Debates of Feb. 15th, 2006

This is page numbers 1041 - 1086 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 going .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

2006 Arctic Winter Games

Income Support Program Confidentiality

Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Travel Assistance And Dental Health Care Benefits

Respite Care Assistance For All Residents Of The Nwt

Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

The Need To Adopt Flexible Policy Platforms To Benefit All Communities

WCB Insurance And Investigation Practices

Life Lessons And The Passing Of Family Members

WCB Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Passing Of Elders In The North

Housing Opportunities Arising From The Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project

Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Paulatuk Income Support Office

WCB Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Early Childhood Development Programs In New Schools

Primary Beneficiaries Of The Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project

Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Written Question 29-15(4): Passport Acquisitions For Arctic Winter Games

Written Question 30-15(4): Health Centre Medical Equipment Standards

Item 16: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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 1041

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Welcome back to the House, Members. Orders of the day. Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs , Mr. McLeod.

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Minister's Statement 69-15(4): 2006 Arctic Winter Games

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1041

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to offer congratulations to all the athletes who participated in the Arctic Winter Games team selection process which was held January 12th to 15th. Fort McPherson, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, Inuvik, Ndilo and Yellowknife successfully hosted the territorial trials for 17 sporting events.

As my colleagues are aware, the 2006 Arctic Winter Games are being hosted this year by Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, from March 5th to 11th. I would like to extend congratulations and best of luck to the 300 plus Team NWT athletes, coaches, cultural delegates and chaperones who will be travelling to Kenai Peninsula. Our athletes will be joined by delegations from Alberta, Alaska, Greenland, Nunavut, Nunavik, the Yukon, the Russian province of Yamal, and the Saami from northern Scandinavia.

I look forward to following the progress of our athletes and celebrating their successes as they compete in their respective events.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to extend my thanks to the Sport North Federation, the territorial sport organizations, regional coordinators and the many hard-working volunteers who are leaders in our sports system. Without their hard work and the thousands of hours they spend helping make our events a success, the Arctic Winter Games and many other sporting events would not take place.

I am pleased to announce that this year saw a 33 percent increase in the number of athletes who participated in the regional trials. This increased participation has resulted in six more NWT communities being represented in the 2006 games than in 2004. I am proud of this increase as it shows that our sport and recreation system is promoting the development of athletes in all the NWT communities, large and small.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs will continue to work with our partners to ensure that youth from all communities have an opportunity to participate in sport and recreation programs. The Arctic Winter Games are also an important component of our sport system. Our youth look forward every two years to the opportunity to share in friendly competition and cultural exchanges. I am confident that our youth will once again benefit from this experience in Kenai Peninsula. I know that numerous friendships will be formed and our young people will return with many lasting memories.

As the Minister responsible for sport, it will be my pleasure to attend the games and watch our athletes compete. I invite all Members to join me in wishing the best of luck to Team NWT and all the participants in the 2006 Arctic Winter Games. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Minister's Statement 69-15(4): 2006 Arctic Winter Games

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1041

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Income Support Program Confidentiality

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1041

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In 2005, the Accountability and Oversight committee decided to hold pre-budget consultations in communities outside of Yellowknife. This was a new process that was never done before by previous assemblies. To my colleagues of AOC, I thank you for having the foresight to visit communities outside of Yellowknife to hear firsthand some of the concerns people have with the lack of human resources and infrastructure in our smaller centres.

Mr. Speaker, this brings me to a concern heard by the AOC members that visited Paulatuk. An income support worker appeared before the committee to discuss the location of the income support office. The office is located in Angik School, Mr. Speaker. Students are able to see who comes and who goes from that office. The worker indicated that it's difficult for parents or students who required income support assistance to go to that office. Why should students be able to see their parents or see which classmates' parents have to access income support?

The people of Paulatuk are proud of their culture and heritage. As a government, we should not be belittling people, whether intentional or not, by making them apply for social assistance in full view of their children and their neighbour's children.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment will soon be administering the rental of social housing. This will mean even more people having to go to the income support office in Angik School.

The department is also considering setting up centralized government service centres. I don't want to see the centre located in the school, and urge the Department of ECE to look for alternate rental space in the community of Paulatuk, possibly in the hamlet office or the local housing authority office. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Income Support Program Confidentiality

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1042

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1042

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about the track record of this government when it comes to spending. Prior to division in 1999, the entire Northwest Territories had an annual budget of just over a billion dollars. It only took us five years as a stand-alone territory to increase spending back to over a billion dollars in 2004-05. Five short years to increase spending by over half a billion dollars.

In 2006-07, our spending habits remain alarmingly high. This year, we are set to spend a record $1.1 billion, and I would equate our current government's spending habits to an out-of-control locomotive that just keeps steaming ahead.

The two-and-a-half years I've been a Member of this Legislature, I have not seen one initiative designed or brought about to effect any substantive cost savings. Saving money remains a foreign concept to the Government of the Northwest Territories. They seem to only know how to spend money and not to save it, Mr. Speaker. Efficiency and effectiveness are two things that government should always try and achieve, and the GNWT always seems to think that achieving effectiveness and efficiency means spending more money.

One hundred forty-seven new positions in this budget alone. We currently spend approximately $440 million on our 4,500 employees; soon to be 4,657 and counting. Forty-three percent of our spending is immediately taken up by salaries and benefits. I know the government does not have an overall plan, nor do they pay the least bit of attention to the out-of-control growth of government.

We need a plan, Mr. Speaker, a strategy, a concept, or some type of idea on how this type of growth can be sustainable over the long run. In my estimation, forced growth brought on by increases in the collective agreements with our unions will cost us an additional $60 million over the next three years. Where are we going to get this money from? I would suggest that the Finance Minister may need to take up farming, as in money trees, Mr. Speaker, to balance our books. Any opportunity I've seen to cut costs and get more money for things like day cares, treatment centres, schools, et cetera, is never taken.

