Debates of Feb. 6th, 2015

This is page numbers 5335 – 5366 of the Hansard for the 17th Assembly, 5th 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

Increase To The Minimum Wage In The NWT

Community Fuel Prices

Holistic Animal Management Training At The Northern Farm Training Institute

Resolution Of Disaster Compensation Claims

Catastrophic Drug Coverage

Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative In Fort Simpson

Impacts Of Climate Change

Declining Fuel Prices

Cost Of Living

Support For Small Businesses In The NWT

Reducing Fossil Fuel Production To Mitigate Climate Change

Women In Politics

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Lowering Community Fuel Prices

Birth Registration Policies

Impacts Of Fossil Fuel Development

Catastrophic Drug Coverage Plan

Impacts Of Increased Minimum Wage

Impacts Of Climate Change

Power Rates And Distribution Process

Dempster Highway Repairs

Review Of Seed Program

Income Support Policy

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery (Reversion)

Bill 43:

An Act To Amend The Borrowing Authorization Act

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Report of Committee of the Whole

Orders of the Day

The House met at 10:01 a.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Good morning, colleagues. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Lafferty .

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Minister's Statement 133-17(5): Increase To The Minimum Wage In The NWT

Ministers’ Statements

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise Members of this House that starting on June 1, 2015, the minimum wage in the Northwest Territories is going up.

The minimum wage in the NWT will increase from $10 per hour to $12.50 per hour, making it the highest in Canada today. This is the first increase to the minimum wage in the Northwest Territories since 2011.

In 2013 I appointed a Minimum Wage Committee consisting of business, non-governmental organizations and other community representatives, which included the NWT Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Territories Federation of Labour.

This decision to increase the minimum wage was informed by the thorough and considered research of the Minimum Wage Committee, which reviewed relevant information including social and economic factors as well as current minimum and average hourly wages in other Canadian jurisdictions and the cost of living across Canada.

The committee provided three options on the minimum wage rate. The option chosen carefully balances the needs of our minimum wage earners with the cost to small businesses that employ them.

The average minimum wage for each jurisdiction in Canada is about 45 percent of its average hourly wage. In 2013 the average hourly wage in the NWT was $27.80. The present minimum wage of $10 per hour only reflects 36 percent of the average hourly wage in the NWT. Increasing the minimum wage to $12.50 per hour brings it up to

approximately 45 percent of the NWT average hourly wage, which is in line with the average for Canada.

Most employers in the NWT already pay more than the minimum wage because this is what is required to attract and retain employees in the NWT. It is anticipated that a higher minimum wage may improve employee retention, enhance recruitment opportunities and attract more people to the workforce.

On its own, increasing the minimum wage rate is not an effective means of fighting poverty. Across this government we have many strategies in place to help Northerners achieve their goals, support their families and live healthy, successful lives: the Early Childhood Development Framework, the Anti-Poverty Strategy, the NWT Housing Corporation Transitional Rent Program, the Income Assistance program, the Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan, Community Wellness Plans and Child Care User Subsidy that help to support the most vulnerable in our society. The increased minimum wage joins these strategies to help Northerners.

Mr. Speaker, we have a shared vision of a prosperous NWT where people can afford to support themselves and their families. Raising the minimum wage is one part of creating a vibrant and diversified economy supported by a strong labour force that will share in the economic prosperity and opportunities emerging in the NWT. We believe increasing the minimum wage in the NWT to $12.50 an hour is a much needed, tangible and practical way to help make that happen. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 133-17(5): Increase To The Minimum Wage In The NWT

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Minister of Public Works and Services , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Minister's Statement 134-17(5): Community Fuel Prices

Ministers’ Statements

Tu Nedhe

Tom Beaulieu

Minister of Public Works and Services

Mr. Speaker, I would like to update Members on some recent activities of the Department of Public Works and Services with regards to fuel prices in communities served by its petroleum products division.

Recent changes in the market have seen oil prices go from all-time highs to record lows over the past year. This current market pricing has provided the

petroleum products division with an opportunity to lower its costs and pass on these savings to residents.

The lower wholesale prices for fuel have made it possible to pass savings on to residents now, during the peak of the winter heating season. Mr. Speaker, on Monday February 2nd , the petroleum

products division dropped the price of heating fuel in all 16 communities that it serves.

Those reductions included an eight cent per litre decrease in the communities of Lutselk’e, Wekweeti, Jean Marie River, Wrigley, Tulita, Fort Good Hope, Deline, Tsiigehtchic, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok, while the communities of Whati, Gameti, Nahanni Butte, Trout Lake, Colville Lake and Sachs Harbour received a nine cent per litre decrease in heating fuel.

With our winter resupply underway, the department expects that further reductions to the price of heating fuel and future reductions to the price of gasoline are possible in the coming months should current market prices continue.

Mr. Speaker, lowering the cost of living for NWT residents is a priority for our government. While dramatic shifts in the international market for oil have made it possible to pass on savings to residents, we cannot rely on prices staying low. We still need to be looking for long-term ways to reduce energy costs.

Energy efficiency and alternative energy solutions offer a stable, longer term solution to living in the North. Through its other programs, the Department of Public Works and Services will continue to advance our goals as a government to reduce our costs and dependency on imported diesel.

I am encouraged that as a government we continue to look at all ways to reduce the high cost of living in the NWT. I am pleased that we are able, when the market allows, to provide some much needed relief in our smaller communities during the peak of the heating season. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 134-17(5): Community Fuel Prices

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu . Item 3, Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Holistic Animal Management Training At The Northern Farm Training Institute

Members’ Statements

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to tell you about a new way of raising animals. It’s called Holistic Animal Management. This approach is good for animals, good for the environment, good for employees and good for the bottom line.

The Savory Institute is an international organization that supports this innovative approach to animal management. The core of their business model is to establish 100 locally-owned, led and managed savory hubs by 2025. Their method is to demonstrate, educate, support and coordinate the adoption of holistic animal management around the globe. To accomplish this, they are establishing partner hubs around the world. They have already partnered with organizations in Mexico, the United States, Africa, Turkey and Scandinavia. Now the Savory Institute has chosen to partner with Hay River’s Northern Farm Training Institute.

I’m told that there was very stiff competition and that, to date, the Northern Farm Training Institute is the only savory hub in Canada. This is a real honour, Mr. Speaker, and much credit goes to the leadership of the Northern Farm Training Institute and particularly Jackie Milne, who applied for this designation literally at the 11th hour out of a very,

very wide variety of applicants and candidates and got Hay River in there.

Over the next year, the Northern Farm Training Institute will receive specialized training from the Savory Institute’s world-class staff. The Northern Farm Training Institute, in turn, will be able to collect revenue by offering holistic management courses, which will be of interest to people all over Canada.

A side benefit is that the institute will become an even more popular tourist attraction in the Hay River area. This is a huge boost for our community and the Northwest Territories. I would like to extend sincere congratulations to the forward-thinking staff of the Northern Farm Training Institute, and I’m eager to support and build on their achievements.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank MLA Bromley and MLA Hawkins who joined MLA Bouchard and myself to attend a large crowd of people who came out to hear this announcement made in Hay River, and I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to find out more about this exciting opportunity to do so. You will not believe it; it is unbelievable.

With that, congratulations again to Jackie and the Northern Farm Training Institute. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Holistic Animal Management Training At The Northern Farm Training Institute

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Blake .

