Debates of Feb. 1st, 2006

This is page numbers 653 - 678 of the Hansard for the 15th Assembly, 4th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was housing .

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Federal Election Results

Notice Of Budget Address

Pre-budget Consultations

2006 Federal Election

Recognition Of Vital Manuel

2006 Federal Election

Traffic Safety On Highway No. 3

Government Decentralization

Recipients Of Aboriginal Achievement Awards

Reflection On 2005 In Nunakput

GNWT Pipeline Negotiations

Citizenship Judges

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Wilderness Camp Programs

Canadian Citizenship

Ferry Operations Information

Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Access To Midwifery Services

GNWT's 'letter Of Comfort' To Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Producers

Respite Care Program

Suicide Prevention

Sahtu Memorandum Of Understanding

GNWT's 'letter Of Comfort' To Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Producers

Item 8: Returns To Written Questions

Return To Written Question 6-15(4): Taskforce On Year-end Expenditures

Return To Written Question 8-15(4): Access To Special Needs Funding

Return To Written Question 9-15(4): NWT Emergency Measures

Return To Written Question 12-15(4): Impaired Driving Day

Return To Written Question 13-15(4): Seniors' Facilities

Return To Written Question 14-15(4): Market Housing Initiative

Return To Written Question 15-15(4): Mental Health Treatment

Return To Written Question 17-15(4): Treaty-land Claim School Instruction

Return To Written Question 18-15(4): Adult Literacy

Return To Written Question 19-15(4): Atco Novel Housing Project

Bill 13:

An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act

Bill 14: Public Airports Act

Tabled Document 76a-15(4): Inclusive School Funding 2000-2001 To 2004-2005Tabled Document 76b-15(4): Educating All Our Children: Departmental Directive On Inclusive Schooling 1996

Tabled Document 77-15(4): Treaty/land Claim School Instruction

Tabled Document 78-15(4): Adult Literacy Statistics

Tabled Document 79-15(4): Response To Petition 2-15(4)

Tabled Document 80-15(4): Medical Supply Purchases

Tabled Document 81-15(4): GNWT Supports The Mackenzie Gas Project

Provisional Rule Changes To Implement Designated Budget Days

Bill 18: Appropriation Act, 2006-2007

Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Honourable Brendan Bell , Mr. Braden , Honourable Paul Delorey , Honourable Charles Dent , Mrs. Groenewegen , Honourable Joe Handley , Mr. Hawkins , Honourable David Krutko , Mr. Lafferty , Ms. Lee , Honourable Michael McLeod , Mr. McLeod, Mr. Menicoche , Honourable Michael Miltenberger , Mr. Pokiak , Mr. Ramsay , Honourable Floyd Roland , Mr. Villeneuve , Mr. Yakeleya

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---Prayer

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 653

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome to the resumption of the Fourth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly. Although it has been several months since we have met in formal session, I know that each of you has been working diligently in committee, Cabinet and in your constituencies during the extended adjournment. I would like to offer my personal best wishes to each of you and all the residents of the NWT for a happy and healthy new year. On behalf of the Legislative Assembly and all Members, I would also like to extend congratulations to the new Member of Parliament for the Western Arctic, Dennis Bevington.

---Applause

As a long-time northerner, Mr. Bevington is aware of the North's most pressing issues, and we look forward to collaborating with him to face the challenges that lay ahead. A special thank you goes to Ethel Blondin-Andrew for her many years of service to northerners as our Member of Parliament.

---Applause

Although Ethel has announced that she will not run for Parliament again, we are confident that she will continue to make a positive contribution to the lives of all northerners in the years to come.

It is with regret that I advise the House of the recent passing of Vital Manuel. Vital served this House proudly as a Page for over 10 years and was also a special constituency assistant to former Premier Stephen Kakfwi. His gentle demeanour and warm smile was always a welcome addition to these halls and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends during this sad and difficult time.

On a happier note, we rang in the New Year here at the Assembly by hosting the 23rd Canadian Presiding Officers' Conference from January 19th to the 22nd. We were fortunate to receive 37 Speakers, Deputy Speakers, committee chairpersons and Clerks from across Canada. Our business sessions, which took place here in this Chamber, were informative and thought provoking. In addition to showing our guests some warm northern hospitality, we were, I believe, able to give them a taste of how our unique system of consensus government operates.

This session marks a significant departure in the way that our Assembly proceedings are broadcast and made available to the public. Effective immediately, sessions will no longer be broadcast on the Aboriginal Peoples' Television Network. Instead, the Assembly is working with local cable television providers, CKLB Radio and other community radio stations to provide longer and more accessible coverage of our proceedings. We have now also begun to broadcast our proceedings in audio and video stream on the Internet.

By logging on to www.assembly.gov.nt.ca, you will be able to watch or listen to live and tape-delayed proceeding of this House. We will be working diligently in the sessions to come to improve further on our session broadcast service.

As we prepare to enter this budget session, I would like to acknowledge, on behalf of the Legislative Assembly, the diligent efforts of our standing committees, Cabinet, government and Assembly staff who have contributed to the budget development process. I know the last month-and-a-half has been a very busy one for all of you. I would also like to thank all members of the public who participated in the first round of pre-budget consultations that took place across the North last summer. I am confident that the views and concerns expressed by those who participated will find a place in our upcoming deliberations.

I look forward to a productive session over the next few weeks. I hope to hear lively debate on issues that are important to the people of the Northwest Territories and discussions that lead to positive, informed decision-making. I ask only that you conduct yourselves within the rules that you have set down for this House and continue to respect the dignity of the House and all of its Members.

Now, it is my duty to advise the House that I have received the following message from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. It reads:

"Dear Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly the passage of the Appropriation Act, 2006-2007 and the Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2005-2006, during the Fourth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly. Yours truly, Anthony W. J. Whitford, Commissioner."

Thank you, colleagues.

Orders of the day, item 2, Ministers' statements.

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Minister's Statement 61-15(4): Federal Election Results

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 653

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on January 23rd, Canadians elected a new Parliament with the Conservative Party of Canada posed to form the new government. On behalf of the people and Government of the Northwest Territories, I would like to

extend our sincere congratulations to Mr. Stephen Harper on his election as Prime Minister of Canada.

