Debates of Oct. 24th, 2024

This is page numbers 1277 - 1332 of the Hansard for the 20th Assembly, 1st 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 know .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Northwest Territories Business Licence eServices

Collaborative Work on Land Administration and Management

Update on the Mackenzie Valley Highway

The Signing of the Inuvialuit Coordination Agreement

Healthcare

Medical Travel

Public Service

NWT Literacy Council

Red Tape Reduction

Healthcare Services

Illicit Drug Crisis

Tulita Health Centre Project

Healthcare Leadership Model

Addictions Link to Intergenerational Trauma

Culturally Safe Healthcare Services

Celebration of Life for Julie Capot-Blanc

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Healthcare Sustainability Initiative

Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Medical Travel Policy

Tulita Health Centre Project

Red Tape Reduction and the Government of the Northwest Territories Relations with Small Businesses

Government of the Northwest Territories Public Service Employee Services

Communicable Disease Exposure at Health Centres

Early Literacy Development and Support

Dene nation Healthcare Concerns regarding Culturally Safe Health Services

Community Supports for Substance Abuse and Trauma

Medical Response SErvices in Small Communities

Funding for Youth Climate Change Advocacy

Appointment of Sergeant-at-Arms of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly

Appointment of Sergeant-at-Arms of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly

Bill 13: Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2024-2025, Deemed Read

Bill 14: Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2024-2025, Deemed Read

Bill 13: Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2024-2025

Bill 14: Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2024-2025

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Tabled Document 193-20(1): 2025-2026 Capital Estimates - Municipal and Community Affairs - Deferral of Department

Tabled Document 193-20(1): 2025-2026 Capital Estimates - Education, Culture and Employment - Deferral of Department

Tabled Document 193-20(1): 2025-2026 Capital Estimates - Infrastructure - Deferral of Department

Tabled Document 193-20(1): 2025-2026 Capital Estimates -Environment and Climate Change - Deferral of Department

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Bill 13: Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2024-2025

Recorded Vote

Bill 14: Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2024-2025

Recorded Vote

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Hon. Caitlin Cleveland , Mr. Edjericon , Mr. Hawkins , Hon. Lucy Kuptana , Hon. Jay Macdonald , Hon. Vince McKay , Mr. McNeely , Ms. Morgan , Mr. Morse , Mr. Nerysoo , Ms. Reid , Mr. Rodgers , Hon. Lesa Semmler , Hon R.J. Simpson , Mr. Testart , Hon. Shane Thompson , Hon. Caroline Wawzonek , Mrs. Weyallon Armstrong , Mrs. Yakeleya

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 1277

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Colleagues, I'd like to thank Lillian Elias, the elder, for the opening blessing. As well, I'd like to thank our sergeant-at-arms for the last time bringing us in. So thank you very much, Floyd, for your great service to us.

Ministers' statements. Minister from Municipal and Community Affairs.

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Minister's Statement 71-20(1): Northwest Territories Business Licence eServices

Ministers' Statements

Page 1277

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, I had an opportunity to provide opening remarks this week at the 2024 NWT recreation and Parks Association Conference, and I wanted to recognize the program coordinators, youth representatives, and recreational professionals who have all gathered here in Yellowknife this week.

This year's conference theme, Resilience in recreation, is both timely and relevant. Recreation plays a key role in supporting resilience, in equipping participants with valuable life skills, in creating a sense of belonging, and in nurturing physical and mental wellbeing.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank everyone who has dedicated their time and efforts to promoting recreation and wellness across the Northwest Territories. I would particularly like to recognize the NWT recreation and Parks Association for their dedication to the promotion and delivery of recreation programs. Finally, I want to recognize the How I Survived podcast that officially launched Tuesday through a collaboration between the NWT recreation and Parks Association and the University of Alberta. I look forward to hearing firsthand stories of how recreation gave survivors of residential and day schools strength while they were institutionalized.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I hope that all participants have a wonderful conference and bring back valuable insight to their communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 71-20(1): Northwest Territories Business Licence eServices

Ministers' Statements

Page 1277

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

A Minister's statement dear to my heart. Ministers' statements. Minister of Environment and Climate Change .

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Minister's Statement 72-20(1): Collaborative Work on Land Administration and Management

Ministers' Statements

Page 1277

Jay MacDonald

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations on land administration and management, specifically around traditional use cabins on public land. Our ongoing efforts reflect our shared priorities to develop respectful, transparent, and effective land use policies that support traditional land use, harvesting rights, and community wellbeing. To achieve this, the Department of Environment and Climate Change is engaging with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations to develop a new approach to the administration and management of traditional use camps and cabins on public land.