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Resolution Of Disaster Compensation Claims

Members’ Statements

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the spring of 2013, we’ve had a number of issues come up with disaster compensation claims that were put in in the Mackenzie Delta. With that, 13 people have filed claims, and over the last almost a year

and a half now, only one has been approved. But over the last month, I got the latest update from the department and 10 out of 13 were approved. On behalf of my constituents, I’d like to thank the Minister and the Department. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Resolution Of Disaster Compensation Claims

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Blake . Member for Range Lake , Mr. Dolynny .

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Catastrophic Drug Coverage

Members’ Statements

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.By all accounts, it’s estimated that 10 to 25 percent of our Canadian population is uninsured or underinsured for prescription drugs. When unforeseen illnesses, disability and medical complication strike, this portion of the population is vulnerable to financial hardship. In essence, those unable to afford these drug costs are placed in serious situations of life or death.

To put in perspective where drug costs are going, just last week I saw a bill for a new Hep C drug, called Harvoni, for the 12-week therapy of $92,000. Shocking, I know.

Efforts both nationally and internationally have tried to address this. Yet, in the NWT there is still no concrete action on catastrophic drug coverage programs designed for people with serious medical conditions or that would protect against undue financial hardship resulting from prescription drugs.

Nationally, this issue has been bounced around with First Ministers in 2003, supporting a $16 billion reform fund to improve provisions of catastrophic drug coverage to a 2004 National Pharmaceuticals Strategy and a creation of a task force and, finally, in 2008, with Health Ministers reaffirming that catastrophic drug coverage would be implemented. However, as of 2015 this matter still remains unaddressed in part because of disagreements over the federal government’s cost sharing responsibilities. But moreover, Mr. Speaker, I believe it’s the lack of political will.

During this time, and as of today, provinces and territories were exempted or expected to employ a patchwork of public and private drug coverage plans in the absence of a national strategy. In essence, there are seven provinces and Nunavut that have an official catastrophic drug coverage plan in place. Unfortunately, NWT is not one of them.

In the NWT, First Nations and Inuit residents are covered for all medications through the Health Canada’s often complex and red tape burdened Non-Insured Health Benefits, NIHB, formulary. Although the GNWT does not provide catastrophic drug coverage for non-Natives and Metis residents, it does however, using this plagued NIHB formulary as a guide, and through its extended health

benefits, provide Pharmacare for seniors and residents with specific disease conditions.

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

---Unanimous consent granted

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Catastrophic Drug Coverage

Members’ Statements

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

I could dissect our Pharmacare program ad nauseam with my two decades of private practice and advocacy on this topic. So let me just say that in a 2012 review of policy options prepared by the Alberta Blue Cross, it was noted that this NIHB formulary did not align with coverage in many provincial jurisdictions including Alberta and, of course, our own NWT Extended Health Benefits Program. Add all this up, the GNWT continues to still use a flawed, square design to deal with a round hole when it comes to those who cannot afford their medication.

So yes, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions later today for the Minister responsible. Thank you.

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Catastrophic Drug Coverage

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny . Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative In Fort Simpson

Members’ Statements

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. In the winter semester of 2014, the Thomas Simpson Secondary School became the first in the Northwest Territories to have its high school students access to the Martin Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program and still is the only school in the NWT to offer this program.

A big and special commendation and thanks to Enbridge Pipelines Inc. and the Department of Education for being the primary sponsors with the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative. This foundation is created by none other than our former Prime Minister of Canada, Paul Martin himself.

Since the program began, over 35 students have enrolled. Thirty students completed full business plans and 12 former students have graduated high school. Plans included restaurants, tourism, fish farming, mobile apps and supports in the business service sector. Each course has always ended with the students presenting their business plans to community business leaders in a Dragon’s Den type format and receiving feedback from their ideas.

Exceptional secondary sponsors include the Liidlii Kue First Nations, Dehcho First Nations, Metis Local 52, the Dehcho Divisional Council, department and staff of ITI in Fort Simpson and the mayor of the Village of Fort Simpson.

Students receive business presentations on ideas such as helicopter charters, tourism charters, Parks Canada, e-commerce businesses, green energy businesses and how to manage them. Today the

TSS and teachers are getting requests from schools and school boards, asking how they can be involved in such an exceptional program.

The Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative provides teacher training, student workbooks, course materials and ongoing supports. Paul Martin told the Northern Journal during his visit to Fort Simpson for the first graduating class in May of 2013, the purpose of it is to essentially give young First Nations, Metis and Inuit an opportunity to know what business is all about in order to determine (

a) whether they would get into a business when they graduate from high school or (

b) just to teach them what the economy is all about.

Since the three years of its operation, I have personally been participating by speaking to each of these classes in the past five semesters.

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

---Unanimous consent granted

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Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative In Fort Simpson

Members’ Statements

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

I shared with them an outlook of the GNWT economy and my shared personal experience of being involved in the business world. It was great to have a discussion with these young adults, aged 14 to 17, about their ideas for starting their own businesses and discussing the economy of the GNWT and Canada as a whole.

In closing, congratulations to the students, the Thomas Simpson School and teachers, and keep up the good work in getting our youth to see their potential and their place in this world. I would like to see this expanded to all our schools in the NWT so our youth can understand the importance of the business sector and what keeps our economy going. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

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Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative In Fort Simpson

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Member for Deh Cho , Mr. Nadli .

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Impacts Of Climate Change

Members’ Statements

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The science is irrefutable. In polar regions the climate is changing faster than anywhere else in the world. The climate change does not receive due attention in this government’s strategic and long-range planning. I offer a few snapshots to illustrate the need for urgent action.

Sea ice is changing rapidly. The Arctic Ocean will be almost ice-free by mid-century. Glaciers and ice caps are melting at an accelerated rate. This is increasing the fresh water flow and impacting ocean circulation. Permafrost is warming and losing integrity. Ocean currents are shifting, leading non-Arctic species to encroach on northern water ecosystems. Caribou populations are declining. Caribou are becoming confused by changing

seasons and conditions. At one time elders could predict and tell you where the herds would be, based on the time of the year, but that’s no longer the case.

Contaminants are entering the ecosystem at an accelerated rate. Tundra shrubs are expanding and choking out berry-producing plants. This will obviously impact the health and culture of Northerners.

Forest fires are expected to increase in number and size. Fire temperatures can cause forests to be drier, fires to start more easily and also make fires harder to put out.

Scientists have demonstrated a direct link between climate change and fossil fuel emissions. This government should be taking the science more seriously. It should be demonstrably divesting from fossil fuels and investing in climate change alternatives. As Global Divestment Day approaches on February 13th , I call on the government to

articulate a stronger commitment to climate-friendly energy sources. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Impacts Of Climate Change

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Nadli . Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Declining Fuel Prices

Members’ Statements

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I first want to say thank you to the government for lowering the diesel prices in the Sahtu communities and other communities. When the Minister of Transportation and I did a tour in the Sahtu at the beginning of January, that was one of the issues that Fort Good Hope, Tulita and Norman Wells talked about, the high cost of gasoline and diesel fuel. The Minister made a point of telling people in Fort Good Hope and Tulita that there are things in play that maybe could bring the costs down.

So, true to his word, the Minister told the people that if things work out well, that the price of heating fuel would go down. Certainly, he has been true to his word by his statement this morning. So I want to thank the Minister, that something as important as this in our small communities means a lot to our people.