The government has absolutely convinced itself that it has to let the tail wag the dog, and meanwhile our people are demanding more, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

---Applause

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Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1042

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Travel Assistance And Dental Health Care Benefits

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1042

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about access to dental care and travel assistance for dental referrals. Healthy teeth are an important issue on a number of fronts. Dental hygiene and regular dental care is important to a person's health. This government has extended health care benefits, to assist with dental coverage, to Metis, Dene, seniors, and many employers provide dental care insurance benefits for their employees. Then there are those who do not fit into any of these categories and get no assistance for dental care, and I have a huge issue with that.

Another problem is that even people who are fortunate enough to have coverage, Mr. Speaker, that does not address the issue of northerners getting to and from dental services when specialized services are required outside of the area in which they live. We have an excellent pool of highly qualified dental care professionals in the Northwest Territories; however, since many of our communities are small and remote, and sometimes specialized services are required, travel assistance becomes an issue.

There is a definite distinction drawn between medical care and travel assistance, which we recognize the need for and support financially as a government, and access to and travel assistance for dental care. I must say, Mr. Speaker, I find this very peculiar. Healthy teeth and gums are important to the digestion of the food we eat. Diseases of the gums and tooth decay, abscesses and infection can affect the whole body, so why are teeth treated differently and distinctly from any other part of the body?

We don't say if you break your finger and need medical attention, don't worry, you've got nine other fingers so you don't need medical attention. But if you break your tooth -- and this could lead to all kinds of pain, decay and infection -- I'm sorry, that's not a medical issue.

Mr. Speaker, healthy teeth are important, as I said, to how we digest and get proper nutrition from our food. Their health can affect the rest of the body. Healthy teeth play a large

part in our personal appearance, and how others perceive us, and how we see ourselves and even feel about ourselves. I don't think that dental care should be treated any differently than any type of medical attention required by the people of the Northwest Territories. I don't understand why dental care is not a service covered by our universal access to health services. By extension, I certainly don't understand why travel to receive dental care is not treated exactly the same as travel for any other medical cause, because eventually, Mr. Speaker, when people have dental care issues, we do pay eventually.

Perhaps later today, Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health and Social Services could explain to me the answer to some of these questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Travel Assistance And Dental Health Care Benefits

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1042

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Members' statements. The honourable Member from Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Respite Care Assistance For All Residents Of The Nwt

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1042

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, sometimes the community MLAs sound like country singers with their concerns. They sound like a broken record. But the only broken record here is this government.

---Laughter

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Respite Care Assistance For All Residents Of The Nwt

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1043

Some Hon. Members

Ohhh!

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Respite Care Assistance For All Residents Of The Nwt

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1043

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

For example, previous commitments with the equalization of health services for all are just continually deferred. This government must provide flexible and adequate respite care assistance for all residents in the Territories, whether it's in Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Simpson or Trout Lake. Most residents can recognize the financial implications and limitations of this government to have full services for all communities; however, if every community is too small to have a specific full-time health care provider, then why isn't some, at least some, assistance offered?

The most consistent and pressing health concerns for small and remote communities are the lack of access to various health care services for seniors and children. Very few programs can be legitimately described as accessible for all residents. Most of the funding, capacity, infrastructure and staff are allocated for the larger centres.

Mr. Speaker, respite care for seniors and others is one of the programs receiving considerable criticism from the Nahendeh residents as non-accessible. Respite is not just for seniors, it is also for families with children who have serious disabilities requiring considerable attention, or need special facilities. Families are often separated for long periods of time because the only care is in the larger centres, or have enormous responsibilities with little or no relief while caring for their loved ones in their home communities.

There is a malady often described by our residents as care burnout. There seems to be no middle ground. I am suggesting that this government adopt a "let's keep our families together" program for this coming spring and summer, whereby we aggressively review the various options to provide health care to our communities and to our people. Mahsi.

---Applause

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Respite Care Assistance For All Residents Of The Nwt

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1043

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Members' statements. The honourable Member from Monfwi, Mr. Lafferty .

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Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1043

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I will speak to you about the IBA agreements...(Translation ends)

...for the impact agreement payments and the Income Support Program. When a person on income support receives an IBA payment, the government takes it away by reducing their income support. The net result is that the beneficiary gets nothing -- nothing, Mr. Speaker -- and the GNWT saves money on the Income Support Program.

When our leaders negotiated IBA agreements with the diamond mines, I am sure this is not what they had in mind, Mr. Speaker. They wanted to make sure our people, especially our elders, receive some direct compensation for the use of our land and resources. IBA payments are not the same as money a person might receive as a gift or by winning a lottery. It is compensation for use of the land, in accordance with our rights under Treaty 11 and the Tlicho agreement, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The diamond mines are taking something away from the Tlicho people and they are compensating us for that. People who receive IBA payments do not profit. They are just being compensated for what has been taken away from them, Mr. Speaker. It is the same as if your home had a broken window and an insurance company pays you. You have money instead of a window, but you do not have any more than what you started with, Mr. Speaker.

The social assistance regulations already exempt money received in accordance with the treaty or land claim agreements from being taken away under the Income Support Program. They recognize that these payments are a form of compensation, which is different from income. It is clear to me that IBA payments fall under this category. If it is not clear to the Minister and his department, then I think this could be very easily fixed with a small change to the regulation, Mr. Speaker.

On June 6, 2003, in a letter to then-Minister Jake Ootes on impact benefit agreement income from Minister Dent , then chair of AOC, Mr. Dent stated, I quote, Mr. Speaker, "The committee does not feel that income support should be reduced as a result of IBA payments." Charles, you believed it once; believe it again.

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Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1043

Some Hon. Members

Ohhh!

---Applause

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Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1043

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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The Need To Adopt Flexible Policy Platforms To Benefit All Communities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1043

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to talk about a couple of policies this government is currently considering eliminating or revamping. The two I want to talk about are the business incentive policy and the negotiated contracts policy.

