Thank you.

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Question 240-16(3): Home Improvement And Repair Programs In The NWT

Oral Questions

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Could the Minister please consider removing the means testing of this to make it available to a wider cross-section of people in the Northwest Territories? Where is the application form? Thank you.

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Question 240-16(3): Home Improvement And Repair Programs In The NWT

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, the application forms are available in all of our Housing offices, the LHOs, our territorial regional offices. We have some here at headquarters. We would be pleased to provide some to the Members if that is their request. We would not consider removing the threshold limits on the program. However, as a result of many of the Members requesting changes to the program, we are changing the threshold limit. We are raising the thresholds and would like to present that to the standing committee as soon as possible. We expect to have that in the next couple of weeks for their review.

I think we will see a more responsive, better program to accommodate the number of applications that come forward. I would be pleased to share that. Thank you.

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Question 240-16(3): Home Improvement And Repair Programs In The NWT

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 241-16(3): Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Premier and in follow up to my Member’s statement on the three power reviews currently underway and specifically the ATCO review, the electricity rate review and the NTPC review. Mr. Speaker, how does the Premier intend to share the information gathered through the three reviews mentioned in my Member’s statement to both Regular MLAs and the public at large? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 241-16(3): Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . The honourable Premier , Mr. Roland .

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Question 241-16(3): Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The work that is undergoing is highlighted by the Member and other Members of the Assembly. One, the work that is being done under the lead of Minister Bob McLeod , under the Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee. That is looking at the electricity rate regulation and subsidy program. That, as stated, will come back. A report will come back to the Minister and the coordinating committee. We will share that with Members of the Assembly. We could look at doing a report. I will have to work with that committee to see if a report will be tabled in this House.

As to that work, of course that will be going around the Territory telling the many people and stakeholders and that. The NWTPC review itself, as I committed to Members, I will be coming back to them in the very near future here with the terms of reference and the make-up of the review team. We expect that, as that work goes on during summer, we will be able to report back to Members of the Assembly and, as well, look at and go through that process to see if we would table a response after we have sat down with Members.

The ATCO proposal, being a business proposal, is one where I will sit down with Members, again, on the proposal itself to see if we would, in fact, go to the next stage and taking into consideration all the information that is being provided by the other work as well, and that will be fall time that we can discuss what next steps may be taken on that area. Thank you.

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Question 241-16(3): Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

I would like to thank the Premier for that. I look forward to seeing the results. Currently there are some other groups in the NWT that are reviewing electricity rates as well.

I just got an e-mail that the NWT Association of Communities has just established a working group to review the electricity system in the NWT. How does the Premier plan to include their findings and findings from other groups that are doing similar reviews in future decision-making on this topic? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 241-16(3): Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, in fact, the NWTAC is being funded by the Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee in ITI is to do that review and we expect their feedback from their process that will plug into the overall work that is ongoing. Any other groups that are doing the same, we expect when this review team goes out to get input they will seek that and that will formulate our response in looking at the issues that arise from there. Thank you.

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Question 241-16(3): Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The power rates and supply are significant issues and of incredible importance to the people of the Northwest Territories. As a result, any decisions affecting the sale and/or continued operation of NTPC I believe must be done by this Assembly, not just by Cabinet. How does the Premier plan to actively engage the Regular Members and include us in any decision-making that is required on this? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 241-16(3): Review Of Power Rates And Power Corporation Operations

Oral Questions

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, the simple fact that the Power Corporation, we’re sole shareholder in the Northwest Territories. If we are going to make any decision around the sale of that and the structure of that and all the other impacts that would be felt from that, we would have to come back to the Assembly on a number of fronts, because some legislation would need to be looked at and changed. But before we even get to that phase, I’d stated to Members that I am expecting a report by the end of April.

It will be an interim report that will have an initial look at that, and I’ll meet with Members at that point, and I expect a further report in the fall time to look at that phase and decide at that point should we progress to the next stage. At tha