Ever since man has invented machinery that is fueled by diesel or gasoline, we have created dependency on it. From the Northwest Territories point of view, for myself, from wood-heated stoves to a furnace, we have moved in that evolution, from dog teams to skidoos to four by fours and trucks. We know that is a given that we have created some dependency on fossil fuels in the Northwest Territories.

Recently, we have seen in the news that the world prices have gone down and people in the Sahtu have been saying, how come our prices have not gone down in some of our communities? They want

to know why Yellowknife is paying $1.03 while Colville Lake pays $1.99 for gasoline. Why are those differences in the prices here? We wanted to raise that concern.

The other thing that the people wanted to know is will the price of gasoline go down in the Sahtu as it did with the heating fuel. Eighty-six percent of homes in Colville Lake are owned by private homeownership, so they definitely are going to benefit by the low cost of heating fuel in their community.

I will have more questions for the Minister on the price of fuel. Thank you.

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Declining Fuel Prices

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Cost Of Living

Members’ Statements

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is never too late for this McLeod government to be reminded about what is truly important. Even when they pay little attention to whatever advice Regular Members offer to share, I continue, once again, to feel the need to remind this government about the great crisis of our time.

The crisis I speak of is affordability. It’s known by many names, all of equal value, but whatever name you choose to use, it is always the same problem to the same families.

If you can’t afford to live, there are very few – ridiculously few – options for people to turn towards. The cost of living is the millstone carried by the everyday family. Unfortunately, it’s not viewed that way by this government. Unfortunately, it continues to weigh heavier on those families trying to get by each and every day.

As the bricks continue to pile up, respite is far from in sight. While we all know that it’s not easy for this government to sit on their perch of power and it’s a job that only can be done by a very few, but we on the ground can see the results. We see the poverty; we see the families struggling, trying to get ahead. So, as we watch the cost of living continue to grow for the everyday family, why isn’t this the primary call to duty by this government to fight this particular crisis?

Families are leaving the North every day, not because of the lack of work, in many cases, but it is because they can’t find affordable work. They can’t find housing they can afford to rent. They can’t afford to pay their power bills. These are burdens that stop the everyday family from getting ahead. Families work because they need to afford to go to work. That is the crisis.

Our Bureau of Stats, which I am very thankful for and am often surprised that they still exist considering how many times I thank them, this

government has the facts before them. Workforce participation numbers shrink, our unemployment rates increase, unemployment rates decrease, numbers speak for themselves. The government has all the information. Our population continues to leave because of the times and the problems before us.

If it weren’t for our birthrates, that are actually quite notable in consideration to other places in Canada, our population would be a tragedy in itself.

The cost of living must be fought and it must be a call to duty by this government. Thank you.

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Cost Of Living

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The Member for Inuvik Boot Lake , Mr. Moses .

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Support For Small Businesses In The NWT

Members’ Statements

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We heard some good news in the House today: the minimum wage increase as well as dropping fuel prices. That’s great for our residents and great for people in the Northwest Territories. Today I want to speak about the small business sector and possibly how this minimum wage increase can affect our small businesses in the communities who are trying to get ahead, employ our residents and now they’re going to have to deal with the wage increase as well. I will be asking questions of the Minister of ITI if there’s a possibility that we can subsidize this.

The reality is that our small businesses, our big businesses are struggling in the Northwest Territories. We know there’s a high cost to doing business in the North – transportation, freight, moving things in and out of the small and remote communities – and another reality is there is a downturn in our economy. We see it in the Sahtu; we see it in the Beaufort-Delta and we’ve got to start looking at ways to support the small businesses and the big businesses in our communities so they can stay afloat.

So I’ll have questions today for the Minister of ITI , specifically on the SEED funding. It’s a program that we fund to our entrepreneurs to increase economic development and talk about when was the last time we had increases in the funding, when was the last time the policy was looked at. Due to the economic downturn in the North and in our territory, what are we doing to offset those so that the small business, the mom and pop businesses in the communities can stay afloat, some of them which have been residents of the Northwest Territories for a very long time.

So today I’ll talk about small businesses in the Northwest Territories, how we can continue to support them so that they can support our economy and the Northwest Territories and get people in the Northwest Territories working. Thank you.

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Support For Small Businesses In The NWT

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses . The Member for Weledeh , Mr. Bromley .

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Reducing Fossil Fuel Production To Mitigate Climate Change

Members’ Statements

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Recent articles in the prestigious Nature science journal show that in order to salvage even a 50 percent chance of stopping dangerous climate change, as mentioned by my colleague Mr. Nadli , most of the untapped fossil fuels worldwide need to stay in the ground. Specifically, 80 percent of known coal reserves, 50 percent of gas and 30 percent of oil reserves must be left untapped over the next 40 years to keep to the internationally agreed upon limit of a two degree increase in average global temperature.

With additional study and taking into account regional costs of extraction, researchers determined how and what regions must reduce their fossil fuel production. They calculated which resources could be extracted the most effectively. Results show all of the current producers must make sacrifices, a painful move for countries that are economically depending on fossil fuel resources.

It’s particularly bleak for Canada and the North. The researchers found that extraction of Arctic fossil fuels must be completely avoided with essentially all of our hydrocarbons left untouched. None of the oil or gas reserves in the Northwest Territories make the cut.

What happens if these stranded reserves are burned? Dr. McGlade, an author of the Nature article, says things get “worse and worse as we head towards higher temperatures.” Without effective action, we are heading for four or five degrees rise right now. A two-degree rise is dangerous, but the effects of a three-degree rise are terrible. The differences thereafter are catastrophic. With more pronounced effects on weather, we risk hitting tipping points that will cause runaway climate change with severe implications for civilization as we know it.

Here in the Northwest Territories we are seeing cumulative climate change impacts already with exceptional drought, fire and shipping-related costs of over $100 million so far this year. Despite these facts, our Premier and Cabinet are off touting hydro carbon development to the world, putting out calls for exploration and exploitation and developing fracking protocols. They must know this means committing our land and our people to the most weak and vulnerable form of economic development, resulting in the destruction of our communities, our economy and our future.

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

---Unanimous consent granted

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Reducing Fossil Fuel Production To Mitigate Climate Change

Members’ Statements

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

They must also know that we must turn to renewable energy-based development in order to minimize the destruction and begin to build a sustainable future. On behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories, what will it take to reverse this participation in the insane march to destruction and shift to a truly beneficial and progressive renewable energy-based economy?

As the great Canadian Ms. Naomi Klein says, “It’s time to stop digging poisons from the deep and shift with all speed to powering our lives from the abundant energies on our planet’s surface.” Residents of the North call upon our Premier and Cabinet to make it so. Mahsi.

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Reducing Fossil Fuel Production To Mitigate Climate Change

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . Member for Frame Lake , Ms. Bisaro .

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Women In Politics

Members’ Statements

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There’s an obstacle I’ve encountered throughout my life as an elected official and it is that of being a minority gender on an elected body. It’s quite obvious, as you look around the Chamber here, that the NWT Legislature does not have gender parity; we’re not even close; and there’s not even an inkling of any balanced gender differential in Cabinet.

Across Canada the best percentage of women in elected office is 36 percent in British Columbia, and the NWT is a long way from that.