---Applause

We were very pleased and encouraged by the commitment made by Prime Minister-designate Harper on election night to work with the northern territories to help achieve our dreams and to develop the potential of this great region. Once the new government is sworn in next week, we look forward to working with individual Ministers to make these words a reality.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge and extend our gratitude to Prime Minister Paul Martin for his many years of public service to Canadians as Prime Minister, Minister, and Member of Parliament. In particular, I would like to thank Mr. Martin for his ongoing support and commitment for the goals and aspirations of northerners, and his efforts to advance a vision for the North that has helped bring a greater understanding of this important region to other Canadians.

We also extend our congratulations to Mr. Layton and the New Democratic Party for their strong showing on election night, and to Mr. Dennis Bevington who was elected as the new Member of Parliament for the Western Arctic. I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Bevington last week to discuss ways we can work cooperatively on issues of importance to the people of the Northwest Territories. I am confident Mr. Bevington will do an admirable job for northerners.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge our outgoing Member of Parliament, the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, and extend our appreciation for her service to the people of the Northwest Territories over the past 17 years. We have seen much positive change during her time as a Member of Parliament and she should be very proud of her achievements.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, during the first two years of our term, the Members of the Legislative Assembly have made significant progress in raising the profile of the Northwest Territories' issues in Ottawa and southern Canada. The Northwest Territories is a good news story in this country. Over the last 10 years, an entire new industry has been created around the mining of diamonds in the Northwest Territories, an industry that contributes greatly to the economy of Canada. The development of the oil and gas potential of the North can create significant economic growth and jobs, and provide added security of supply for the North American market.

But, Mr. Speaker, while we have taken important steps over the last two years with the national government, we have been unable to resolve the fundamental issues concerning the control of our resources and, in particular, the revenues generated by them.

Shortly after his election, Prime Minister-designate Harper committed to working with the provinces and territories to address the fiscal imbalance that exists between the federal government and provinces and territories. This is an important commitment and one that will allow us to make our case on the need to restructure and improve our financing arrangement with Ottawa, and to reconsider how resource revenues are shared between the federal and northern governments.

Mr. Speaker, we believe the election of a new federal government provides a significant opportunity to forge a new working relationship with Ottawa. We are optimistic that we can hit the ground running on some important issues with the new government, and look forward to establishing a cooperative and productive working relationship with Prime Minister-designate Harper and the Members of his government. Mahsi cho. Thank you.

---Applause

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Minister's Statement 61-15(4): Federal Election Results

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 654

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance , Mr. Roland .

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Minister's Statement 62-15(4): Notice Of Budget Address

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 654

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will deliver the budget address on Thursday, February 2, 2006. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 62-15(4): Notice Of Budget Address

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 654

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Pre-budget Consultations

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 654

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

As a Member for Nahendeh and the chair for the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, I was honoured to be part of the very first pre-budget consultations last August and September. Regular Members initiated these consultations to give people a chance to speak directly to MLAs and to provide input for government business plans and budgets.

I know many people who shared their advice with us in the pre-budget process are out there anxiously awaiting the budget address and the government's response to our committee's report to see whether government is going to act on their ideas.

However, I wish to remind people that, as we said in our report last October, many of these issues demand long-term solutions and are far beyond what can be accomplished in one year's budget and business plans. I think our constituents can expect to see immediate action on the few key issues in the 2006-07 budget, but it is in next year's business plans and budgets that I will see the largest impact.

Government is often compared to a big ocean ship that takes a long time to adjust its course. As an MLA, I have often wished that instead it could be a high performance skidoo and turn on a dime without slowing down. It is hard for me, as well, to accept the slowness of change and to be patient, but, unfortunately, that is the reality of government.

Mr. Speaker, I say these things because I do not want people to become discouraged or disappointed or to think we are not listening. Last summer's pre-budget consultations were only the first of what we hope will grow

and become a regular and key piece of how we, as Regular Members, hold government accountable to the priorities of our people. We are building a new process from the ground up, and as we visit more and more communities over the years, we will continue to build on what we started. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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Pre-budget Consultations

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 655

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Menicoche .

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Pre-budget Consultations

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 655

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mahsi cho. Thank you, honourable colleagues. For now, Mr. Speaker, I want to assure people that although they may not see any dramatic changes in this year's budget, we have set things in motion to put us on a better course for the future. We have not forgotten what the people have told us and they can expect to hear Members in this session, and in future sessions, continue to raise the issues that they brought to our attention. This is not the end of it, Mr. Speaker. It is just the beginning. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

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Pre-budget Consultations

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 655

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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2006 Federal Election

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 655

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since our last sitting in November, the winds of political change have swept across the NWT and many parts of our country. Canada elected a Conservative minority government in Ottawa, and in the NWT, the people voted for a change and the agent for change they have chosen is the new MP for the Western Arctic, Mr. Dennis Bevington. In my first opportunity to do so in this House, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to Mr. Bevington.

Mr. Speaker, I can speak from having watched them more closely than others, that he and his team were very diligent and focussed throughout their campaign. I have no doubt, Mr. Speaker, that Mr. Bevington will apply the same efforts, as well as his new energy and vision, in doing his job as the new MP and will do it very well.

Mr. Speaker, I believe we know in this House how rewarding but at times challenging it can be to represent and serve our people in all of the 33 very diverse and unique communities. I appreciate that the changes always bring opportunity and I look at this as a huge opportunity for all of us to approach things from different perspectives, where necessary, in order that we all achieve together the goals and aspirations of the people we have the collected privilege to serve.

I wish to also take a moment to thank Messrs Edjericon, Beaudin and van der Veen for putting their names, efforts and best arguments forward for people to choose from. It is an integral part of our democracy and it takes special strength and conviction to do so and I appreciate their efforts very much.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge the service of Mrs. Ethel Blondin-Andrew. I believe we have all learned to appreciate her commitment to the North and her strong work ethics and stamina in the way she served the people of the North through thick and thin. I believe that the distance in time will make it more clear of the strong legacy and achievement of her work. For that, we owe her much thanks and I wish to take this opportunity to wish her and her husband, Leon Andrew, the very best as they embark together on the next

chapter of their lives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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2006 Federal Election

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 655

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Recognition Of Vital Manuel

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 655

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this morning I was reading a book and I read a quote in there from Ralph Waldo Emerson, I think. He said in the quote, what lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. That quote struck a chord into this statement that I'm going to read today in regards to a close friend of the Sahtu and the people in Yellowknife at the Legislative Assembly.