This work is focused on establishing appropriate long-term policies that respect completed land, resources, and self-government agreements, while also considering ongoing negotiations. We are working to develop land management practices that reflect the realities of today's Northwest Territories and its diverse land users. Our government recognizes the deep cultural and historical connection Indigenous peoples have with the land, Mr. Speaker.

The work to develop a new approach will take time and must be done collaboratively with Indigenous partners. In the interim, the department has been working to implement short-term solutions to address a number of concerns, including issues around lease rent and lease rent arrears. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories will pause the collections of outstanding arrears for recreational leases held by Indigenous persons with asserted or established Aboriginal and/or treaty rights to harvest in the area where their lease is located.

This pause will remain in effect while the work to develop a new approach is underway. We are in the process of notifying all recreational leaseholders about this program and are ensuring Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations have the information they need to support their Members. It is important to note that a pause in collections does not delete or forgive lease rent arrears. Mr. Speaker, any decision to forgive arrears for Indigenous land users with recreational leases will be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances of each lessee.

This program does not include property taxes or associated fees.

The department has also invited Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, through the Intergovernmental Council Secretariat, to participate in a collaborative process to reduce lease rents for recreational leases held by Indigenous persons with asserted or established Aboriginal and/or treaty rights in the area where their lease is located. We are hopeful that discussions will begin this fall, and that work could result in an amendment to the Northwest Territories land regulations.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, collaboration is key to this process. We will continue to engage with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations as we move forward, recognizing their vital role in land management decisions. This work is part of our broader commitment to reconciliation, fostering partnerships, and ensuring that the interests of Indigenous communities are respected and supported in all aspects of land management and administration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 72-20(1): Collaborative Work on Land Administration and Management

Ministers' Statements

Page 1277

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Environment and Climate Change . Ministers' statements. Minister for Infrastructure .

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Minister's Statement 73-20(1): Update on the Mackenzie Valley Highway

Ministers' Statements

Page 1277

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to provide an update on the Mackenzie Valley Highway project, an ambitious initiative that reflects our continued commitment to fostering sustainable development in the North.

The Mackenzie Valley Highway project dates back several decades, with discussions starting as early as the 1970s. Over the years, extensive planning and consultation have taken place to ensure that this project respects the land and the communities it will serve. Earlier this year, we strengthened our partnership with the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, or SSI, by signing an amended and restated memorandum of understanding. This agreement builds on our shared commitment to planning, promoting, and seeking funding for the Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Their insights and knowledge have been integral in shaping a project that is not only economically beneficial but also culturally sensitive and environmentally responsible.

A year ago, we reached a significant milestone by submitting the developer's assessment report. I am pleased to report that the environmental assessment remains on track for completion by mid-2025. Pending the outcome of the assessment by the review board, we anticipate an additional 12 to 18 months will be necessary to secure regulatory authorizations, address outstanding land tenure requirements, and advance procurement for construction. As you know, we do not currently have funding secured for construction activities.

While we do not yet have the construction funding in place, I want to reassure residents that we are actively working to update construction cost estimates and engage with Canada on potential funding opportunities. As you know, the GNWT does not have the financial capacity to undertake this project alone.

Mr. Speaker, while we have not broken ground on the Mackenzie Valley Highway yet, I want to highlight the work that was successfully completed on the Prohibition Creek Access Road. This 6.7 kilometer stretch of new all-season highway from Canyon Creek to Christina Creek, south of Norman Wells, opened to the public last month. Combined with the previously built Canyon Creek All-Season Access Road, there is now a total of 20.7 kilometers of the seasonal Mackenzie Valley Winter Road accessible all year-round, improving the safety, reliability and resilience of the Northwest Territories transportation system in the face of climate change.

This not only supports the ongoing improvement of the key transportation corridor through the Mackenzie Valley, it is also a capacity-building project to help prepare businesses, workers and residents, for greater involvement in future construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Mr. Speaker, the benefits of the Mackenzie Valley Highway are many. It will improve transportation connectivity, improve safety and more reliable access for residents, businesses, and emergency services. Enhanced access will unlock new economic opportunities for local business, stimulate investment, and strengthen the regional economy, particularly important given the recent challenges posed by low water levels, rising fuel costs, and the growing cost of living.

Mr. Speaker, as we move forward I assure you we remain committed to working collaboratively with all parties to ensure the successful completion of the Mackenzie Valley Highway, and together we can build a future that supports economic growth and enhances the well-being of all residents in the Mackenzie Valley. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 73-20(1): Update on the Mackenzie Valley Highway

Ministers' Statements

Page 1278

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure . Ministers' statements. Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Minister's Statement 74-20(1): The Signing of the Inuvialuit Coordination Agreement

Ministers' Statements

Page 1278

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

This historic agreement identifies how the implementation of the Inuvialuit Qitunrariit Inuuniarnikkun Maligaksat, also referred to as the Inuvialuit Family Way of Living Law, will be supported in the Northwest Territories. This is the first coordination agreement implemented under the federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families in the territory, and the first for Inuit in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, as part of this agreement, Maligaksat will administer child well-being and advocacy programs for Inuvialuit children, youth, and families across the territory, including voluntary child and family support services and agreements. This means the GNWT's community social services workers will no longer provide voluntary support services and agreements to Inuvialuit in the territory. Instead, Maligaksat will provide these services.