Today and tomorrow the NWT Status of Women Council is holding a Campaign School for women, an event intended to encourage and prepare women to run for office in our upcoming territorial and municipal elections. Some 40 people have registered for the two-day school, people who will be candidates, campaign managers, agents and other campaign workers. They’ll learn about and discuss all the elements associated with an election: campaigning, that of talking to constituents, going door to door, funding a campaign, the rules of an election and so on.

Some may think that it’s too early to be thinking about an election which is eight or nine months away, but it is not. We need more women in this Legislature and in our municipal councils. Women are 50 percent of our population and we ought to be represented in that same proportion on our elected bodies.

I encourage NWT women to seriously consider running for an MLA seat this fall. Give it some thought, make a decision and start planning now. So I don’t get accused of being sexist, to NWT male residents, you do the same. Think about

challenging your current MLA. Better yet, don’t think about it, do it.

I look forward to the excitement of the 2015 NWT Election. I hope to see a female candidate in every one of our 19 ridings, and my fervent wish is that the result of the fall election will be far more female MLAs in the 18th Assembly than the current two of

I am pleased to be part of the Campaign School, along with my only other female colleague here, Mrs. Groenewegen , as well as Mr. Abernethy and Ms. Lisa Dempster from the House of Assembly in Newfoundland and Labrador who has come to help us out. I know it will be a busy but constructive weekend, and I wish all the participants the best. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Women In Politics

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Premier , Mr. McLeod.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Yellowknife South

Bob McLeod

Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m very pleased to recognize visitors in the gallery who are participating in the NWT Campaign School today and tomorrow, so at the end of this year I expect some of them will be sitting down here. Tina Gargan, president of the Status of Women Council; Lisa Dempster, Newfoundland Parliamentarian; participants Pertice Moffat, Darlene Sibbeston, Jan Fullerton, Debbie Dechief, Gail Cyr, Karen Willy, Sarah Pope, Diana Pellissey, Amanda Kanbari, Kathy Paul-Drover, Caroline Cochrane-Johnson, Laura Boileau; and Status of Women Council staff Lorraine Phaneuf, Samantha Thomas and Annemeike Mulders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Abernethy .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d also like to recognize a few Great Slave constituents who are here, who are either participating or involved in organizing the NWT Campaign School. They are Karen Willy, Kathy Paul-Drover as well as Samantha Thomas. Thank you all for coming today.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . Mr. Moses .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Mr. Mark Prins to the House today. He’s a physician up in Inuvik and hopefully he’ll be a long-time resident and providing the health care and services to people in Inuvik and the Northwest Territories.

I’d also like to take the opportunity to welcome all participants from the Campaign School and recognize the staff of the Status of Women Council

for putting on such a great program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses . Mr. Bromley .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d also like to recognize the lady in the pink house, the irrepressible Gail Cyr, a resident of Weledeh. I also appreciate very much the work that’s being done and the people who are attending the school. So, hats off to the Status of Women Council staff. Mahsi.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . Mr. Menicoche .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to say welcome to Ms. Darlene Sibbeston out of Fort Simpson to the gallery, and to everyone in the Campaign School, have a great weekend as you learn about valuable public service to the public. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Ms. Bisaro .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m really pleased to welcome all the ladies up there who will be working at the Campaign School this weekend, working for and in and about. I would specifically like to mention a Frame Lake constituent, Laura Boileau, and I would also like to give my thanks at this point to Ms. Lisa Dempster, who is the Member of the House of Assembly for Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair in Labrador. I’m not sure if Lisa is up there, but I wanted to say thank you to her for coming to see us this morning and to help us with the school. Thank you.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . Mr. Bouchard .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Robert Bouchard

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize Debbie Dechief, one of my constituents. She is a participant in the NWT Campaign School. Thank you.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bouchard . Mr. Dolynny .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to introduce, to you and through you, a resident of Range Lake, Ms. Candace Johnson, and of course all participants of the NWT Campaign School. Good luck this weekend; have fun. Of course, the NWT Status of Women Council, great job for hosting. Good luck with that. Thank you.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny . Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to also recognize folks who are in the gallery today who are involved in the Campaign School. I look forward to meeting with you this afternoon. I’d like to recognize two former Hay Riverites, Sarah Pope and Samantha Thomas. You have to claim

some, you know, credit. Also, a constituent of mine, Diana Pellissey from Hay River South. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Mr. Nadli .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, I too would like to acknowledge the presence of all the potential candidates that more than likely will be campaigning along with us, perhaps, this fall. In particular I wanted to recognize a constituent of mine. She’s the president of the Status of Women Council. She’s a strong leader in her own right. She served as mayor for a long time in Fort Providence and I wanted to recognize Tina Gargan. Mahsi.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Nadli . Mr. Hawkins .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to recognize constituents in this House, as every Member enjoys. I would like to recognize Pertice Moffat, who is a constituent of Yellowknife Centre. I would also like to first say thanks to the Status of Women Council for the excellent initiative that they launched. I often have said to get more women elected, you have to get them to campaign and this is exactly what it’s doing, getting people out there and giving them the right tools. So, specifically, Lorraine Phaneuf and Annemieke Mulders are constituents of Yellowknife Centre.

Finally, I want to acknowledge two other ladies in the gallery. Although I may have grown up with both of them, they are both way younger than I, and I want to acknowledge the leadership that they both played in their communities and that’s Tina Gargan for the many accolades she deserves and certainly Darlene Sibbeston for the leadership she provides in her community. Two women I grew up with who are doing great work today. Thank you.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . I would like to welcome everyone here in the public gallery today. Thank you for taking an interest in our proceedings. Welcome.

Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Question 564-17(5): Lowering Community Fuel Prices

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of petroleum products. I want to ask the Minister on lowering the fuel prices on the heating diesel costs in our communities. As you know, in Colville Lake 86 percent of residents own their homes. There are 20 percent of single parents in Colville Lake, so this will greatly help them.

I want to ask the Minister, how did this come about in regards to lowering the costs and will we see more reduction in the heating fuel costs in these communities?

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Question 564-17(5): Lowering Community Fuel Prices

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Minister of Public Works and Services , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Question 564-17(5): Lowering Community Fuel Prices

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. We were able to lower the costs by seeing that the fuel that we buy is referred to as fuel at rack prices that came down quite drastically over the last few months. We are anticipating that by the time you get the fuel into the community, it will be at a much lower cost. We are sort of blending at this point and lowering the costs. We do anticipate additional costs for heating fuel when we actually deliver the fuel sometime between the middle of this month and the middle of next month. Thank you.

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Question 564-17(5): Lowering Community Fuel Prices

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Certainly it is good news for the private homeowners to see the lower costs of the heating fuel, especially for the high percentage of single families in the Sahtu region.

We also have about 112 trappers. In Fort Good Hope, 77 percent of the families rely on country foods, food from the land. The residents of the Sahtu are asking, will this also happen with the gasoline prices?

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Question 564-17(5): Lowering Community Fuel Prices

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Mr. Speaker, we are anticipating that the cost of gasoline will be lowered in the communities as well. In the case of gasoline, we want to deliver the gas before we make the adjustment. It appears to be a little more volatile and the gas price could actually go back up and we do believe that some of the gas prices have been rising down south and we could feel the impacts here and in other communities. We are going to wait until we do purchase and deliver before we lower it, but we do anticipate that it would be coming down from what the current prices are now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 564-17(5): Lowering Community Fuel Prices

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

That is anticipation, waiting for good news from the government. I want to ask the Minister, would that happen before the closing of our winter roads, which is usually about March 30th or 31st , depending on weather. Thank you.