Mr. Speaker, I do agree that both of these policies need some changes made to better suit our changing northern economy. What I do not agree with, Mr. Speaker, is the view that these economic changes are happening in all communities across the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, many small communities in the NWT only have one or two small businesses located within the community. It may be a development corporation which relies heavily on government contracts to keep the corporations operating. Mr. Speaker, we all know that many of these large contracts can only be acquired through a negotiated contract process or by the inclusion of the business incentive policy for these small communities' development corps. Mr. Speaker, this government has to start looking at two different versions of these policies: one version for the larger centres with

the large economic bases and development activities, and one version for the small and more remote communities with very limited development opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that one policy does not work for a diversified economic environment, and I think it's time to make the required changes that meet both the needs of the large urban centres and the requirements of our small northern communities. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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The Need To Adopt Flexible Policy Platforms To Benefit All Communities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1044

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve . Members' statements. The honourable Member from Great Slave , Mr. Braden .

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WCB Insurance And Investigation Practices

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1044

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. One of the great compromises of our modern age is the workers' compensation system, Mr. Speaker. It's a no-fault insurance program that was originally arrived at in the 1920s. It ensures, Mr. Speaker, that workers, if they're injured on the job, get medical and financial care, while it protects employers from potentially devastating lawsuits. It is paid for, Mr. Speaker, by employers. It is not paid for by employees or the government.

The government, on that principle, should not, Mr. Speaker, interfere with the daily operations of a WCB, but we do play a crucial role. Governments, such as ours, across Canada play a crucial role because we have the authority for the oversight and lawful governance of our WCB. We set the stage; we appoint the citizens' board to implement the rules; and it is on the implementation and the application of these rules, Mr. Speaker, that we see success or failure on behalf of the stakeholders.

Here in the NWT and Nunavut, we have seen our WCB fall down badly in its mistreatment of some injured workers. Some, Mr. Speaker, like Ivan Valic who was injured in the 1980s while working on a swimming pool here in Yellowknife, are still involved in legal issues involving fundamental discrimination and bungled appeal tribunal processes that have kept him on a bureaucratic treadmill going on 20 years.

Our WCB is not faring well in the eyes of some employers, Mr. Speaker, like restaurant owners who have seen rates jump the maximum for the last years, but can't get a respectful hearing before the WCB. We've seen the Workers' Compensation Board, Mr. Speaker, develop a corporate culture shielding itself from difficult decisions such as how to deal with chronic pain diagnoses, something that Alberta, for instance, has recognized and helped workers with since 1997.

We anticipate in the near future a report from the Auditor General of Canada on the WCB's performance. We're anticipating resolution of the Valic case soon, and revisions to the appeal process. We're looking for the board of governors to investigate chronic pain options and catch up with the rest of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, we will not shy away from our responsibility to probe and challenge the operations of our WCB. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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WCB Insurance And Investigation Practices

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1044

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . I'd just like to draw Members' attention to a couple of minor infractions happening the House where Members refer to other Members by their first name, and also referring to Members that are not in the House from outside this House. Thank you, Members. Members' statements. The honourable Member from the Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Life Lessons And The Passing Of Family Members

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1044

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the last couple of days I've gone back to my community in Tulita to be with my family. Mr. Speaker, in the last six months or so I've lost many members of my family: two of my aunties and three of my uncles. Mr. Speaker, when the family calls for you, you go as a member of the family, you go for your community. Especially when your mother calls for you, you go right away. It is our belief, Mr. Speaker, and our culture as aboriginal people that we go right away when you're called.

You know what, Mr. Speaker, my mother called for me when she was in Edmonton. She said come down, your uncle's not going to make it. Then she called back a little while later, she said no, maybe you should stay. Maybe you should stay here, you're working. When I heard the cry in my mother's voice, I said I'm going right now. My uncle gave me good values. He said if you're going to work, you work for yourself, don't depend on anybody. He extended the values of do it yourself and work with other people. But most important, Mr. Speaker, the value he told me is that when you do your job, you do it the best you can.

Mr. Speaker, when my uncle passed away, it was really hard. I struggle with that in my mind and my heart. When my other relatives passed away...(inaudible)...sometimes I question myself. Mr. Speaker, the heart won out of this matter when we're asked to go back home and be with our people. They remember that. As an MLA, you're there with the people during the hard times and the good times. They remember you for that. That's why they voted for you, to comfort them, have heart. This stuff will keep on going in business, but the people will be gone.

So our role as MLAs is difficult sometimes and we struggle with the heart and our mind, and the heart always wins and the people always win, and that's who I'm accountable to and I'll always be there for them. Mr. Speaker, that's what I want to say today. Thank you very much.

---Applause

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Life Lessons And The Passing Of Family Members

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1044

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Members' statements. The honourable Member from Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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WCB Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1044

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to draw attention, once again, to the unfairness of WCB rates being charged to food franchise operations. As I said in my Member's statement yesterday, this group of businesses have seen a serious increase of 25 percent of their WCB rates over the last several years. This despite the fact that the food franchises follow high national safety standards set by their head offices.

The explanation for high premiums, Mr. Speaker, is that they are paying for the poor safety practices of other businesses in their rate class. Mr. Speaker, although technically right, this explanation is not acceptable or fair, Mr. Speaker. Why are we not penalizing the establishments with bad safety records, through hefty fines or even closure, instead of making the other good businesses pay for their mistakes? How does punishing businesses with good practices, who promote work safety, how is that fair, how does that increase safety by punishing them with high rates?

Mr. Speaker, not only are the rates themselves unfair, but the process by which they are set also leaves much to be desired. Mr. Speaker, they are not asking for this; they are begging for fairness.