While the GNWT maintains responsibility for protection services to Inuvialuit in the Northwest Territories, our government and Maligaksat will collaborate in areas of protection services like investigations, cultural continuity, and housing continuity planning. The GNWT will also maintain responsibility for prevention, including voluntary support and protection services for First Nations, Metis, other Inuit such as the Nunavummiut, and non-Indigenous children, youth, and families.

Mr. Speaker, we understand the successful implementation of the Inuvialuit Coordination Agreement requires collaboration and a shared vision. To that end, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to working with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Maligaksat, Canada, and all frontline staff to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

For a long time, Indigenous communities have voiced concerns about the delivery of child and family services, both past and present, often highlighting the overrepresentation of Indigenous children and youth in the system. In response to these concerns, the Department of Health and Social Services continues to work to fundamentally shift child and family services to a culturally-safe system.

We have a standing offer with all Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories to meet and discuss the GNWT's implementation of the federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families, and to share information and opportunities for exercising jurisdiction related to child and family services outside of self-government agreements. I encourage all Indigenous governments to reach out to my office to continue this conversation.

Once again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation on this historic achievement and thank them, the Maligaksat and Canada, for working with us to finalize this agreement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 74-20(1): The Signing of the Inuvialuit Coordination Agreement

Ministers' Statements

Page 1278

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Ministers' statements.

Before we go any further, colleagues, I'd like to recognize Sheila Bassett-Kellett for being here. She's a former deputy minister. She was my boss at one point in time way back when, and she was a city manager. So welcome to our House. Thank you.

Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Northerners really care about their health care. It matters. And a lot of people are saying this, Mr. Speaker, many people. As a matter of fact, they also believe and acknowledge the Minister of health may mean well but they really feel deeply down inside that the Minister is out of touch. Many people are telling me this, Mr. Speaker, good people, such as the workers, the employees, the staff, Mr. Speaker. But they say to themselves, why isn't the Minister in touch with the primary care health doctors, staffing levels, and their issues. It should be top of mind.

I know it would be top of mind if it was my choice. Why, Mr. Speaker? Because when you're the health Minister, you should know what matters to the people, family, and Northerners. That's why I know I would know the numbers.

The Minister can't keep hiding between NTHSSA and say oh no, it's their problem. She either realizes that she's in on the problem or not in the problem. I worry that she might have quietly quit and keeps downloading this to the patient experience or the other boards to manage these problems.

Mr. Speaker, staffing at the hospital and in our system should be absolutely top of mind. Every day she should be getting reading and results of what's happening over there. I know this because people are telling me, Mr. Speaker, people who know better.

Mr. Speaker, the solution of this government may be trying to get -- to solve some of these problems by hiring more deputy ministers but, Mr. Speaker, I can tell you right now nurses and doctors and admin staff don't need more deputy ministers; we need smart people, Mr. Speaker. Again, the government's solution is getting a Russian -- sorry, a Russian nesting --

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

-- point of order, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you. Government Leader .

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is speaking about individuals who are not on the floor of this House, not here to defend themselves, referencing that the hiring of deputy ministers and said we don't need deputy ministers; we need smart people. I think that's clearly out of line. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Government Leader . Member from Range Lake -- or sorry, Yellowknife Centre.

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

It seems that we're always both to blame.

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

(audio).

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

I think -- (audio) Mr. Speaker, I didn't characterize they're bad people. As a matter of fact, if two more seconds the Minister would have said we'd hire a Jane Philipott, a health czar, Mr. Speaker. The intent was not to hurt individuals or single the single individual out, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you. Thank you for your time. Member, your comments about the Minister is my area of questioning. Do you wish to withdraw those comments about the Minister at this time?

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I'm actually -- I can't actually -- seriously, I'm not wasting time. I can't actually hear what I'm asking to withdraw to be clear. And to be absolutely clear, Mr. Speaker, I was referring to an entity, not an individual.

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you. We'll just take a brief second here. Thank you.

---BRIEF RECESS

Member, so I guess I should be clear what I'm asking. You were very close to the line talking about the deputy ministers and about smart people, but saying the Minister's quietly speaking is of concern to me -- quitting, sorry, quietly speaking, quietly quitting. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I -- specifically to the quiet quitting comment, I certainly withdraw it, and I apologize for that and to the House. Thank you very much for recognizing the differences. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

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Page 1278

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Colleagues, remember when we were talking about the public service, we have to make sure that these hard-working people, we don't cross the line. And we were getting pretty close yesterday and today. So I will start calling it if it continues. Thank you.