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Question 564-17(5): Lowering Community Fuel Prices

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Yes, Mr. Speaker, it will be. We will be moving gasoline into communities on the winter road. Thank you.

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Question 564-17(5): Lowering Community Fuel Prices

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu . The Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Question 565-17(5): Birth Registration Policies

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services . Recently there was an incident from Fort Liard, well not so much of an incident but more of a miracle, she had a child in

our Stanton Territorial Hospital. Unlike many women from the small and remote communities, she was able to come here and wait at our facilities for the birth of her child, but the father was not able to be with her. When that happens, at the time of the birth she’s given the required forms for registration to fill out and the father was not available at this time, which is probably the case in many, many instances in our North. So she went back home. She did fill out the father’s information, but when the birth certificate arrived to her, it was just her name on the certificate.

So she said okay, I’ll just add the father’s, but our system requires a $30 registration fee to add the father at a later date.

I’d like to ask the Minister, can he change this rule or procedure? Thank you.

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Question 565-17(5): Birth Registration Policies

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Abernethy .

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Question 565-17(5): Birth Registration Policies

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the name had actually been provided on the registration form in the beginning, there would have been no additional fee. We go to the steps of printing forms and mailing them out, but to do changes later there are significant costs to doing that. That’s why there is a fee for changes at different times. Thank you.

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Question 565-17(5): Birth Registration Policies

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much. Of course there are lots of other administrative changes that may have to occur, but in this case I’m saying that because the family, the father could not travel in this case and I’m making the case, as well, that it happens throughout the North, not only from my riding, that the father has to add his name at a later date for an extra $30 cost.

So I’d like to ask the Minister, what kind of rule or guideline is this that you have to add the biological parent at a later date for a $30 fee? Thank you.

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Question 565-17(5): Birth Registration Policies

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

At the birth of a child the parents can put their names on the birth certificate, and the name of a parent who is not present, the father in this case, could have been included on the certificate, as well, and it would have required no additional fee. To change a certificate after the fact there is some administrative requirements and as a result there is a fee, but I would strongly encourage parents to get their names on their certificates when they first fill out their application, both mother and father.

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Question 565-17(5): Birth Registration Policies

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much. I was just trying to speak on a general basis, but I would be glad to let the Minister know about this other specific case. In general, I think the policy that I saw says that after 60 days that they have to pay a fee and that’s the issue I’m getting at, is that constituents in small, remote communities cannot always travel for the birth of their child. So why do

we have to charge them an extra $30 to get their name on the certificate? Thank you.

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Question 565-17(5): Birth Registration Policies

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

I hear the Member and I’m certainly willing to have a conversation with the department to see if we can extend the deadline or the amount of time it takes for individuals to get their names on the forms, but for changes after the fact, it does involve reprinting forms, it does involve reprinting certificates where there is a significant expense. So the fee for those changes would have to stay in place, but I would certainly talk to the department to see if we could extend the time for individuals who live in small, rural and remote communities. Thank you.

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Question 565-17(5): Birth Registration Policies

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

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

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Question 565-17(5): Birth Registration Policies

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I guess I think part of the issue, too, is that I’m not too sure if it’s the department’s requirement that they fill out the registration while they’re in the hospital in Yellowknife, or can they wait five or six days when both parents can be together in their home community, especially if that’s the case. Thank you.

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Question 565-17(5): Birth Registration Policies

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

I’m not quite aware of the specific details as to why they can’t fill it out on that day or whether they have to wait a couple days, but I’ll certainly get that information and provide it to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 565-17(5): Birth Registration Policies

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

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

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Question 566-17(5): Impacts Of Fossil Fuel Development

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to follow up on my Member’s statement with questions to the Premier . It’s kind of a wild idea, obviously, given the direction we’re headed and so many jurisdictions around the world are.

Is the Premier and his Cabinet familiar with the science suggesting that 80 percent of the fossil fuels known reserves must stay in the ground if we are to avoid dangerous climate change and also the most recent publications in Nature that deal with those areas and types of resources that can be tapped into and still avoid that condition? Thank you.

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Question 566-17(5): Impacts Of Fossil Fuel Development

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . Honourable Premier , Mr. McLeod.

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Question 566-17(5): Impacts Of Fossil Fuel Development

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m not familiar with that theory or recent publications in Nature magazine that the Member is referring to, but I do know that greater than 80 percent of our oil and gas reserves are already underground and stranded here in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

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Question 566-17(5): Impacts Of Fossil Fuel Development

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you to the Premier for that response. I will share some of those resources with the Premier and, hopefully, Cabinet. My colleague mentioned February 13th Divestment Day. I’m sure

the Premier has heard that many billions of dollars have been divested away from fossil fuels around the world. It’s a bit of a movement from people recognizing the extreme degree of action that’s required. The Rockefellers and so on have divested their interest in fossil fuels.

Will this government recognize that sort of thing and bring that into their thinking? The science clearly says that we must be moving away from fossil fuels with consideration of that science. Mahsi.

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Question 566-17(5): Impacts Of Fossil Fuel Development

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

I guess we’re not all Rockefellers here in the Northwest Territories, but we are taking action in that regard with the Energy Charrette. We are moving in that direction. We are waiting for the outcomes of the Energy Charrette and we are committed that we will take action when we have those results. Our government is taking a balanced approach to development and we expect that going forward we will be, as we stated in our second Energy Charrette, that those are the kinds of things we are looking at doing to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 566-17(5): Impacts Of Fossil Fuel Development

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thanks to the Premier . That’s exactly why I’m bringing this up, although it’s extreme. The science is recognizing that we are dealing with an extreme situation and the government is thinking about these things, so it’s an opportunity. The regional expectations are great. Hopes and dreams are based on fossil fuels. I know this sort of thing will be very disappointing to them, but on the positive, renewable energy development is much more labour intensive, much more equitable in spreading the benefits around and produces a much more durable economy.

Does the Premier agree with that and is he going to take that and pursue every opportunity to follow that model of development? Mahsi.

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Question 566-17(5): Impacts Of Fossil Fuel Development

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Certainly, we are headed in that direction. We expect to be spending significant amounts of investment in alternative and renewable forms of energy. Just to show some of the things we are already doing in our government of the 17th Assembly, through alternative energy products, building retrofits, biomass projects, cumulative savings of over $3.3 million have been achieved in the last three fiscal years; the energy conservation projects have helped reduce the Government of the Northwest Territories’ reliance on fossil fuels, heating oil in particular.

Since 2007, Public Works and Services energy conservation projects have displaced the equivalent of 13 million litres of fuel oil and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 35,000 tonnes by the end of 2013-2014. We are planning on investing much more in those areas.

When you see the results of the Energy Charrette, contrary to what the honourable Member across the way was talking about yesterday, it’s more than just a report. It is a report that is being promoted across the Northwest Territories. This government will respond to the recommendations and we will take action. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 566-17(5): Impacts Of Fossil Fuel Development

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Bromley .