I want to pay tribute to Vital Manuel, who passed away on the 19th of January at the young age of 32 years old. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank you for your kind words in your opening address towards Vital. Vital was well known in this House as he served as a Page and a special assistant to the former Sahtu MLA Stephen Kakfwi, and also the Premier Stephen Kakfwi.

Born with spina bifida, Vital faced many challenges: to finish school, to have his own apartment, and to find work. He succeeded in doing all these things, and Vital was a very independent person, a very proud person. I know there are many people who are struggling today and I hope that Vital's strength and achievement can serve them as inspiration to all the people of the Northwest Territories. Vital's independence was important to him, but he was also very close to his people in the Sahtu, especially in the community of Fort Good Hope.

He is remembered as a strong and loving person, known for his kind words and also known in the community of Fort Good Hope as Iehtse Vital, Grandfather Vital.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to send my condolences to the Vital family and to all his close friends. I hope that this will be some comfort to them to know that many Members and staff of the Legislative Assembly, both past and present, share in their sorrow and will continue to hold many warm memories and thoughts of Vital in their heart. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

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Recognition Of Vital Manuel

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 655

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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2006 Federal Election

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 655

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in light of the recent federal election, I'd like to make a few comments in view of the significance of the federal government in relation to our government. I'd like to congratulate the people who ran to represent the Western Arctic in the House of Commons. Having choices is what makes our democratic system work. Each put forth

a credible effort to ensure the constituents were informed of their positions.

A special congratulations to Dennis Bevington for his tenacity in seeking and now winning the seat for this riding. Dennis is well-informed and respected in the work that he has undertaken on behalf of northerners and I know that he will represent us well.

I would also like to thank Ethel Blondin-Andrew for her work on our behalf over the past 17 years. I'd like to congratulate Stephen Harper in his new role as Prime Minister. It is a daunting undertaking. From our unique government to his, I would like to say welcome to consensus government. It will take much skill to move his agenda forward with the diversified personalities and agendas now in the House of Commons, but we look forward to hearing of the assignment of key ministerial portfolios which will work closely with our government.

We have heard much debate leading up to the election. I was disappointed with the degree of negative stereotyping that was expressed, not particularly in this riding. It was done in an attempt to scare the Canadian electorate away from a Conservative government, and I hope now we'll hear less of those cryptic references to hidden agendas and intolerance. I personally prefer it when political candidates focus on the positive solutions that they have to offer.

As an aside, Mr. Speaker, I never cease to be amazed by people and parties who hold themselves out as so inclusive and so tolerant, and yet so quickly berate others with a different moral or political conviction in an area such as traditional values.

For the North, Mr. Speaker, the Liberals knew us, they said they loved us, but it was hard to tell. The Conservatives want to get to know us and I am optimistic about how they will feel about us, and I'm certain that the New Democrats will get to know us well through our new Member in the House of Commons, Mr. Dennis Bevington. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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2006 Federal Election

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 656

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Kam Lake .

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2006 Federal Election

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 656

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm certainly very happy to be back in this House with the rest of my colleagues as we prepare to entertain the 2006-07 budget and address the issues that our constituents have raised with us since the last time we met. I'd like to start off by congratulating Prime Minister-designate Mr. Stephen Harper and his incoming Conservative government. I do believe, and have tremendous hope, that the change in government in Ottawa will pay huge dividends here in the North. Issues like resource revenue sharing, devolution, fiscal surety and the completion of outstanding land claims processes will be front and centre under this new Conservative government.

Congratulations, as well, Mr. Speaker, are also in order for our new Member of Parliament, Mr. Dennis Bevington. He will certainly be challenged by not being in a governing party, but I am certain that he will work hard on our behalf in Ottawa and do the best that he can for us. I wish him all the best in his new pursuit and I do look forward to working with him in the future.

I'd also like to acknowledge, if I could, the dedication, devotion, and efforts of our outgoing Member of Parliament, Ms. Ethel Blondin-Andrew. Although we lined up on different sides of the political field, I certainly have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for the work she performed in Ottawa on behalf of our government, the aboriginal governments, and the residents of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to wish her -- I know it was mentioned earlier -- and her family all the best in the future. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time on today's Order Paper, I'll have some questions for our Premier on how our government plans to take up our issues in Ottawa and what strategy they will employ in doing so. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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2006 Federal Election

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 656

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Before we go on, colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the gallery to a former Member of this House and Member of the former riding of North Slave, Mr. Leon Lafferty.

---Applause

Members' statements. The honourable Member for Monfwi, Mr. Lafferty .

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Traffic Safety On Highway No. 3

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 656

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak up on an issue that has growing concern in my constituency. That is the traffic safety at the intersection of the Behchoko access road on Highway No. 3. Mr. Speaker, that stretch of highway is a very busy road used by commuters, truck drivers, tourists. In fact, it has the highest traffic volume on the territory's intercommunity highways, Mr. Speaker. Over the last decade, the traffic along this stretch has increased 30 percent. More people commute from my community, Behchoko, Mr. Speaker, also Yellowknife commuters and down south.

Economic development, notably the diamond mine industries, have also increased the traffic moving up and down Highway No. 3. This increases the volume of traffic on the highway, Mr. Speaker.

It is certainly not the rural road it was once, not in terms of volume of traffic, nor in terms of conditions of the road, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the improvements on the highway between Behchoko and Yellowknife has been a crucial component of the Corridors for Canada project. The project was intended to improve the safety of the road, provide better access for diamond mine industries, and also enhancing the tourism opportunities. The improvement of paving the last part of the national highway system has made a huge difference for the Tlicho citizens, Mr.

Speaker; however, it means driving a lot faster on the road, as well. The safety concern could be easily fixed, Mr. Speaker, by installing traffic lights at the intersection. The volume of traffic warrants a light system

similar to what is in place at the intersection of, say, Highway No. 3 or Highway No. 1.