In the past, premium increases have been imposed on businesses without any explanation or justification; increases of 25 percent. The WCB is clearly out of touch with small business. As one step to improve communication and a working relationship, I would suggest to the WCB Minister to make it a standard practice of holding a meeting with any class that has a rate increase that year of 10 percent or more, Mr. Speaker. This way it would be a fair way to discuss the reasons associated with such a rate spike.

It is the very least, and a reasonable suggestion, Mr. Speaker, and I can't understand why the WCB wouldn't embrace this idea or something very, very similar. Good communication is a very basic customer service. We have to keep in mind the WCB works for the businesses and it's not the other way around. If WCB is not willing to take up this challenge and formalize consultation, I think it will be time for this House to pass legislation to make them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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WCB Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1045

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Members' statements. The honourable Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes , Mr. McLeod.

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Passing Of Elders In The North

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1045

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, I spoke on the obligation this government has to the children of the NWT. Today I would like to speak on elders. Almost every week we hear of an elder somewhere in the NWT passing on. With their passing, Mr. Speaker, we lose a part of our history, a part of who we are, and, most sadly, Mr. Speaker, we continue to lose part of our language.

It is getting to be a huge challenge to keep our language alive when most of us can't speak it. I commend this government for doing what they can to help preserve the languages. It is becoming apparent that my generation, who will soon be the elders, try to maintain our tradition and our language.

Mr. Speaker, we have to continue, as a government and as a people, to try teach ourselves and our children to preserve the languages. Having all the children's programs under one roof close to the school will go a long way in accomplishing this goal.

Mr. Speaker, other than losing a beloved elder, one of the saddest things is that we continue to lay to rest not only our elders, but a part of our history and part of our language. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Passing Of Elders In The North

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1045

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Housing Opportunities Arising From The Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1045

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, further to my statements and questions in the House over the last number of days, let me make it clear that I believe very strongly that all things associated with resource development in the NWT, we, the residents and businesses of the NWT, have to be the primary beneficiaries of the economic spin-off of the projects.

Mr. Speaker, I have been a strong supporter of the pipeline project from the beginning. I support even more the idea that we must maximize the benefits from that. I have to tell you, on that score, this government's record is downright pitiful so far, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Aboriginal Pipeline Group has figured out how to do this. They got a third equity partnership out of the deal, and they are looking for more joint venture projects. The 22 communities in the NWT know how to do this. They got $500 million out of the federal government. The rest of us look at this government and ask, what are you doing for us lately? The answer is the government sent a comfort letter to Imperial Oil, and they are about to send a large proportion of a $297 million housing deal to a company in Calgary.

Through a one near paragraph in the budget, it has declared to the world that this government does not believe that we can build our own housing in the North and the government would not even look at the possibilities. It says, very clearly, that it does not have the vision or foresight to get a plan that would keep the spin-off from the $297 million housing project to stay in the North.

Mr. Speaker, I don't believe it would go very well if Premier Klein got a deal with a business in Ottawa or Ontario to provide housing for its oil projects without looking locally first. I tell you, it is not right for this government to not even try north before it becomes the major lobbying agent through the budget for one product, for one company from Calgary, to lobbying out on.

Mr. Speaker, I must insist that this government needs to do better and do it now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Housing Opportunities Arising From The Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1045

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Oral questions. The honourable Member for the Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1045

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for the Power

Corporation. In Colville Lake, the residential power rate is $2.67 per kilowatt hour. This is, by far, the highest rate in the Northwest Territories in the small, isolated communities that rely on diesel, such as Sachs Harbour and Nahanni Butte that have a rate under $1.00. Can the Minister explain to the people in Colville Lake why the power rates are so high in Colville and how is this fair? Thank you.

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Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1046

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Minister responsible for the Power Corporation , Mr. Krutko .

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Return To Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1046

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we do have different rates in the Northwest Territories in regards to diesel communities, hydro communities and communities on gas generation. Again, the way the rate is determined is based on the actual cost of generating that power in the communities and how that cost is going to be distributed amongst the residents of those communities. Also, Mr. Speaker, we do have a subsidy program which allows people that use power, the first 700 kilowatts of power that is used is being subsidized into the Yellowknife rate. We are, Mr. Speaker, looking at this issue.

Again, it is the Public Utilities Board that does make the final decision on exactly how our rates are through a public hearing process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1046

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya .

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Supplementary To Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1046

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, power is an essential service in the Northwest Territories, especially in Colville Lake. Mr. Speaker, we need to ensure it is affordable for all residents and businesses. The Co-op in Colville Lake had a $10,000 bill last month just for the power itself, Mr. Speaker. The government subsidy is not adequate, as many businesses and residents use more than the maximum number of kilowatts that the subsidies allow for. A way of dealing with this, I know it has been brought up before in this Assembly and also past assemblies as a single rate power zone.

Can the Minister tell me whether this is an option being considered by the NWT Power Corporation for the next general rate application? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1046

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. Krutko .

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Further Return To Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1046

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are looking at other options in regards to how power is being used and also what rates we are charging. Again, one of the ways we are trying to deal with that, Mr. Speaker, is to look at expanding the capacity we have by expanding the Taltson system and trying to get more customers online. We are talking about the Bear hydro expansion. We are looking at the pipeline.

As it is right now with the population base we have in the Northwest Territories, we do not have the number of people to be able to continue subsidizing our program, but we will have to look at how we can generate more revenues for the corporation so we can continue to subsidize those communities.

We are looking at alternatives and subsidies for possibly businesses such as the Co-op in Colville Lake, and looking at offering them some sort of an incentive and also being able to bring down those costs in those diesel communities. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1046

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . Your final supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya .

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Supplementary To Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1046

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister commit to providing some form of firm direction to the NWT Power Corporation to include a single rate zone structure in the next general rate application? Can we have some commitment from the Minister? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1046

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. Krutko .