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Question 566-17(5): Impacts Of Fossil Fuel Development

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I heard the Premier say he will respond to my recommendation and get us out of the fossil fuel business. The science is clear. It’s peer reviewed in the most prestigious science journal we have globally. Yet, the Premier is pursuing fossil fuel development in his expensive travels about the world and so on.

Will the Premier , in fact, shift the resources? I believe looking at the budget we have about $5 million in fossil fuel development. Will he shift those resources in pursuing a sound and sustainable economy that’s based exclusively on renewable energy? Mahsi.

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Question 566-17(5): Impacts Of Fossil Fuel Development

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

I think the Member is putting words in my mouth. At the Energy Charrette we were told we have very complex 65 megawatts and we will still need to burn fossil fuels in order to have redundancy. You reference our travel around the world and I think many of the Members here have travelled around the world as well. They should see the value in doing that. We see oil and gas development having a future in the Northwest Territories, but we will be investing millions of dollars in alternative and renewable forms of energy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 566-17(5): Impacts Of Fossil Fuel Development

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Mr. Dolynny .

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Question 567-17(5): Catastrophic Drug Coverage Plan

Oral Questions

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Two days ago was World Cancer Day where it was said one in 10 patients don’t take the medication they need due to cost. Earlier today I mentioned the fact that the GNWT is one of the few jurisdictions left in Canada without a catastrophic drug coverage plan. Under the current Extended Health Benefits Program, the GNWT does cover many diseases and conditions under a plagued, misaligned NIHB formulary while other conditions are sorted through a complicated consortium of case-by-case management policies. My questions today are for the Minister of Health and Social Services .

In 2010 the Department of Health and Social Services undertook a review of a supplementary health benefits program. This joint working group recommended an income-tested catastrophic drug

coverage plan which was never implemented. Can the Minister indicate why not?

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Question 567-17(5): Catastrophic Drug Coverage Plan

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny . The honourable Minister of Health , Minister Abernethy .

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Question 567-17(5): Catastrophic Drug Coverage Plan

Oral Questions

Great Slave

Glen Abernethy

Minister of Health and Social Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a man with a passion for pharmaceuticals, I am happy the Member has raised this question here today. The department is not at this time pursuing a catastrophic drug program here in the Northwest Territories. Rather, we’re working on the development of a pharmaceutical strategy which is building on the work that has been done over the past few years, including the report the Member mentioned that was done by Alberta Blue Cross – Pharmaceutical Strategy Options for the Government of the Northwest Territories – as well as ongoing work that is being done by the Program Review Office in the Department of Finance.

The pharmaceutical strategy is going to adhere to a number of principles moving forward and those principles are access, safety, effectiveness and appropriateness for use, as well as system sustainability.

Among other things, part of this pharmaceutical strategy is actually going to include a program to cover catastrophic coverage or provide catastrophic drug coverage, a program to cover expensive drugs for rare diseases, exactly what the Member is talking about, as well as moving to an NWT-specific formulary. So we’re not moving forward with a specific catastrophic drug program. We’re moving forward with a pharmaceutical strategy that will include the types of things the Member is talking about today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 567-17(5): Catastrophic Drug Coverage Plan

Oral Questions

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

I do appreciate the Minister reminding us about this pharmaceutical strategy that had not ever come to light here in the Assembly. It is not the panacea for all the solutions to the questions today.

So with that, in 2010 the honourable Minister Abernethy , in his former capacity as a Regular Member, recommended that the GNWT create a benefits plan for low-income families that do not have prescription drug coverage. The Minister responsible has been acting in this capacity for the past 585 days.

Can he inform the House if he has made good on his very own recommendation? Thank you.

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Question 567-17(5): Catastrophic Drug Coverage Plan

Oral Questions

Great Slave

Glen Abernethy

Minister of Health and Social Services

Recognizing that we do have an Extended Health Program, we are moving forward with the pharmaceutical strategy, which is going to actually cover the exact types of issues that the Member is talking about. We will continue to move forward and work with other provinces and territories who are trying to put forward programs to address the high cost of pharmaceuticals as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 567-17(5): Catastrophic Drug Coverage Plan

Oral Questions

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

I’m trying to create a pattern of a department dragging its heels. In February 2013 the deputy minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Debbie DeLancey, stated in this Legislative Assembly, “We need to look at our catastrophic drug coverage, expense of drugs and possible review of our formulary.”

Can the Minister indicate why his department had not followed through with this promise two years ago? Thank you.

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Question 567-17(5): Catastrophic Drug Coverage Plan

Oral Questions

Great Slave

Glen Abernethy

Minister of Health and Social Services

It’s not a matter of dragging our heels; we are in fact working on this particular issue. However, lack of in-house pharmaceutical expertise does make the project of this nature quite challenging.

The department has actually hired an expert consultant on pharmaceuticals to assist in the guiding of the understanding of this complex issue. As a pharmacist, I know the Member does understand how complex this can be. We have made recent amendments to the Pharmacy Act to enable a prescription drug monitoring program to be implemented here in the Northwest Territories. The Program Review Office is completing a review of pharmaceutical management, purchasing, coverage and regulation. The final report is expected this winter.

We’re also doing a review of the current use of group purchasing organizations by authorities to identify cost-saving opportunities by improving formulary management, drug purchasing as well as looking at moving away from the NIHB formulary to an NWT formulary. We certainly look forward to input from committee as we move forward.

So, it is moving slowly but it is in fact moving forward and we will get this done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 567-17(5): Catastrophic Drug Coverage Plan

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . Final, short supplementary, Mr. Dolynny .

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Question 567-17(5): Catastrophic Drug Coverage Plan

Oral Questions

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Things are moving slowly. Issues and concerns surrounding the efficiency of our current Extended Health Benefits Program are well-enshrined in this House.

As I indicated earlier, the Minister has been acting in office for 585 days, has had ample time to review this file and has made unfulfilled promises to committee and to its residents.

Can the Minister indicate how many more days he needs to implement a proper catastrophic drug plan for all Northerners? Thank you.

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Question 567-17(5): Catastrophic Drug Coverage Plan

Oral Questions

Great Slave

Glen Abernethy

Minister of Health and Social Services

If committee would like, I’d be happy to come and have a briefing with committee to show them where we are to date and help us get some advice and guidance as we move forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 567-17(5): Catastrophic Drug Coverage Plan

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . Member for Hay River North , Mr. Bouchard .

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Question 568-17(5): Impacts Of Increased Minimum Wage

Oral Questions

Robert Bouchard

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment about his statement today on increasing the minimum wage in the Northwest Territories.

Can the Minister indicate to me, did the department look at the economic impact of increasing this minimum wage?

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Question 568-17(5): Impacts Of Increased Minimum Wage

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bouchard . Minister of Education , Mr. Lafferty .

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Question 568-17(5): Impacts Of Increased Minimum Wage

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. As I stated, we did establish a committee that did their research across the Northwest Territories and outside the Northwest Territories with our provincial counterparts. So we did look into those matters as well. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 568-17(5): Impacts Of Increased Minimum Wage

Oral Questions

Robert Bouchard

Hay River North

I sent that information out when the department sent out the minimum wage, and I got a pretty good response that most people had concerns about it affecting the minimum wage people, the students and those people that are around the minimum wage.

Does this entice businesses to cut back on employment by increasing this minimum wage? Has that been looked at?