I will have questions for the Department of Transportation at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Traffic Safety On Highway No. 3

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 657

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Villeneuve .

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Government Decentralization

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 657

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Let me just say Happy New Year to my constituents, residents of the NWT, and all the Members of this House, firstly. I'd also like to congratulate the Prime Minister-designate Stephen Harper and our new MP, Dennis Bevington, on their election victories.

Just a point of interest, Mr. Speaker -- and I hope Stephen Harper is listening -- the community of Lutselk'e and my constituents of Tu Nedhe were the only communities in the NWT to vote a Conservative majority.

---Laughter

So I hope he remembers that.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, addressing and resolving many important issues in my constituency of Tu Nedhe will continue to be my priority in this Legislature. Namely, issues like still high unemployment levels, lack of training opportunities, and no noticeable improvements in living conditions or health, especially for elders and the aboriginals. Sadly, this is the same situation that many small communities are dealing with and this is the same message that they have been trying to desperately convey to our government for the last number of years.

Although these concerns are heard in this House quite regularly by all the Members, we seem to be seriously lacking progress on making some positive changes in the timely manner that actually improves the overall living and cost of living conditions in these smaller communities.

Mr. Speaker, in previous governments, many Members had raised concerns on our government's centralized, overgrown, overpaid, and underutilized bureaucratic system that is both plagued with old policies and practices, a lot of deadwood, and the seemingly perpetual ignorance for the issues for the small communities and their representatives bring to this House. It continues to be the case in this 15th Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it is time for some major shifts in our government's organizational structure and attitude. What I am talking about, Mr. Speaker, is more decentralization. When this government started the centralization process in the mid-'80s, it was for efficiency and effectiveness. This worked for the five larger centres and especially Yellowknife, but new changes are needed that make this government more visible and accessible to smaller communities in our region, and it can be just as efficient and effective for all the residents, if not more.

I'd like these changes to be made before this bureaucratic monster gets too big to move forward for the betterment of all residents, and, more importantly, before the questions and concerns raised by the Members of this House start falling on deaf ears. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Government Decentralization

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 657

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes , Mr. McLeod.

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Recipients Of Aboriginal Achievement Awards

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 657

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize three well-known and respected northerners who are recent recipients of the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards. It is said, Mr. Speaker, that laughter is the best medicine, and with that being the case then George Tuccaro has been curing many people across the NWT for years.

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Recipients Of Aboriginal Achievement Awards

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 657

Some Hon. Members

Hear! Hear!

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Recipients Of Aboriginal Achievement Awards

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 657

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

People in the communities always look forward to a visit from Mr. Tuccaro. My personal favourite is a jigging performance.

Billy Day is a well-respected Inuvialuit elder from Inuvik. He was part of the Committee for Original People's Entitlement, which was established to protect our culture, political rights, and our lands. They negotiated the Inuvialuit Final Agreement and from that came the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. He participated in a meeting in California, which resulted in the founding of the World Council of Whalers. Billy still continues to live a traditional lifestyle. Inuvialuit will always be grateful to Billy and the other negotiators for the benefits that we enjoy today.

Shirley Firth-Larson was a member of the NWT Ski Team for years. This group of skiers was started in Inuvik, and they trained in Inuvik, and they put the NWT on the map, as far as I'm concerned. As a young boy growing up, we used to always think the ski team was really deadly because they got to travel all over the world, and we wanted to be just like them, but we were way too slow. We watched the Olympic Games and tried to catch a glimpse of our skiers because we were quite proud of them. She participated in four winter games, she's received many awards over the years for her skiing.

We congratulate all three of you and would like you to know that, as fellow northerners, we are proud of your accomplishments and your well-deserved award. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Recipients Of Aboriginal Achievement Awards

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 657

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput , Mr. Pokiak .

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Reflection On 2005 In Nunakput

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 657

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, Mr. Speaker, I've decided to reflect back on 2005. Mr. Speaker, many elders in Nunakput passed away in 2005. In particular, my sister Annie Noksana and Uncle Bobby Taylor-Pokiak. My thoughts are with these families and I hope 2006 will bring a prosperous year.

Mr. Speaker, elections for municipal councils were also held in 2005. To the mayors and councils elected in Nunakput, I look forward to working with you during the life of this 15th Assembly. To the people of Sachs Harbour, thank you for your warm hospitality during my recent visit.

Mr. Speaker, also to those athletes from Nunakput who took

part in the regional and territorial trials for the Arctic Winter Games, I commend them in their best efforts. I wish you all the best. Play fair and remember, winning isn't everything. Having said that, I know you will all come back with winners in your own right.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I'd just like to thank Ethel Blondin-Andrew for her dedicated 17 years of service, to Prime Minister-elect Stephen Harper of the Conservatives I say congratulations, and to our newly elected Member of Parliament, Dennis Bevington, we have work to do. Thank you.

---Applause

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Reflection On 2005 In Nunakput

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 658

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden .

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GNWT Pipeline Negotiations

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 658

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Achieving devolution and a fair share of resources revenue sharing must continue to be the top priorities of this government, but in last November, Mr. Speaker, that priority, in my opinion, took a major setback when Premier Handley and Finance Minister Roland delivered a letter -- no ordinary letter, Mr. Speaker -- to the four major producer groups in the Mackenzie Valley pipeline and TransCanada Pipelines. It was a so-called letter of comfort demanded by these stakeholders before they would proceed with the regulatory hearings now underway. The letter offered strong encouragement to proceed to the next phase of the regulatory process.

Mr. Speaker, while this is a letter of comfort to the multi-billion dollar producer groups, it is a letter of extreme disappointment and dismay to many MLAs, communities, and northerners. The reason for the disappointment in our Premier and Finance Minister is that I thought their job was to protect, first and foremost, the interests of northerners. The letter went on, Mr. Speaker, "...we can provide you" -- the producer groups -- "with assurances that the GNWT is committed to promoting a stable and predictable fiscal and royalty regime..." What about promoting a stable and predictable fiscal and royalty regime for our own people, Mr. Speaker?

---Applause

The Premier and the Finance Minister did not. When we have fought so long and so hard to get a share of our own resources, they gave away a major bargaining position. Mr. Speaker, this was after the gas producers themselves got some $2 billion in fiscal concessions from Ottawa.