Member from Yellowknife Centre , you may conclude your statement.

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1278

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thought I had about two minutes on the clock. I plan not to abuse the time; don't worry, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, where I was going with this is -- and, again, I recognize and I appreciate your Whitford guidance on that particular initiative, and I do recognize in my Member's -- I'm going to pause and say I thank the Premier for pointing that out. I do think good order does come with drama, but I do respect why he did that.

Mr. Speaker, to get back right on point, I think we should go so far as rather than finding new people in the system to solve the same problems, we need to hire a health care czar like Jane Philipott, someone who knows health care issues down to her DNA, she knows them from the top to the bottom, only someone of that type of skill to see how our system works together because it's so important to know the full integration. So we can hire all our people or reshuffle the deck no matter what we get. At the end of the day, unless we're willing to think big and be big, we're never -- we're going to just keep getting the same results, Mr. Speaker.

So to wrap this up, Mr. Speaker, if the department again wants -- sorry, if the government wants to think big about health, maybe it should start asking the question why do we have health and social services tied together? Maybe we should allow them to go independently separate -- their ways. That way we can allow the health Minister to focus in on health and the system allowed to do what it needs to do.

And my recommendation is we hire someone who -- like, an old fashioned hospital administrator who knows how to run these systems because that's what they're trained for, skilled for, and they certainly know all the ins and outs that make the very difference to making staff happy and the public's needs served. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 374-20(1): Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 1279

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre . Members' statements. Member from Range Lake .

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Member's Statement 375-20(1): Medical Travel

Members' Statements

Page 1279

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as Members of the Legislative Assembly, it is our responsibility to act as our constituents' advocates, and though we spend most of our time here working on the bigger picture, we recognize that when policies and processes fail, intervention into individual circumstances is necessary. We are our constituents' last resort but when it comes to working with medical travel, increasingly MLAs are becoming Northerners' only option. Medical travel's inadequacies are becoming so severe that it's consuming much of our constituency work, and this is clear the system is not working for our people.

I was hopeful earlier this year when I brought concerns forward of medical travel's inability to provide quality health care to my constituents. This failure has created severe financial burden on working families in my riding, caused them a great deal of stress, and deprived them of access to health care that they need. Initially, the Minister gave me a path forward to rectify the situation. We were asked to work with physicians who initially treated these constituents --

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Member's Statement 375-20(1): Medical Travel

Members' Statements

Page 1279

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

(audio).

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Member's Statement 375-20(1): Medical Travel

Members' Statements

Page 1279

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Okay. We were asked to -- who initially treated these constituents in Alberta to provide updated paperwork which would supposedly ensure a reimbursement would be forthcoming. Unfortunately, the reimbursements health and social services offered amount to far below what the families spent cumulatively on hotels, flights, and meals there.

I was informed later that offering these families any reimbursement at all was an error. The Minister explained that she would only honour these meager reimbursements for one family only because they could not take back -- the department could not take back the assurances they gave the family first while I provided the necessary paperwork. None of the other families I'm working with in my riding will see any reimbursements at all.

Mr. Speaker, I'm dismayed to hear that what the Minister told me in the previous session was a mistake. Upholding the public nature of our health care services is not a mistake. Ensuring patients and their families are not put through additional distress when dealing with life threatening illnesses is not a mistake. Allowing patients who are incapacitated an escort who can understand a plan of care for their loved ones is not a mistake. Northerners want to see us work with them in -- work for them in this Assembly. So what does it say about our health care system when even their MLAs cannot help them? Mr.

Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister about how we can fix our broken medical travel system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 375-20(1): Medical Travel

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Page 1279

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Range Lake . Members' statements. Member from Great Slave .

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Member's Statement 376-20(1): Public Service

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Page 1279

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I care deeply about the public service as a past public servant and active local union president. I also recognize that the public service makes up a lot of the working population of this territory. And, yes, the numbers of total GNWT staff have gone up dramatically in recent years. The increase incurs in critical functions that we all rely on like health care and education supports. But the other thing we don't talk about as much is that through collective bargaining, people in precarious employment terms or casuals were made permanent.

The increase reflects employees that were given the security and benefits of permanent employment through collective bargaining. Those greater numbers of employees were always there. We just started treating them more fairly.

Compensation and benefits can be excellent, but if a work culture is failing to support its workers they won't want to stay on. We've seen this in health care most acutely. I'm afraid the frustration and malaise has spread to all parts of the public service.

This past July, the results of the 2023 Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Survey were released, and employees have said quite clearly throughout all metrics that they are less satisfied with their jobs as compared to 2021.