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Question 568-17(5): Impacts Of Increased Minimum Wage

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Those are just some of the areas that we did seriously look at, as well, whether it be small business or big business. But at the same time, I did make a statement that most of the organizations pay well beyond $10 an hour and there’s just a small number that’s still paying $10 an hour. So those are areas that we explored. We did our research. We have worked with businesses as well. We had the Chamber of Commerce, both NWT and Yellowknife, so that covers the broad sector of organizations. We want to make sure we cover all areas, which we have done. Mahsi.

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Question 568-17(5): Impacts Of Increased Minimum Wage

Oral Questions

Robert Bouchard

Hay River North

That is exactly my point. I think most people think it’s a good thing to get an increase in wages, obviously, but the minimum wage earners that are there are the students out there, the students that are coming back, the students that are working after school. If we have increased that minimum wage by 25 percent, I am thinking that some of those employers will consider cutting back on those types of positions, so have we looked at that impact?

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Question 568-17(5): Impacts Of Increased Minimum Wage

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Yes, we have looked at those potential impacts, and the research is telling us that there is minimal impact in those areas.

Again, most of the businesses are paying well beyond $10 an hour. When we did our research, $12 to $15 per hour is the starting point for these businesses. We have talked to a lot of businesses and they have already told us, a lot of them, that they are way beyond $10 per hour. Mahsi.

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Question 568-17(5): Impacts Of Increased Minimum Wage

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Final, short supplementary, Mr. Bouchard .

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Question 568-17(5): Impacts Of Increased Minimum Wage

Oral Questions

Robert Bouchard

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does this increase in the minimum wage include, have we considered the impact on the subsidy programs that we do for students in the summertime? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 568-17(5): Impacts Of Increased Minimum Wage

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the areas that we have initiated as a department. We have considered those areas for our students as well. As Minister Miltenberger has indicated, we have met with various students in Ottawa. That’s a starting point for us. We want to track those students to come back to the North and create employment for them here in the Northwest Territories. This is a really good starting point as an increase in minimum wage from $10 to $12.50 an hour on June 1st . That is a really good news item.

We have shared that with the students, as well, and they are quite happy with that as well. Mahsi.

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Question 568-17(5): Impacts Of Increased Minimum Wage

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Member for Deh Cho , Mr. Nadli .

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Question 569-17(5): Impacts Of Climate Change

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources . It’s pretty clear that over the course of the past summer the NWT experienced the worst forest fire season in history. Water levels tend to fluctuate in terms of the mighty Mackenzie and other tributaries that flow into the NWT, plus we have seen anomalies in terms of the migration patterns of the wildlife.

My question to the Minister, as I said earlier, is that science is irrefutable and climate changes are affecting the Arctic regions in dramatic ways. Will the Minister elaborate on this government’s plans for reversing climate change? Mahsi.

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Question 569-17(5): Impacts Of Climate Change

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Nadli . Minister Miltenberger .

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Question 569-17(5): Impacts Of Climate Change

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are two things, two main approaches we need to take as we deal with the impacts of climate change.

First, we are going to have to adapt to the changing world, and the changes that are coming have been coming for decades and the changes that were needed to be put into effect are going to take decades to be impacted. In the meantime, we have been adapting to the permafrost issues that the

Member has mentioned. We are adapting and paying for issues like low water, but at the same time we are investing millions, tens upon millions of dollars on alternate energy, changing our consumption patterns, looking at leading the country on biomass, investing in solar, investing in wind. The borrowing limit that we are talking about with the federal government is focused on two main areas. One is roads, the other is looking at the energy issues to bring down the cost of living and reduce our dependence on diesel. Those two areas have been centrepieces to just about all the work we’ve done.

Adaptation has affected our roads; we had to replace all the piles in various houses, those types of things. We don’t argue with the science. We know it’s there, we live it every day, and every budget we’ve had in this House reflects that. Thank you.

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Question 569-17(5): Impacts Of Climate Change

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

I think one prominent point that I fail to hear from the Minister is the measurable gauge that every country in the world has been using and that’s the emissions of greenhouse gases and I didn’t hear that from the Minister.

I would like to thank the Minister for highlighting the major initiatives that this government has taken. I think we all, in the NWT, really enjoy the beauty of the NWT. We have very nice cultural areas, but at the same time very prominent are some of the special areas that we value. There are calving grounds and, more recently, the encroachment of invasive species that people bring up from other parts of the country. Minerals, oil and gas development threaten a number of sensitive ecological areas.

Will the Minister articulate the government’s position on protecting delicate ecosystems, such as the Peel Watershed at the Yukon-NWT border? Mahsi.

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Question 569-17(5): Impacts Of Climate Change

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

We have a Greenhouse Gas Strategy, as well, to address the Member’s initial comment on his second question. It is up for renewal this year. We are going to hit the targets we have in there. We are looking at modernizing and updating it to reflect the current realities.

When it comes to development, we have a very fundamental approach of sustainability and balance that’s required with protection of the environment and resource development. We have quite a rigorous environmental assessment and review process for all project applications where ENR, ITI and Lands work together collaboratively to administer the new responsibilities post-devolution that are going to see us make sure we address all the requirements and all our obligations. ENR, as well, is moving forward with the protected areas that were there pre-devolution and we are looking at concluding some of those and working with

communities and regions on areas of specific concern and sensitivity.

In regards to the Peel Watershed, we are in the process of renewing and revitalizing our transboundary water agreement with the Yukon government. Thank you.

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Question 569-17(5): Impacts Of Climate Change

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

I would like to thank the Minister for his reply. Climate change is a big concept. At the community level, people are, in some respects, anxious in terms of its implications. At the same time, they want to see some mitigated measures that they can see at a practical level.

This government has not shown a clear commitment to sustainable, renewable energy sources in our small communities. With electricity prohibitively expensive, economic development becomes less viable.

What is the government doing to ensure that renewable and affordable fuel sources are available in our small communities? Mahsi.

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Question 569-17(5): Impacts Of Climate Change

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

I would argue that we have shown an enormous interest and support for alternative energy in the communities. In the Member’s riding, for example, we have been working very, very closely with the communities. In Fort Providence, for example, and Fort Resolution to formalize forest management agreements that is going to allow the business opportunity to put in a $20 million pellet plant, creating not only environmental benefits but a huge economic opportunity. We lead the country in biomass applications here in the Northwest Territories. We have put in a significant array in Fort Simpson.

We are going to look at combining solar with diesel along with batteries in Colville Lake. The government facilities that Public Works is administering across the North in all the communities have biomass. We have rebate programs, incentive programs and we see industry, as well, with Diavik putting a significant array of wind which is going to cut their costs.

I would suggest to the Member that we should be recognized collectively for the work we have done in that area and we are paying very, very close attention and definitely putting our money where our good intentions are. Thank you.

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Question 569-17(5): Impacts Of Climate Change

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Final, short supplementary, Mr. Nadli .

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Question 569-17(5): Impacts Of Climate Change

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister for highlighting a lot of the initiatives that the 17th Assembly has accomplished.

I think we could do more and it’s good that there has been a strong working relationship, especially at the community level.

I wanted to ask, in terms of this year’s budget, the ‘15-16 budget and going forward, what are some of the prominent and significant, perhaps,

commitments that the Minister’s department will be focusing on? He has mentioned biomass initiatives, he has mentioned forest management agreements that are still in the development stages and looking forward to addressing the overall concerns in terms of trying to mitigate climate change and how those policies and initiatives could take on a prominent and significant form. Mahsi.