Even after the Deh Cho region, which did hold out for something, got $31 million from Ottawa; even after the APG, the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, got a greater assurance of its share of the investment will get a backup loan from Ottawa; even after the communities along the pipeline route got $500 million, a $500 million commitment for social and economic impact, the Premier and the Finance Minister gave away our bargaining chip, which was to force Ottawa to do the right thing for us. Even now, Mr.

Speaker, after 30 years of this ongoing project, the public Government of the Northwest Territories is no better off today than we were three decades ago. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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GNWT Pipeline Negotiations

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 658

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Citizenship Judges

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 658

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a privilege to be back into the House. I just want to emphasize that. It's wonderful to be back after our long break. Mr. Speaker, today I'm very concerned about the fact that we don't have citizen judges here in the Northwest Territories. There's always a lot of news out there about the apathy of the Canadian public when it comes to elections and definitely their participation. However, in recent news, a Yellowknife resident and their family travelled all the way to Edmonton to become Canadian citizens just so they could vote in this past election.

I personally applaud their dedication; however, their circumstances cause me to wonder why such heroic measures were required in the first place to obtain citizenship. Why couldn't they get their citizenship here in their new home of Yellowknife?

I contacted the MP's office, and with their assistance they said citizenship can only be obtained once a year, on July 1st, here in Yellowknife. They also mentioned the difficulty of finding judges to come up to Yellowknife to perform this ceremony. We know citizen judges are responsible for making the decision on citizen applications, presiding over ceremonies and administering the citizen oath, but apparently it's so simple; it's not difficult or complex. All it requires is simple accreditation by judges. That's it.

Mr. Speaker, I have to underscore my concern that the citizen ceremony is only held here once a year. That does not seem fair for one of the territories and the Canadian cities here. We should have more respect from the federal government. If you miss the deadline, Mr. Speaker -- that is the July 1st deadline -- you have to wait a whole year to get your citizenship card. That is a lot of hardship on a particular individual; for instance, if you want to travel or if you have to leave the country on holidays or special emergencies. Even worse, Mr.

Speaker, you could be deprived of rights and privileges that Canadians enjoy or have as a safety net outside of Canada. Why are we treating these new Canadians terribly? I don't think it is fair. I can appreciate and acknowledge that citizenship is a federal issue, but I think this territorial government, in conjunction with the pan-territorial government such as the Yukon and Nunavut, could do something.

Respect is a Canadian value. It is what draws some of these people here. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Justice Minister later today. I will be encouraging him to find less bureaucratic ways of welcoming new Canadians to our country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Citizenship Judges

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 658

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. The honourable Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs , Mr. McLeod.

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Further Return To Question 203-15(4): Food Mail Program Pilot Project

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 659

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Yakeleya on October 20, 2005, regarding the Food Mail Program pilot project.

In order to reduce the cost of nutritious food and promote healthy eating, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, INAC, with funding from Health Canada carried out a series of Food Mail Program pilot projects in three isolated northern communities: Fort Severn, Ontario; Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik; and Kugaaruk, Nunavut. The GNWT did not participate.

The pilot projects will be reviewed in the near future to evaluate the impact of reducing the cost of priority perishable foods and introducing measures to improve their recognition, quality and variety. Any decision to participate in a future program of pilot projects will be up to the Minister of Health and Social Services . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 203-15(4): Food Mail Program Pilot Project

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 659

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Returns to oral questions. The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation , Mr. Krutko .

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Further Return To Question 267-15(4): Rent Scale

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 659

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Lafferty on October 25, 2005, regarding the rent scale used by the NWT Housing Corporation for public housing.

Specifically, Mr. Lafferty asked how the rent scale is determined.

The rental amount is derived from a household's monthly income. This is the same in all communities. The cost of living and unit condition reductions are then subtracted from this. The cost of living reduction is a variable number and is dependent on the community and the number of people in the household.

The rent scale embodies the principle that residents of the Northwest Territories with the greatest need should receive the most help. Thus, the public housing rent scale ensures that all social housing tenants are treated fairly and equally across the NWT with regards to access and costs of shelter.

The rent scale also reinforces the principle of affordability as no tenants pay more than 30 percent of gross household income towards shelter costs. On average, public housing tenants currently pay 13 percent of gross household income for rent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 267-15(4): Rent Scale

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 659

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for the Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 659

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize an important resident in the Sahtu now living in Yellowknife, an artist, Antoine Mountain; and also, I am not too sure if she is behind me, Ms. Cindy Gill, also from Deline who is importing to Yellowknife now. Two treasures we lost to Yellowknife. Thank you.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 659

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Monfwi, Mr. Lafferty .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 659

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to recognize the Tlicho Government in the building, Grand Chief Mr. Mackenzie.

---Applause

Former MLA for North Slave and now currently chief of Behchoko, Chief Lafferty.

---Applause

I can't see from here, but other Tlicho community government leaders are here, as well. I would like to recognize them. I would like to recognize my constituent assistant, Pamela Richardson, as well. Mahsi.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 659

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Villeneuve .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 659

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the president of the Native Women's Association of the NWT, senior president in Fort Resolution and an organizer of many events, organizations and committees in Fort Resolution and in Tu Nedhe, my mom, Terry Villeneuve.

---Laughter

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 659

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 659

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps today is Mother's Day here because I am so proud to recognize my mother, Esther Braden, and to tell her I love her very much. With her, Mr. Ed Jeske, a regular attendee of at least our opening days every session here in the Legislature. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 659

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 659

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to welcome everybody, the leaders, artists, interested public, and the parents. I would like to recognize Mrs. Esther Braden and Mr. Ed Jeske who often chauffeur lots of seniors from Avens Court. I would like to thank Mrs. Braden for convincing my mother to come and see the first day because she usually likes to watch us on TV, so my mother, Taejeong Lee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 660

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 660

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize everybody that is here today with us, but specifically I have a constituent, Miss Tawna Brown, who is a graduate student at Carleton University, a long-time Yellowknifer, and I would like to welcome her here today. Thank you.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 660

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Mr. Dent .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 660

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. I would like to recognize some people in the gallery today, too. David Clark, the president of the WCB is here; constituent Barb Wyness who is often with us during our sessions; and a former constituent and friend, Jennifer Babiuk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 660

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we have missed anybody in the gallery today, welcome to the gallery. It is always a pleasure to have an audience here. I hope it continues through the rest of the session. Orders of the day. Oral questions. The honourable Member for the Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 660

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the honourable Minister Brendan Bell in regards to the correction services and specifically the wilderness camps that we talked about in previous sessions. I want to ask the Minister, will he inform the House in terms of this progress in terms of establishing wilderness camps in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

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Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 660

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Minister of Justice , Mr. Bell .