I speak regularly to the president of the UNW, and she tells me that employee morale is at rock bottom. Members are telling the UNW leadership that they are stressed to hear their employer constantly talk about ways to save money. Unfilled positions are being cut while operational bottlenecks are not being addressed. Usually after a collective agreement is ratified, Members feel a bit of positivity but the UNW is not hearing much of that right now. Unionized employees tell their leadership that they are still stressed about finances while at the same time feeling like an axe is sitting above their heads.

When I was involved with the union, I heard from folks across the GNWT who said that they felt stuck within a hierarchy that expected unthinking loyalty and did not reward creativity. I have heard my colleague from Frame Lake speak many times about looking to ways that we might flatten those hierarchies and have more program staff feel supported to propose new ideas or more effective ways of providing programs and services without getting shut down or shut out. I think the public service is full of creative people in all parts of this territory who want to feel vital and valued.

Mr. Speaker, I've spoken to the Minister of Finance about this very issue for many years predating my time as an MLA. Seen through the lens of possibility, the 2023 survey reenforces many of my hopes for the public service that we should be creating opportunities for staff to grow and feel excited to get to do trailblazing work while being supported through mentorship options that will enable them to get to their and the GNWT's goals.

The best managers I had in the public service treated me as a respected part of a team where everyone's input had value and was discussed openly. If we want to build a positive GNWT culture, we need to infuse that culture with cooperation and support within our workforce as well as for those whom we serve. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Finance at the appropriate time. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 376-20(1): Public Service

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Page 1279

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Great Slave . Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Member's Statement 377-20(1): NWT Literacy Council

Members' Statements

Page 1279

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on a heartwarming note to end the week, I'd like to shine a spotlight on the transformative work that the NWT Literacy Council has been doing in communities across the territory. Their program Reading Together provides opportunities for fathers who are incarcerated to connect with their children through bedtime stories. They get to choose a book that their children would like, create a reading kit to send to their kids, including new pajamas, stuffies, and a toothbrush, and then the dad gets to make a recording of him reading the book and sending bedtime wishes.

This program, with the help of the North Slave Correctional Centre, is strengthening language skills and literacy for both children and fathers in a powerful way. It bridges the physical distance separating families while nurturing the special emotional bond that is forged during bedtime story time.

Another innovative NWT Literacy Council program launched earlier this year is called Early Words. It's a partnership with the Department of Health and Social Services, along with the Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation and the Canadian Pediatrics Society. Early Words was actually created by a speech-language pathologist, and it recognizes that the foundation for literacy starts right from birth. It helps train frontline health care providers in how best to support families with early language and brain development long before a child reaches junior kindergarten.

The program has been piloted in Inuvik and Tsiigehtchic and has involved elders and traditional knowledge experts to understand how best to support early language development. The program also provides culturally appropriate books to health centres that are distributed to families and oriented to children at specific ages and stages of development. The funding for the literacy council's involvement in the Early Words project ends next March 2025 but the intention, I understand, is for HSS to carry on supporting early language development with the tools and resources provided through the project.

Now, I know that our health system has some tough work ahead to identify core and noncore services in order to make our system more sustainable, but I truly hope that this kind of program is viewed as core because of its crucial role in building our economic and social foundations. Mr. Speaker, these Literacy Council programs are critical to set the stage for future lifelong learning, and I commend them on their work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 1280

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North . Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Member's Statement 378-20(1): Red Tape Reduction

Members' Statements

Page 1280

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to draw attention to the difficulty small businesses encounter when dealing with the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, owning and operating a small business in this the Northwest Territories is no easy feat. Overhead costs are high, there are extreme labour shortages, and ongoing recovery from disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change impacts are very real scenarios. With these challenges, what these small businesses can do without is administrative burden that impedes their entrepreneurship.

Mr. Speaker, constituents in my riding have relayed the following examples to me highlighting their experience dealing with the Government of the Northwest Territories: .

It took 350 days to secure approval for road signage from the Department of Infrastructure, signage aimed at helping visitors arriving in Inuvik.

Local suppliers are being disqualified in the request for proposal process due to unrealistic requirements.

Having to wait 200-plus days to receive a response on an application for the ECE work subsidy program.

A broad and vague application of the market disruption clause in the ITI SEED program.

These are but a few examples, Mr. Speaker, and they hit on various departments across the GNWT.

Mr. Speaker, if we were serious about building a strong economic foundation and supporting businesses in the Northwest Territories, we need to alleviate pressures on entrepreneurs. The Government of the Northwest Territories shouldn't be a roadblock or barrier to running a business. What is being done to improve this situation by way of revising policies, Mr. Speaker, streamlining processes and ensuring that service standards are met?