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Question 569-17(5): Impacts Of Climate Change

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

The budget lays out our ongoing commitment to alternative energy, to the rebate incentive programs, to working with communities, but I think the biggest commitment is there in the charrette, and the Premier referenced it in one of his earlier responses, that as we deal with our borrowing limit and we get the borrowing limit raised, one of the key areas we’re looking at, and the budget address says this, as well, that we know that energy issues, especially generation issues in Yellowknife and all the thermal communities are critical issues to bring down the cost of living, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and be more environmentally friendly.

We’re intending, once that borrowing limit is resolved in a favourable way, to put the very, very many tens upon tens of millions of dollars that are needed to start that process in a very serious way. Thank you.

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Question 569-17(5): Impacts Of Climate Change

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

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

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Question 570-17(5): Power Rates And Distribution Process

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We all know that the trappings of progress may be marching forward in a way that not only are helping us but on some days they put us in peril. You’ve often heard the peril argument from Mr. Bromley , but that’s not what I’m here to describe.

The benefits of progress sometimes provide us the opportunities such as power and being able to turn your lights on and the great opportunities that they create.

My question for the Minister of the NWT Power Corporation is: Can he explain in simple terms how power can be supplied to a particular community in single digits, such as the Hay River region to the Pine Point area, picked up by the franchise holder and sold to its customers at over 30 cents a kilowatt? I’m trying to understand how the distribution works, the fairness of how it works and certainly the evaluation the NWT must be keeping a keen eye to this particular problem. Thank you.

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Question 570-17(5): Power Rates And Distribution Process

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Question 570-17(5): Power Rates And Distribution Process

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to observe first, though the budget address is replete with references to the

cost of living, an issue that the Member raised earlier in the House and about the McLeod government not paying close enough attention. I would suggest when you read the full budget address you would note that it’s replete and I’m somewhat offended at the fact that the Member didn’t notice that when he perused it in great detail because they are standout in significant numbers.

As it relates to the issue that the Member raised, I think the fundamental piece that we’re looking at as a territory that ties into the Member’s statement is the cost of living and how do we bring down the cost of living, we bring it down by reducing the cost of energy, and when we do he has raised some good points about how we do the generation, how are we structured to deliver power and distribute power and how are the costs distributed. Those are all good, legitimate questions that we intend to address as we move forward with the whole initiative of bringing down the cost of living. Thank you.

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Question 570-17(5): Power Rates And Distribution Process

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

I want to thank the fine, old Minister because he was calling me young Member yesterday. So the very old and elderly Minister of NWT Power Corporation of pointing out the budget dialogue that he read. By the way, I followed it keenly word for word, I enjoyed reading and I will enjoy reading it for years to come if I ever get sleepless and have to find ways to cure that.

---Laughter

On a serious note, though, it’s my understanding that some hydro communities are subsidized. Rather than pointing out a particular hydro community, one over another, maybe the Minister can put officially on the record which communities are subsidized and to what cost they’re being subsidized. Furthermore to the point, what are we doing about that subsidized problem to hydro communities that were supposed to be baseline costs for power? Thank you.

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Question 570-17(5): Power Rates And Distribution Process

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

The intent of the Territorial Power Support Program was to make sure that thermal communities are subsidized to the Yellowknife rate, and as the Members have heard, there’s one hydro community whose rates are higher than the Yellowknife rate and that’s Hay River. Thank you.

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Question 570-17(5): Power Rates And Distribution Process

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

One of the particular problems I’ve noted is that power, in my view and the view of many others, by the way, including the mayor of Hay River, Andrew Cassidy, is power, in our opinion, should be delivered a lot cheaper than it is.

Competition could be argued as a good thing for everything, but maybe not, as well, but the argument I usually see is competition is good. So the question for the Minister of the NWT Power Corporation is: In their capacity as an organization, why have they not bid to provide the distribution

services in these types of communities that do have franchise agreements in communities like Yellowknife and Hay River, which would create a bit of competition and hopefully those who’ve been receiving these sole-sourced franchise agreements would probably have to really sharpen their pencil? Thank you.

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Question 570-17(5): Power Rates And Distribution Process

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

The ability to put out a franchise call is the community’s responsibility and right. They’ve done that. We can’t speak to the past. There is a current one coming out. We’ve been asked to consider bidding on it and we are considering that and we’re looking at it, as we discussed in this House earlier this week.

I would just point out that when it comes to the NWT Power Corporation, and I believe all of us in this room, we would see that provision of electricity is an essential service and the same as we deliver and we look after all the fuel in the small, off-road communities to ensure that there are those essential services there, we provide that service at cost.

Our interest is keeping the cost of energy down, keeping the cost of living down and the Power Corporation over the years has evolved out of Alberta and out of Edmonton coming north and it’s a vehicle for our Energy Strategy and our fiscal policy and we are intent on, across the land as we’ve said as a priority, looking at the cost of living and energy is one of those key factors. We’d have to look at all facets of how that issue is generated and delivered. Thank you.

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Question 570-17(5): Power Rates And Distribution Process

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

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

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Question 570-17(5): Power Rates And Distribution Process

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m really glad that the Minister described it as an essential service because that’s very important. We all know that the government, or I should say the Power Corporation through the government is working to create generation of power as cheaply and efficiently as possible. We know without more customers it’s difficult to continue getting it any cheaper without, of course, technology as well.

We know customers are encouraged through energy efficiency programs and encouraged to reduce their consumption, and that’s a very important element, but the distribution side seems to continue to be the solution, or maybe the obvious problem that’s evading us. The Minister did say the other day about how they are looking at this. Perhaps the Minister could explain a little further into the detail as how they’re evaluating the distribution process in these communities, if not in all communities, how we can lower the cost of that delivery of power to our citizens, which is absolutely an essential service.

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Question 570-17(5): Power Rates And Distribution Process

Oral Questions

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

We’re looking at a number of things. In fact, we’re looking at the whole range of challenges as we look at how we’re structured historically and as we look to the future,

distribution is definitely one. The question was posed at the Energy Charrette, it was posed by myself to the attendees at the charrette with the question of how many distributors of power do we need in the Northwest Territories to make this as efficient as possible. That is a question that we have to look at. We know we have to look at generation in thermal communities, bring down the costs.

Total reliance on diesel is not acceptable and we’ve made a commitment with the government that with the borrowing limit one of the big areas we would make critical economical investment would be in the thermal communities and Yellowknife to look at using alternative energy, looking at generation where there’s a significant need in Yellowknife and the small communities.

I might as well put on the record again here, I put it on the record in the budget yesterday, that does include looking at the efficacy and value of liquid natural gas as well as other alternative energies like biomass and solar, batteries, wind. Anything that’s better and cheaper than diesel is being considered. Thank you.

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Question 570-17(5): Power Rates And Distribution Process

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Blake .

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Question 571-17(5): Dempster Highway Repairs

Oral Questions

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister of Transportation a few questions about the flooding of Georgetown, as it’s known, across from Tsiigehtchic at kilometre 140. Over the last 15 to 20 years, we’ve had flooding there almost every year.

Will the Minister ensure that the culvert is replaced over this summer and have a heat trace line in place? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 571-17(5): Dempster Highway Repairs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Blake . The honourable Minister of Transportation , Mr. Be