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Return To Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 660

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the House knows, wilderness camp programs are an important part of our corrections programming. Over the last number of years, I think we had a number of attempts to get the program up and running and make sure that it is well utilized. We have had some success. Kozo Lake is open right now with eight inmates, I understand, as of mid-January. That is pretty much full capacity for that. We really don't have any other adult facilities operational at this time in the territory. That is a concern for me.

I think part of the problem has been that the model we have been using has been overly complex and complicated, so we have had difficulty finding potential operators and also eligible inmates. I have proposed to the committee to undertake a pilot project and look at a new model that is much simpler and seeks to get interested elders out on the land for periods of time with eligible inmates. We are going to try a pilot both in the Sahtu and the Tlicho regions. We are working with the two members in those regions to make sure that happens and make sure we find potential operators who would be interested.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 660

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya .

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Supplementary To Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 660

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Minister's willingness to look at new models within the Northwest Territories specifically now a focus on the Sahtu region and also the other regions that have asked for it. In the Sahtu, I know there are a lot of concerns in regards to the complexity. I wanted to ask the Minister if he could provide some updates to me in terms of how that progression is going on. I think we have identified one camp person that may be considered for this new model. Would the Minister provide me with some update as to that progress within the Sahtu? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 660

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 660

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, indeed. We are, at the Member's suggestion, working with an elder from Fort Good Hope, Charlie Tobac. We are having preliminary discussions with him. I have had staff go up to visit with Mr. Tobac at his home to discuss the model. As I have said, we are trying to be as flexible as possible and, if there have been unnecessary complications in the past, reduce those hurdles. I think that has been part of the problem. Typically, we would issue an RFP and see very little interest.

We were expecting elders to provide programming and counselling on the land, be able to also operate a business at the same time, invoice the department to ensure they were paid, and have their own equipment and provisions and own a camp, essentially. I think this is probably unreasonable to expect that we would have a high degree of success with this type of model. We are working with Mr. Tobac to ensure we understand how we could roll out a successful model and make sure it is as smooth and easy as possible to get inmates on the land working with Mr. Tobac. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 660

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya .

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Supplementary To Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 660

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister commit to Mr. Tobac or people in the Sahtu that there can be, and will be, hopefully, within the time constraints, the willingness of all parties involved that we could see adult inmates from the correction services moved into a wilderness camp in the Sahtu that is going to be redesigned by the elders and the Sahtu people along with the officials from the Department of Justice, that we would see something within this fiscal year that we would see a new model implemented in the correction services? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 660

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. Bell .

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Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I can make that commitment. We are in the process of purchasing the equipment that will be necessary. I want to reinforce that, in some of our past efforts, the camps have become quite sophisticated. Cabins on the land are quite the facilities, actually. I want to make the point that this will not be as ambitious in that regard. We think we need a much simpler process. This is about going out on the land and making reparation for the people.

We think that, in terms of programming, there could be a number of things undertaken, but certainly providing meat for our community is a worthy endeavour. We want to pursue a number of those opportunities and are looking for a model that can fulfill that. But we will roll it out as quickly as we possibly can. We are in discussions with Mr. Tobac and look forward to concluding those. Thank you.

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Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to say a thank you to the Minister in terms of taking this initiative to look at new initiatives developed by the people in the Sahtu region and the Northwest Territories in terms of implementing this type of program in our own communities and regions for our own people. I want to ask the Minister, of all the issues that we have to look at with this new model, would he look at taking some people from my region to look at other models that maybe have similar programs in southern Canada in terms of getting some feedback on some of the other types of wilderness camps that we could develop in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have, as a department, looked at other jurisdictions that might be able to offer some advice and some support in this area. What we found is that really there aren't other jurisdictions doing this type of wilderness programming on the land. We have been pioneers in this area. I think the most effective approach for us here is to work with the elders in the region. That is, in fact, why we have undertaken this program.

We heard from elders in the region that they were very supportive of on-the-land programming, and yet, when we tried to roll out programs, there wasn't the uptake and we couldn't find operators. So we have gone back to them and asked them how we could make this more successful. That is why we are working with Charlie Tobac. That is why we think it is going to work this time. I want to indicate that we are absolutely committed to seeing this through and making it work.

I would propose that after we have had some time to try this and we have seen it up and running, we then evaluate the pilot and have a discussion with the elders who have been involved; especially Mr. Tobac. At that point, we would be in a better position to assess it and talk about other options and models that might be feasible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 307-15(4): Wilderness Camp Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on the heels of my Member's statement which was about the lack of citizenship courts here in the Northwest Territories and specifically in Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, even though typically citizenship ceremonies would be a federal issue, citizenship court is only held here in Yellowknife once a year. Is the Minister aware of this? What is he doing about this problem? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Minister of Justice , Mr. Bell .

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Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am aware of the concern. The Member is right that, under the federal Constitution Act, it is the federal responsibility for these issues. Nonetheless, we are concerned. I did hear the story on CBC and have inquired into the reasons behind what seemed to have happened here. I get the sense from the federal government that setting it up one time a year on July 1st allowed it to be more special. They thought that this was an approach that they wanted to continue with.

I have had discussions with our Minister responsible for immigration, Minister Dent , and he has agreed and has proposed to take the approach of writing the newly appointed federal Minister for immigration to suggest that we need to have a mechanism for making sure this can happen here more frequently. We will probably suggest that it need not be a judge. Under the legislation, there are provisions for other people besides judges to undertake citizenship oaths on behalf of Immigration Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins .