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Further Return To Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1046

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are looking at some options. We know what happened to the last board that followed such a riding, and I think that we want to be sure that, this time, it will apply. So we are looking at all options. We do have to come forward within the next two years to the Public Utilities Board, which we do have to file a rate application. So we are looking at some options, but we are trying to find a package that will be sellable to not only the Government of the Northwest Territories, but to our residents in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Question 401-15(4): Affordable Residential Power Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1046

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Page 1046

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is with respect to fuel prices in the smaller communities. I believe it would be to the Minister of Finance . One of the big headlines in today's news was that the oil prices are continuing to drop and will drop in the next little future. But back home, in the communities like Jean Marie, Nahanni Butte and Trout Lake, the price is remaining high at $1.40. I would just like to know that this government will be responsive to the communities' request and equalize the prices like the rest of the world.

Why should they be penalized for being in isolated communities; indeed, not only them, but throughout the North, Mr. Speaker? Is this government going to look at some type of relief for people that are stranded and have to pay these high prices? Mahsi.

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Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Page 1046

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The honourable Minister of Finance , Mr. Roland .

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Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Page 1046

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the area of fuel products and delivery in communities, we, through the petroleum products division in Public Works and Services, provide those services to

15 communities. As we go out for a contract on an annual or biannual basis, we would contract with a supplier to deliver and supply the fuel. We pay the cost of the product at that time. We do not have the ability, at this time, to offset the higher cost, as the policy in place right now through petroleum products division is one of full cost recovery in the communities aside from our capital infrastructure in those communities. So we don't have that flexibility at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Page 1047

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche .

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Supplementary To Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Page 1047

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think our people are asking this government for that flexibility to do that. What we are talking about here is improving our people's lives in the communities, improving their standard of living and their quality of life. We talk about we are a global economy, yet we are not reflective of that. Our people in the communities that are stranded in the remote communities, they are paying for this aberration in the global world prices. So they are looking to this government to hear them, to offset the skewed prices that they are stuck with today. Will this government do something about that? Mahsi.

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Supplementary To Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Page 1047

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Page 1047

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we, as a government, do a number of things to try to offset the high cost of living in the Northwest Territories. One, we have a senior fuel subsidy. Two, through the housing program where we have social housing in place, full utility costs are not paid on that basis, as well as through a number of initiatives whether through working with hunters' and trappers' organizations and some of the funding that flows out of that. So there are a number of factors that we do try to help offset the costs.

Particularly with fuel, we do subsidize it in a way because we are not adding the cost of the capital infrastructure to the price of fuel in communities. Unfortunately, the way we are structured is, once we receive the fuel in the tanks, we are charged that amount from the supplier. We have to pay it. Our ability to take a loss in the area of fuel sales is very limited. We have tried to offset the higher cost by putting a 10 cent reduction on home heating oil on the last price changes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Page 1047

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Page 1047

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am going to have to disagree with the Minister. The only people that are offsetting the cost of this high fuel are the people in the communities. They are continuing to pay these high prices. Once again, I would like to ask the Minister to look at some type of programming to offset this aberration in global markets that happened last fall and yet the smaller communities are still paying the price. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Page 1047

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Page 1047

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can address the situation to my Cabinet colleagues and looking at options and opportunities but, as a government, we are already looking at the area of energy use and how we use that energy, and the cost of living in the Northwest Territories. We do already have over $100 million in subsidies trying to help people in the Northwest Territories deal with the high cost of living.

This area, as well, we do provide some area of relief in a sense of not charging for all of the assets in the community. We will continue with that practice. But for us to go and react to this at this point when we are not sure if the price will go up once again or not, is something the last fall situation did catch us by surprise. We will have to look at how we effectively go through some of these issues and possible changes down the road. At this point, all I can offer the Member is taking the issue back to my Cabinet colleagues in light of our overall discussion around energy use in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Question 402-15(4): Fuel Pricing In Small Communities

Oral Questions

Page 1047

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Oral Questions

Page 1047

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today my Member's statement was about why we draw distinction between health care, medical care and dental care. Why are teeth a second-class consideration when it comes to our health? There are issues around access to dental care. Some people have insurance coverage through extended health care benefits through this government. Some people have employer benefits, but a lot of people, again, usually, unfortunately, not the indigent but usually the working poor, have access issues to dental care. I think that dental care should be a universally accessible service.

It is part of our body. If it gets sick, it affects the whole body. Why are teeth and why is dental care treated differently than any other type of medical care? Thank you.

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Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Oral Questions

Page 1047

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Oral Questions

Page 1047

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this point, dental services are not an insured service. There are, except when it comes to required dental surgery, we do have some investments made where we have positions for dental therapists in schools to provide dental care to all the children in the schools. That used to be the norm. Unfortunately, over time, a lot of those positions no longer exist or aren't able to be filled. The reality is that it is not an insured service at this point. Unless you have third-party coverage, you have limits to the coverage. Thank you.

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Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Oral Questions

Page 1048

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Oral Questions

Page 1048

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am aware that is the case. That is why I'm asking this question. The Minister says that coverage is available when you need dental surgery. Yes, when we need to anaesthetize five and six year old children and extract all of their teeth because they are rotten, oh, we'll pay for that. But what about ongoing dental care, dental hygiene and issues to do with people's gums? Even if you have coverage, people can't even get to the services. Medical travel doesn't go if it is a dental issue. No medical travel. Why is that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Oral Questions

Page 1048

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Oral Questions

Page 1048

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct; dental services are not covered fully under our health care system. There is a resource issue to be able to do that. There is coverage for third parties, for government employees, for larger organizations that have third-party coverage, as well as for Metis and through non-insured health benefits. We are currently, as well, doing an ongoing review of the supplementary health benefits, trying to look at how we close the gaps in our social safety net and health safety net.