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories red tape reduction working group was created in November 2020 to encourage entrepreneurship by reducing red tape and regulatory burdens on small businesses. I would like to get a sense on what this working group is doing to reduce red tape and the burdens facing small businesses, Mr. Speaker. I would have questions for the Minister of Finance . Thank you.

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Member's Statement 378-20(1): Red Tape Reduction

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Page 1280

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake . Members' statements. Mackenzie Delta.

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Member's Statement 379-20(1): Healthcare Services

Members' Statements

Page 1280

George Nerysoo

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In March and April of this year, the residents of the Beaufort Delta region were advised that they may have been exposed to an infection. The following communities and some of its residents may have been exposed:

Aklavik,

Fort McPherson,

Paulatuk,

Sachs Harbour, and

Ulukhaktok.

Residents from the noted communities were advised that if they were patients at one of these health centres that they were to get tested for HEP C, HEP B, or HIV. Dr. Kondola, the NWT chief public health officer, stated that the possibility of contracting the infection is very low; getting tested is the best thing to do.

Mr. Speaker, the possible infection may have come from dental instruments that were not properly cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized. In this day and age, how is something as serious as this supposed to happen? We have all the new technologies at our disposable, and our small communities are still being neglected. Our small remote communities need the same care as the regional centres and the capital.

Mr. Speaker, I know the Department of Health and Social Services is trying to accommodate the residents of these communities with their dental needs. It seems the patients from the Beaufort Delta region are losing out on appointments and being comfortably accommodated. The residents who travel to Yellowknife do not arrive until late in the afternoon, at times miss their appointments and are placed in hotels that is not meeting their expectations.

Mr. Speaker, it is time that this government start to look out for the basic needs of our residents, the Northwest Territories, especially smaller remote communities. The health and well-being of these patients is very important to these smaller communities. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 379-20(1): Healthcare Services

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Page 1280

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta . Members' statements. Member from Monfwi .

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Member's Statement 380-20(1): Illicit Drug Crisis

Members' Statements

Page 1280

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I will be speaking about the drug crisis in our territory.

Mr. Speaker, there are drugs in our opportunities that have not been seen before such as the new types of fentanyl. Ambulances and first responders need to be prepared. We all know illegal drugs are causing chaos and affecting safe housing. I am worried that in areas where there is a lot of drug use happening, our most vulnerable residents will not get the support they need.

Mr. Speaker, we have heard that public advisories have been issued related to the detection of certain drugs. The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer has released alerts about overdose related deaths. The Premier has also spoken about introducing legislation to target criminal networks, which is essential, and I look forward to seeing it. But I see an even more pressing need that should be addressed now.

Mr. Speaker, our ambulance services and first responders must act quickly and enter areas where most people do not want to go - low income neighbourhoods, encampments, vacant apartments, and shelters.

Overdoses are on the rise. First response in these situations requires immediate intervention. One such solution is the use of naloxone to reverse opoid overdose. Media releases from the department of health remind residents that naloxone kits are available at hospitals, health centres, and pharmacies. They say drug users should be familiar with these kits and have them on hand. But, Mr. Speaker, the availability of these kits in health centres is not enough. Widespread distribution within our communities needs to be ensured. All our residents need access to paramedics or properly trained first responders --

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The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Member from Monfwi , your time is up.

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Member's Statement 380-20(1): Illicit Drug Crisis

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Page 1280

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of MACA .

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Page 1280

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Monfwi . Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu .

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Member's Statement 381-20(1): Tulita Health Centre Project

Members' Statements

Page 1280

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my statement is on the Tulita Health Centre that's currently under construction, a very unique design building located in the central part of the community. However, the project has encountered numerous delays, and today we're proud to say it's got a deadline for completion.

The 18th Assembly approved this capital project some five years ago. After COVID delays, recent barging delays due to low water levels, constant delays have faced this project from moving ahead. I was proud to escort the Minister of ECC and the Minister of Health and Social Services there during the week of July -- or pardon me, September the 23rd. Another delay happened where we couldn't make the trip in to Tulita to see the building and the residents as well because of bad weather. However, with deteriorating materials as we move along, the project is now at the very foot of a

schedule that's going to see completion within the next couple of years.

Mr. Speaker, this is a very essential building and, as I mentioned, one long overdue, and despite the fact of challenges I'm proud to say, underneath this new administration or this new leadership we're going to see the light of day. Later I will have questions to the appropriate Minister. Mahsi.

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Member's Statement 381-20(1): Tulita Health Centre Project

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Page 1280

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu . Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake .

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Member's Statement 382-20(1): Healthcare Leadership Model

Members' Statements

Page 1280

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last night the Premier and health Minister presented to the Standing Committee on Social Development on their new health system sustainability unit. I want to be clear that I commend the Premier for taking this action and support this initiative.