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Supplementary To Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the information that the Justice Minister offered. He was quite right that you do not have to be a judge to do this. But, on the short term, we are still suffering under the circumstances of only having this once a year. He is right; I would hate to see July 1st lost as a very important day for new Canadians. Perhaps, would the Minister commit today on the fact that we should contact our territorial counterparts and maybe look at creating a citizen court circuit for the whole North, including the Yukon and Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 661

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think we could probably go even a step further and have some discussion with other provincial and territorial jurisdictions, because I have looked into the numbers. Apparently, there are only 19 citizenship judges appointed in Canada representing just five of the 13 jurisdictions. That leaves Atlantic Canada, Saskatchewan and the North without

citizenship judges. Obviously we need another approach. I think this is something that our Minister of Immigration will take up with the newly appointed federal Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins .

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Supplementary To Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is good news by all means. But would the Minister commit today that he will make every process and possibility of happening that we create accreditation for either Supreme Court justices in the Northwest Territories to perform this duty, or someone else applicable that could do this duty? Would he make that commitment that we could do this and work towards this right away? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I understand, there is nothing preventing a Territorial Court judge from conducting this right now. RCMP officers have been used in the past. We could use the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. There are provisions for this in the Act, currently. It is just a matter of having the federal Minister designate these people as such. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you. That makes the next question even easier. Will he commit today that he will write the federal Minister as soon as they are appointed to make sure this happens right away? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister Dent , in our discussions today, had already indicated to me that he intended to do this. I know he intends to do it as soon as possible and, in fact, as soon as we see who the federal Minister will be. I know that we will have some more discussions around that. But I think we can get back to the Member with a response from the federal Minister as soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Question 308-15(4): Canadian Citizenship

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today my questions are for the Honourable Michael McLeod , the Minister of Transportation . I often embark on a drive between Hay River and Yellowknife and vice versa. It is always an adventure. It won't be such an adventure when the bridge goes in, but it is always interesting now. The Minister, in the past, and his department have been very responsive to suggestions that might keep the travelling public on the highways more informed of the condition of the roads and the status of the ferry crossing and so on.

Just over the past couple of months with Christmas and so on, I had a few issues with the information to motorists. I wanted to ask the Minister if he could respond to this. During the Christmas holidays, there were interruptions in the ferry service on the Mackenzie River at Fort Providence. I know because people in Hay River were waiting to go back to Yellowknife and wanting to be updated on the status of the ferry. I went on the web site one day and it said this information will not be updated between December 23rd and 28th.

I would like to suggest that if people are going to travel to other communities and visit friends, it is at Christmas. I just wondered why there would have been a break in the provision of current information about the ferry from December 23rd to the 28th. Could it have to do with Donnie days, or everybody was out of the office? I would like to know what happened there. Thank you.

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Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Minister of Transportation , Mr. McLeod.

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Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the comments. We always get a good report from the Member on some of her trips along our highway system. However, on this issue of the ferry information not being available during the holidays is not something I was aware of. Our department considers traffic information and maintenance crews an essential service, so I will have to commit to getting back to the Member to see why that information wasn't available for those days that she mentioned. Thank you.

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Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Supplementary To Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One other question I have for the Minister is with respect to the information about buffalo on the road. Right now there is a big sign which is a cut-out of a buffalo. That is to tell people, watch out, there are buffalo on the road or bison crossing sign. Is it possible or would it be easy to put up signs that would suggest to motorists that if they come across a herd of buffalo close to or on the highway, they could flash their lights for the next motorist coming down the road as a way of warning them that they may be coming upon something that is dangerous? Has that ever been considered? What would it take to do that? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Mr. McLeod.

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Further Return To Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 662

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the issue of buffalo on our highways, Highway

No. 3 and especially on Highway No. 7, has been something that we have been trying to deal with for some time now. We have been talking to ENR on a number of occasions to see what we can do to enhance the issue of having buffalo on the road, especially at night, to take all the precautions, to drive slower, to use your headlights in the evenings, and those things. As to whether or not we could incorporate a signal where when we are passing vehicles, that is something we would have to take a look at. That is not something we've thought of or discussed up to now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 663

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Supplementary To Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 663

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It was actually a constituent of mine who recommended that. Normal people just flash their lights for oncoming traffic if there is an RMCP radar set up, but I think we should do it for buffalo. I think it would be more important. The other question I have is along the highway, there are signs. When you come by every community, it says...or even not by a community, it can be out in the middle of nowhere. It says, if you are in an emergency, phone this number: 669-1111.

I was just curious of all the expense that we went to to put those signs up along the highway, how were you proposing people to get a hold of somebody? There is no cell phone service out there. I would say 99 percent of people don't have a satellite phone. What was the thinking behind those signs? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 663

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Mr. McLeod.

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Further Return To Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 663

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, the signs were put in place so that the motorists and the traffic along the highways, if they came upon an emergency, and if they had access to a satellite phone or some of the mobile phones entrusted had a number readily available, or once they come into the first community in the case of Highway No. 3, whether it is Fort Rae or Fort Providence, they would know the number and it would be available to them. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 663

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Supplementary To Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 663

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if we are going to have signs kind of out in the hinterland, perhaps something easier to remember would be 911. Can the Minister please tell me what the status is of integrating our highway emergency system with that universally recognized number 911? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 663

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Mr. McLeod.

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Further Return To Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 663

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the responsibility for communications in the Northwest Territories falls under a separate department. That is Public Works. However, we have, as the Department of Transportation and Municipal and Community Affairs, had some discussions with some communication companies to talk about a number of things; first of all, the possibility of looking at cell phones or cell service in the Northwest Territories, to talk about what other jurisdictions are doing to bring cell phone services to some of the remote areas. We have also talked about temporary cell phone services.

For example, on the Deh Cho Bridge project. We are also working with the emergency preparedness to discuss how we can become more comprehensive in terms of having our communications universal so that our firefighters can talk to the ambulance people, the ambulance people can talk to the highways people. Right now, we don't have a system that is compatible. So we are discussing a number of these things. We will continue to take these forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Question 309-15(4): Ferry Operations Information

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 663

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 663

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke of the Highway No. 3 and the importance of public safety. Highway No. 3 is a major highway to Yellowknife from the South. Given the increase of traffic volume, especially with the winter road opening sometime this month, there is going to be a high increase in the traffic volume on heavy equipment, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to ask the Minister of Transportation , will he make the commitment in the House today to have traffic signals installed at the intersection of Highway No. 3 and Behchoko access road? I would suggest something similar to what is in place at intersection of Highway No. 3 and Highway No. 1. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 663

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Minister of Transportation , Mr. McLeod.