There has been one briefing not too far in the distant past with the Social Programs committee. We are continuing to work on that particular review so we can come forward with some suggestions. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Oral Questions

Page 1048

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Supplementary To Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Oral Questions

Page 1048

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when you do that review of insured services, I would like to state, for the record, that I think that universal access to dental care, with the accompanying benefit of travel when required, is something that should be looked at. It should be included. If not, then I would like to ask the Minister, are teeth and healthy teeth considered optional by this government? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Oral Questions

Page 1048

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Oral Questions

Page 1048

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I take the Member's point. We will, of course, be looking very closely at the actual detail of her comments. Good health is something we strive for as a territory, as a government and as individuals. We are going to look at trying to provide the best health care that we can possibly afford. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Question 403-15(4): Travel Assistance And Dental Care Benefits

Oral Questions

Page 1048

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Page 1048

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

(Translation) Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said in my Member's statement, I meant to say Mr. Dent , but the question that I have is regarding payments and compensation. This is what I want to ask the Minister. (Translation ends)

...of land and resources. As I indicated in my Member's statement. In accordance with our rights on the Treaty 11 and Tlicho Government.

Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment is, will the Minister recognize that IBA payments are the same as the other exempt agreements and direct his department to immediately stop clawing back IBA payments from income support clients? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Page 1048

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Dent .

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Return To Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Page 1048

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the IBAs are a private contract between the companies and the Tlicho and are not something that this government has seen. The situation now is one that, if it can be demonstrated inclusively that these payments are arising from a treaty or a land claim, then the situation will change. But the onus is on the Tlicho to demonstrate that to this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Page 1048

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty .

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Supplementary To Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Page 1048

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to hear that the Minister is somewhat receptive with discussing more on the approach with respect to the agreements that we have in place with these mining industries. At the same time, the

interpretation of the regulations that we have with our current system, rather than argue, if the Minister can make a commitment to change the regulations to make it clear that IBA payments are not an income to the communities. Mahsi.

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Supplementary To Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Page 1048

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Page 1048

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said in my previous answer, the onus is on the Tlicho to demonstrate inclusively the relationship between these payments and the treaty or land claim. Until that happens, I can't make the commitment that the Member seeks. We are willing to take a look at the evidence that is presented by the Tlicho Government on this issue and move forward from there. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Question 404-15(4): Iba Payments And Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Page 1049

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Oral Questions

Page 1049

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have asked the Minister of Finance questions before about the growth of government and government spending in general. Does the Minister or Cabinet ever question departments on adding positions, or is there just a great big rubberstamp in the Cabinet room that says yes and you proceed from there? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Oral Questions

Page 1049

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The honourable Minister of Finance , Mr. Roland .

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Return To Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Oral Questions

Page 1049

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is no big rubberstamp; it is just a small one. Mr. Speaker, the reality of government and the jobs we do and the growth in government, it is my duty to question what Ministers bring before us for increases in their budget and have them demonstrate, or justify, what they are asking for. So, yes, when Ministers come forward with requests for extra funding and it means extra personnel, we do question as to why they feel they need that. Thank you.

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Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Oral Questions

Page 1049

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay .

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Supplementary To Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Oral Questions

Page 1049

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Finance Minister for that. I am wondering if the government, if the Finance Minister , the Minister responsible for Human Resources in the Government of the Northwest Territories, if they have some type of strategy going forward that is going to answer some of the questions about the sustainability of the growth of government. Are we just growing for the sake of growth and we will worry about it later? That seems to be the attitude, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Oral Questions

Page 1049

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Oral Questions

Page 1049

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a number of factors will influence how we go forward as a government. One is our fiscal responsibility and policy that this Assembly has agreed to, we have in place and we operate by. The second to that is our overall fiscal situation, which we realize, is getting much tighter.

Yes, there have been discussions going forward as to the growth of government and how we deal with that growth. Mr. Speaker, as much as even this morning, when we deal with the situations that come up from Members and the issues they raise from their constituents, there is a request to do more with what we have. Sometimes we turn down a lot of issues and say we are unable to do those things.

Yes, we have added positions to the workforce within the government, but many of those positions, as the Member highlighted, the growth since division has been around the service delivery end of things where we've taken people already delivering a service and brought them into government, so that is part of the situation we face. Those are being in most of the communities and regions in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Oral Questions

Page 1049

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Your final supplementary, Mr. Ramsay .

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Supplementary To Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Oral Questions

Page 1049

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my final question about a comprehensive human resource plan. I am a bit worried about this, Mr. Speaker. Given the trouble that some Members have voiced to him on the amalgamation of the HR, soon to be HR department and the troubles that have taken place there, are they going to be in charge of a comprehensive human resource plan? Who is going to be steering this human resource plan? One should be developed. Where will that responsibility lie? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Oral Questions

Page 1049

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Oral Questions

Page 1049

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, within the Executive, Finance and FMBS operate under that envelope. Once the budget is endorsed and we set up a secretariat for human resources, it is within that function we will deal with the human resource issues across the government. For the overall plan of how we will go forward as a government, that will have to be within the Executive mandate. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Question 405-15(4): Growth Of GNWT Expenditures

Oral Questions

Page 1049

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Nunakput , Mr. Pokiak .

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Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Oral Questions

Page 1049

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated in my Member's statement, the income support office located in Paulatuk at the Angik School, the local income support worker raises a concern that the public meeting be held in Paulatuk, and this also concerns the rest of the residents of Paulatuk. My questions are for the Minister of ECE . The department is considering setting up centralized government service centres. Will the Minister direct his department to find a suitable office space outside of Angik School for the income support worker? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Oral Questions

Page 1049

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak . The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Dent .

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Return To Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Oral Questions

Page 1049

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some time ago, when I was first elected to government, it was considered good practice to move social agencies into schools, like the social worker, the income support worker, the RCMP and so on. I suspect that is where this office location came from. However, if the community would prefer that it be located somewhere else, it is something that we will certainly consult with the community and find out what their interest is. From that, we will move to look at alternate locations if that is, in fact, what the community wants.

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Return To Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Oral Questions

Page 1050

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Supplementary, Mr. Pokiak .