Mr. Speaker, I also wanted to get some comments on the record about this initiative. I heard staff saying they're not just looking at reducing service but repeatedly referring back to the core services inventory, so it really seemed to me like services are currently the focus and appreciated the Premier 's reassurance in that regard and just wanted to, again, get my comments on the record that I want us to look a little deeper.

Mr. Speaker, in March, the territorial medical association sent a letter to the Minister of health titled Restoring Balance with a number of recommendations for improving system sustainability. Those recommendations included reducing unnecessary medical travel, reducing inefficient administrative tasks, workforce planning, and optimizing partnerships for quality improvement. So there are a lot of changes aside from just service reductions that we can look at, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the NWTMA advocated for reevaluation of the health system's leadership model. This included the following recommendations which are particularly relevant to assessing the current management structures. They recommended that we analyze the efficiency of the current administrative model, including identifying and reducing any duplication of management positions between health and social services and NTHSSA and supporting a distributed leadership model that encourages problem solving close to the source rather than top down decision-making.

Mr. Speaker, when we talk about system sustainability, we need to be talking about the management and staff retention concerns Members have been detailing repeatedly in the House this sitting and have pointedly emphasized in our accountability and oversight committee report read into the record yesterday.

Mr. Speaker, I stand by that report and support and encourage the Minister to take bold and decisive action to address these issues. As a start, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to see a public acknowledgement by the Minister of the significant systemic issues facing our health care system and public communication of a comprehensive plan to address them. Mr. Speaker, the principles of good leadership and management tell us that listening to frontline staff is key to effective decision-making. Let's listen to our doctors' and nurses' suggestions and carefully consider them in reviewing health care system sustainability. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the system sustainability unit needs to rate options based on potential savings level of impact and ease of implementation, and I can't overemphasize enough the need to use change management principles and comprehensive planning when changes are proposed. We have to plan out our changes carefully to ensure effective implementation. Mr. Speaker, we are in this together. I know the health Minister wants to see change. I know MLAs want to see change. And staff want to see change. Let's get it done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 1281

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake . Members' statements. Member from Deh Cho .

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Member's Statement 383-20(1): Addictions Link to Intergenerational Trauma

Members' Statements

Page 1281

Sheryl Yakeleya

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about trauma and substance abuse problems of which is -- trauma is a priority of this government. Here in the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker, especially in our small communities, we see intergenerational trauma and its impacts. Broadly, intergenerational trauma can be caused by a variety of different factors including removal of -- removal from homelands, genocide, sexual or gender violence, institutionalized and direct racism, incarceration, and exploitation.

We are all aware of the legacy of the residential school systems in the NWT. The tragic effects of these are still visible today and have led to trauma that is passed on through generations.

Mr. Speaker, many of those who went to residential schools turn to substance abuse as a way of coping. We know from government data that rates were alcohol abuse are high in the Northwest Territories. According to a 2023 report from the NWT statistics bureau, 72.3 percent of current drinkers in the Deh Cho riding are classified as heavy drinkers.

Mr. Speaker, we hear about the youth in Fort Smith this morning on CBC radio. This is also happening in our communities. Addictions destroy families. There is a strong link between trauma and addictions. Intergenerational trauma is alive and well from the government's decades of abuse of our people. I would like to know what our government is doing to address this problem. What opportunities are in place for healing for our people? I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services later. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 383-20(1): Addictions Link to Intergenerational Trauma

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Page 1281

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho . Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Member's Statement 384-20(1): Culturally Safe Healthcare Services

Members' Statements

Page 1281

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It should be of no surprise that after hundreds of years of colonial governance, Indigenous communities struggle with our health care services and still do to this day. Our community has a long history of discriminatory practice such as forced sterilization, lack of acceptance for health and healing traditions, and this has fostered much fear and mistrust. This is compounded by the fact that their communities remain unserved by health and care services all while they suffer more than other populations from serious illness such as cancer due to contamination and pollution.

It should therefore come as no surprise that they struggle to work with health care staff who often come from outside of the North, and they struggle too because they are often just as supported as the communities they are trying to serve.

In the last Assembly, improving cultural safety in our health care system and increase in services in our small communities was a big priority resulting in a report brought forward by the previous Minister which focused on providing the North with a culturally safety action plan. As a result, a cultural safety antiracism unit within the Department of Health and Social Services and Indigenous support staff at the office of the client experiences.

However, my communities remain frustrated with a lack of community-based long-term care, northern-based addiction treatment and options, widespread midwifery services and recreation services for the youth. Now the Dene Nation has come forward with their own recommendations for this government to improve Indigenous health care.

They are seeking the creation of a health care task force to ensure the development of strategies that are more responsive to the Dene people and their needs, provisions to provide health care workers with cultural training to enable them to understand and respect the values and beliefs and customs of the Dene people, an establishment of health care clinics in underserved areas where there is significant geographical barriers of lack of adequate and health infrastructure.