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Return To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 663

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think it would be premature for me to commit to installing traffic lights at the intersection of Behchoko at this point. We weren't aware that there was a safety concern at that intersection. We are doing a review of what roads are public access roads that we have on inventory. We will certainly look at the request from the Member. Other communities have also requested to have lights installed at their intersections. That is something that we will have to take into consideration as part of a review.

We will also start looking at what public access roads now maybe should be turned over to the municipalities. There are a number of things that we will be taken into consideration. But as to a specific commitment to install lights, at this point I am not in a position to do that, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Return To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty .

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Supplementary To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. In follow-up, if the Minister is not committing today, but I understand he wants to work with his department on this particular issue, will the Minister at least commit his staff to talking to my constituents and other constituents who make heavy use of road and report back to the House with a plan to deal with the safety concerns? It is becoming a big issue in the Monfwi riding, the Behchoko specifically and Edzo that there is a high traffic volume that is coming into play. It has been addressed as a huge safety issue in the community. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Mr. McLeod.

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Further Return To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member has indicated that it is a safety concern for his community. We would certainly commit to talking to the leadership and the residents of Behchoko. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty .

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Supplementary To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there has always been a government's vision for the NWT highway that includes an operating highway system that provides for improved safety, reliability for people and resource development. Now we are in the process of resource development and new upgraded community access roads, paving the road and whatnot. At the same time, I just have one final question to the Minister. When will he commit to meeting with the Tlicho leadership to deal specifically with the lighting system at Rae access road? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Mr. McLeod.

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Further Return To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can't give a specific date, but we'll have our staff go into the community as soon as possible. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Honourable Joe Handley , Premier of the Northwest Territories. I spoke in my Member's statement about dealing with a new political climate in Ottawa with a new Conservative government and as well here locally with a non-governing party Member of Parliament. So the political landscape in Ottawa has certainly shifted. I guess the big question in my mind and the public's mind is, how is our government going to work with the new government in Ottawa to get our issues addressed?

I guess the first question I have for the Premier is, how is our government going to work with the new Conservative government in Ottawa to address the issues we face here in the North? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The honourable Premier , Mr. Handley .

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Return To Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me say, first of all, it will be different because we now have our Member of Parliament who represents one of the opposition parties. Our working relationship with the Member of Parliament will be somewhat different. Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged, though, by the Prime Minister's statements. In fact, on election night, accepting his victory, he did make the statement that he would work with us to realize our dreams in the North. In letters to me, he has been very clear in terms of his position on a number of major issues to us.

So, Mr. Speaker, I have written a letter to the Prime Minister congratulating him. A letter will be going out this week outlining our major priorities, which I'm sure he's very familiar with; but that will be done. He will be selecting his Cabinet next week and we will be corresponding with the new Cabinet Ministers as soon as they are in office. Mr. Speaker, we also will continue to have a good, strong relationship with the current government. I believe, from his correspondence, he supports what we're doing.

Mr. Speaker, I want to also emphasize that we will work with all of the Members in this House for advice on how we can deliver the message, what the message should be. I have also opened the door for our business community to participate, as a business coalition, in events if we were to do them, like another Northwest Territories Day in Ottawa. Mr. Speaker, I'll be meeting with regional aboriginal leaders on February 9th to discuss with them our working relationship, as well.

So, Mr. Speaker, I'm optimistic. The Prime Minister-designate has made some firm commitments to us and I think, as I've said earlier, we hit the ground running. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay .

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Supplementary To Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 664

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier for his response this afternoon. One of the questions I'd have for the Premier , I know he spoke of priorities, we've seen a number of these same priorities kicked around for the last number of years by this government and the government before it and even the government before that. I'm talking about devolution and resource revenue sharing specifically.

I'm just wondering, from the public standpoint, and the Premier mentioned a letter that he's writing to Ottawa listing priorities, I mean, when is the government going to issue a list of priorities to the public so that the public can try to understand what we're up against in Ottawa and whether or not we can

actually deliver on some of these priorities by the end of the life of this government, which is only 19 months away, Mr. Speaker? So I'd like to ask the Premier if, indeed, he'll make a list of priorities that he's going to send to Ottawa available to the public and to Members of this side of the House so that everybody knows what we're asking for and we can try to get some things accomplished? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 665

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mr. Handley .

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Further Return To Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 665

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I will make available to all of the Members a copy of the letter that we're sending to the Prime Minister. Certainly Members are free to share that with their constituents, so it will very quickly become a public letter.

Mr. Speaker, I did give the Members a quick briefing on what I thought were the main priorities, and asked for input, if anyone has other ideas. If I can, very quickly, Mr. Speaker, they are financing and resource development, devolution included. Both our financing formula and devolution and resource revenue sharing are priorities. Mr. Speaker, another one is the major infrastructure needs we have in the Northwest Territories. That is a priority, particularly our road transportation system, but our airports as well, and municipal infrastructure. Mr.

Speaker, another one is on economic development and support for the energy industry, which is just getting on its feet in the Northwest Territories in a big way right now with the Mackenzie Valley pipeline. Then, Mr. Speaker, the others are a whole package of social issues, from housing to post-secondary education to health. These are commitments that were made at the First Ministers' meeting that we need to talk with the Prime Minister about.

Mr. Speaker, included in that list, I want to say as well, are other commitments that have been made, for example, to residential school survivors that we need to know where the current government stands on that as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 665

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay .

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Supplementary To Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 665

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier for his response. I'd like to, as well, ask the Premier , and I know he mentioned it briefly, but how is the Government of the Northwest Territories going to involve aboriginal governments here in the Northwest Territories in dealing with the federal government? During the election campaign there was a lot of negativity in some camps towards the Conservative government coming into power and dealing with aboriginal people. I'm just wondering, has the Premier got a strategy so that he can lay to rest some of these fears that were out there to the aboriginal governments here in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Question 311-15(4): GNWT Work With New Federal Government

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 665

The Speaker

Paul Delo