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Supplementary To Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Oral Questions

Page 1050

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand what the Minister is saying. At that time, social workers were included as part of the income support workers but, right now, Mr. Speaker, they have two different job descriptions, basically. Income support worker is based out of the assistance programs among other things. If the residents of Paulatuk would like to see an alternate location, when can that location by the department be finalized? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Oral Questions

Page 1050

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak . Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Oral Questions

Page 1050

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not sure about the availability of other space in the community right now. So we will have to, first of all, consult with the community. If the direction is clear that they would prefer to see the office located elsewhere, then we will work towards that, but we will have to find a suitable location. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Oral Questions

Page 1050

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Final supplementary, Mr. Pokiak .

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Supplementary To Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Oral Questions

Page 1050

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated also in my Member's statement, one option to look at is the hamlet office and also the local housing authority in Paulatuk. Will the department look into that right away? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Oral Questions

Page 1050

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak . Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Oral Questions

Page 1050

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we will follow up on the Member's request right away.

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Further Return To Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Question 406-15(4): Paulatuk Income Support Office

Oral Questions

Page 1050

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 407-15(4): WCB Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1050

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said in my Member's statement today about the WCB that I think communication is a problem, I think we are here to fix that, Mr. Speaker. I believe that full commitment that communication can solve a lot of problems in the world. So, Mr. Speaker, I think we can make this very easy by today showing to the people that we are truly listening to their needs.

My question to the Minister of WCB is, and I am looking for a commitment, would he write the board chair of WCB and request that they make a formal policy that any time a rate jumps by 10 percent that they are willing to hold a stakeholders' meeting so they can air out problems and concerns? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 407-15(4): WCB Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1050

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Minister responsible for Workers' Compensation Board, Mr. Dent .

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Return To Question 407-15(4): Wcb Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Question 407-15(4): WCB Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1050

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would agree that the WCB should be prepared to meet with stakeholders regularly. I would be happy to write to the chair of the governance council and ask them to establish a policy for communications with stakeholders groups.

It may be somewhat challenging to offer to meet with all of the members of a certain classification because they may have businesses ranging from Pond Inlet to Fort Smith, so it could be difficult to put a group together, but I know that the WCB reaches out to stakeholder associations. That would be one thing that would also make it easier for the WCB, if groups of employers could form associations that could communicate with the WCB.

The answer to the Member's question is, yes, I will write and make that suggestion to the governance council.

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Question 407-15(4): WCB Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1050

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins .

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Supplementary To Question 407-15(4): Wcb Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Question 407-15(4): WCB Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1050

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for that very good commitment. I think the communication of that was very well accepted. I think that the people raising the concerns will be very happy. Mr. Speaker, because the Minister is in such a good, committal mood today, I think I will ask him just one more question to help us avoid rate shock. Will he also write the board chair of the WCB, referring back to my Member's statement, to look at ways to avoid rate shock where premiums can grow at 25 percent a year? If that's the case, then they can double in only three years.

Will the Minister write the chair of WCB and find ways to help avoid rate shock for those businesses? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 407-15(4): Wcb Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Question 407-15(4): WCB Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1050

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 407-15(4): Wcb Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Question 407-15(4): WCB Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1050

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will certainly pass on, to the chair of the governance council, the Member's concerns. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 407-15(4): Wcb Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Question 407-15(4): WCB Assessment Rates In The Nwt

Oral Questions

Page 1050

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Villeneuve .

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Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1050

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I just want to follow up with some of the questions my good friend Mr. Lafferty was asking the Minister of Housing yesterday about the rent scale formula that the Housing Corporation uses, especially when it refers to the condition rating system that affects people's rents. We know that the rent is reduced based on the condition of a unit, but I just want to make the Minister aware if someone is living in a dilapidated, near-condemned unit with cold floors and ice

blocks for windows, and frost on the exterior walls and doors, mould and no ventilation, when they get their condition rating done and their condition rating gets their rent down to the lowest level possible, these families and people are still living in these units. Mr. Speaker, there is nothing to say that because you are getting a lower rent and you are living in dilapidated conditions, let's be happy. I think the Housing Corporation should seriously consider the rent scale funding formula to reflect something to the effect of what Mr. Lafferty touched on yesterday.

Put some money aside and tell these people, yes, your unit is going to get money put aside out of your rent that you are willing to pay that's going to address these issues. Is the Minister willing to take this avenue under serious consideration? Thank you.

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Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1051

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve . The honourable Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation , Mr. Krutko .

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Return To Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1051

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Members have to realize we have a major housing crisis in the North and we do have problems of replacing older units. Without having a major capital investment in housing, replacing older units...Yes, we have to admit we have units that are 30 years old in a lot of our communities. In order to make a difference, we have to be able to have a major change of how we do business. We cannot continue to spend in excess of $100 million here in housing. We have to do some major...find new initiatives to do this.

Mr. Speaker, the way that we've calculated the rates, the majority of those dollars that are collected in the rent goes back into the operation of those units in those communities. In order to make a difference, we have to have the tools to do that. That's why through the proposal put forth for the 500 houses over the next three years, and the Novel concept of 1,400 houses over the next number of years, it will make a difference.

But in order to really change how we deliver housing in the Northwest Territories, deal with the social challenges we face, we have to be able to make a major capital investment in this area. Those dollars we do collect through rents are left in the communities to operate those units in those communities. That's where the money stays. In order to make a difference, we have to bring down the high cost of operating these units, which are not as energy efficient. Thank you.

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Return To Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1051

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . Supplementary, Mr. Villeneuve .

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Supplementary To Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1051

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I agree with the Minister that we do have a major housing crisis here in the NWT and one of the major contributors to this crisis is people just don't want to pay rent. The reason why they don't want to pay rent is they are living in shoddy, dilapidated, mouldy houses. If the Minister can just look at a simple formula in the rent scale and say part of your rent is going to go towards fixing some of your mould problems and ice blocks on your windows. I think if you told people that, people would be more than happy to pay their rent on a regular basis, which doesn't happen today.

I know many scenarios in my community where people just don't get their unhealthy living conditions addressed. So I want to ask the Minister again, can he sit down with his staff and commit to reviewing the whole rent scale of the NWT Housing Corporation? It obviously doesn't work for the Housing Corp; it doesn't work for the clients; it doesn't work for the LHOs. Could that be taken under serious consideration? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1051

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve . Mr. Krutko .

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Further Return To Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1051

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Mr. Speaker, we are doing exactly that by getting out of the social aspect of housing, evolving that to Education, Culture and Employment. We will focus our emphasis on managing those properties, but also renting the properties at a reasonable rate. Right now, people paying $32 a month for rent is subsidized housing. Right now, the cost to operate one unit in a community is roughly $18,000 a year. That's what you have to pay to operate a unit in a community. At $32 a month, that house is subsidized for roughly $1,500 a month. There is a major subsidy attached to a lot of these rents.

People pay, because they are in social housing, roughly in the area of 14 percent of your gross revenue on rent. We don't charge the full 30 percent like some people assume. Again, we are looking at that. The first step we are taking right now is to centralize all social funding into one area. We are looking at focussing our emphasis on improving the quality of our houses in communities, but, more importantly, putting more houses on the ground. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1051

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . Final, short supplementary, Mr. Villeneuve .

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Supplementary To Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1051

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand that. I am just asking the Minister if he could maybe consider splitting the pot. Have one pot address the O and M, fuel and utilities of running any particular household, whether it's a dilapidated house or a new house. The costs vary. But another pot is going to tell the people, yes, we are trying to use some, five percent or 10 percent of your portion, your rent, that is going to go towards addressing your mould problem, your ventilation problem or your unhealthy living conditions. Is that something the Minister could consider?

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Supplementary To Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1051

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve . Final, short answer, Mr. Krutko .

---Applause

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Further Return To Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1051

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Yes, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Further Return To Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Question 408-15(4): Rent Scale Funding Formula For Public Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1051

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden .

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Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Oral Questions

Page 1052

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My questions this morning are for Mr. Dent as the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, coming up to six years ago now, a panel was commissioned to survey the stakeholders in the WCB across Nunavut and the NWT. They delivered a report to our respective assemblies called Act Now. It prescribed an extensive list of legislative amendments that were proposed. We dealt with some of these in the last Assembly, Mr. Speaker.

Legislative change does not come quickly and we sure as heck aren't breaking any speed records with the WCB legislation. We've been anticipating the second round of legislative proposals and we've got some news on this, Mr. Speaker. The president of the WCB advised a public meeting here in Yellowknife that we are going to see bills presented in this Legislature and Nunavut on really what I understand is going to be a complete overhaul of the WCB Act. Can the Minister confirm, as the president of the WCB stated, that we will see legislation tabled in our legislatures this spring, Mr. Speaker?

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Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Oral Questions

Page 1052

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . The honourable Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board, Mr. Dent .

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Return To Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Oral Questions

Page 1052

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have been working together with my counterpart from Nunavut, Minister Akasuk, to try to ensure we get the legislation brought forward for the spring session. If we find that it can't all be done by that time because it still has to go before the standing committee in Nunavut at this point -- the legislative proposal has not been to the standing committee yet -- and we've agreed that we will try to coordinate the times at which it goes into the House, but we may wind up having to introduce it in the fall session. That would be the latest we would expect to see this new legislation coming in. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Oral Questions

Page 1052

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Supplementary, Mr. Braden .

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Supplementary To Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Oral Questions

Page 1052

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the information from the Minister. There are a couple of aspects about the timing of it. One, Mr. Speaker, is that we are also anticipating, as the president of the WCB said at the same meeting, that the report of the Auditor General of Canada into the performance of the WCB is also anticipated to be delivered to this Assembly in May of this year. I wanted to ask the Minister, considering that this is a very substantial and, I am anticipating, a rigorous review of the performance of our WCB, would it not make sense to give ourselves some time to incorporate any recommendations that may come from that hearing, Mr. Speaker?

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Supplementary To Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Oral Questions

Page 1052

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Oral Questions

Page 1052

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have also talked to the Nunavut Minister about this issue. We have agreed that should a recommendation come out that obviously impacts on the act, we would then wait until the fall session and make sure we would incorporate any recommendations that need to be moved into legislation into our proposed legislation coming forward.

Right now, we are of the opinion that the relationship between the WCB and the Receiver General, as they prepare the report, is one that would lead us to know whether or not they were going to make recommendations for legislative change before the May session. If that seems to be the case, then we could deal with it. However, we are leaving the door open. If the report comes in with something that is unexpected, we have agreed that we will, in that instance as well, postpone until the October sessions the introduction of our legislation.

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Further Return To Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Oral Questions

Page 1052

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Final supplementary, Mr. Braden .

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Supplementary To Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Oral Questions

Page 1052

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am in agreement with that. I am pleased to hear that the relationship we have is a collaborative and a constructive one.

Mr. Speaker, a major gap in the scope of our WCB delivery is the issue of chronic pain. Are we ready to modernize our legislation or regulations, or at least our thinking and our attitudes toward this very real and debilitating type of injury, Mr. Speaker?

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Supplementary To Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Oral Questions

Page 1052

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Question 409-15(4): Concerns Regarding The Workers' Compensation Board

Oral Questions

Page 1052

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I talked to the governance council chair on Monday of this week. He advised me that the governance council will be looking at this issue very closely in the next little while. Just looking at the decision that recently came down from Justice Schuler, she commented in that that she thought it would take some time for the WCB to address this issue. I got the sense from the chair of the governance council that was going to be the case. It would take some time. I don't think this is an area that we are going to try in legislation. At this point, that is not the way we are looking at it.

I will wait for advice from the governance council. But he has assured me that they will look at it and work on it with a view to comi