The right of health care is for Indigenous nations, and this is a treaty right as the treaty included a clause to provide each community with a medicine chest. Today it feels like they're simply establishing more bureaucracy in the health care system and paying more administration to support Indigenous health care instead of honouring and responsibility provided in my communities with staff resources and strategies they need to live happier lives. Mr. Speaker, I would have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Mahsi.

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The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh . Members' statements.

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Member's Statement 385-20(1): Celebration of Life for Julie Capot-Blanc

Members' Statements

Page 1281

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Colleagues, Julie Capot-Blanc was born on February 11th, 1966, to Napolean and Mary Capot-Blanc from Fort Nelson, BC. She was the sixth child of ten siblings. Julie grew up in Fort Nelson when the family eventually moved to the town of Fort Nelson in 1973. The family love to tell the story about when she was four years old. She would constantly cry after her older siblings when they would head off to school. After a bit of time, they got tired of it and her sister Violet decided that she would take Julie to school to stop her from crying. They did without registering her, but Julie loved it and she fit right in. This is how she started attending school.

Julie started visiting her sister in Fort Liard when she was about 15 years old. On one of her visits, she met Anthony, who turned out to be the love of her life. One time when they were hanging out with friends and her and Anthony started play-fighting. Julie pinned Anthony down and straddled him. Harry Fantasque said, Weh-ehh, we know she's going to be your wife, Anthony. A couple of years later, they ended up together and have been together since.

It was interesting that Anthony would not tell Julie this story until this summer. They had a good laugh and appreciated that Harry predicted their future!

I had the pleasure of getting to know Julie around 1996. Of those years, Julie held numerous jobs and sat on many committees that I worked with. In 2015, she found the job that was made for her. She became the government service officer for the community. I would like to share this story with you. As for her eulogy and some stories that are attached. I would like them to be deemed as read and printed in Hansard.

Julie cared about her job and always willing to go the extra mile, whether it was a road trip to an elder in a cabin or coming to another community to help. During the summer of 2023, she came to Fort Simpson and her and my CA helped the evacuees fill out the form so they would get help from the government. This was a typical of Julie.

Another of her passions was hand games. She started the Fort Liard Hand Games Society with her nephew AJ Capot-Blanc, Margaret Klondike, Tyrone Berreault, and later Robert Loe and Roslyn Firth. She loved to follow the hand games team, whether it was in person or through multiple phone calls to her nephew to see how they were doing.

Unfortunately, on September 4th, 2024, she passed away, leaving a big hole for her community, friends and community and family. She will be greatly missed by her husband Anthony, her daughter Charmain, her granddaughter and partner in crime Madison, and her entire family and numerous friends. Thank you, Julie, for everything while you were and all that you've given. May you now rest in peace forever. You were dearly loved and will be terribly missed.

At 17, Julie welcomed a beautiful baby girl (Charmain Capot-Blanc). Charmain was their pride and joy. They enjoyed raising and doing things together with her. I can tell you; she was very proud of her. She loved to share stories about them with me.

In December 2005 she became a grandmother to Madison Julia Mae. From the first time Madison came home, she adored her. Julie was lovingly called Nana, and she referred to Maddy as "my little partner". She did everything and anything she could possibly do to help Madison. She was beyond spoiled by Nana. Benny, her great-nephew, was spoiled by Julie. She made sure he had what he needed.

Julie loved to go out on the land and would tag along with Anthony on his many adventures. Her mother Mary's best memories are of going camping with her. They would camp at Old Fort, the Petitot River and along highway 77. However, going boating on the river to their cabin at Fishermen Lake, was her favorite place to be. She found peace out there. Last year Julie tanned her very first moosehide. She was extremely excited and so proud, even showing it off to the elders. She loved beading earrings and would often give them out.

Over the years Julie has held numerous jobs and sat on many committees. Here are a few more stories about her as a GSO:

Within the community, Julie ensured residents and particularly elders, receive seamless service from GNWT departments and partners. Her good nature and diligence were offered to every client that came to the office. She took great time and care to bring services and information to elders' homes, cabins and where they lived, even if that meant on the highway. Julie did this often and kept regular check ins with her elders for many years and had a strong trusting relationship.

The Department of Executive developed a peer award program a few years back within Regional Operations to acknowledge team Members who lead with good values and service excellence. Julie has been recognized by her peers on numerous occasions for her support, excellence, and work ethic. The team will be acknowledging their cherished team member when describing the North STAR Award, which is the top award for serving elders, which Julie was nominated every year. She did everything with a smile and strong work ethic. She was a respected GNWT employee and Elder in her community and will be missed by her regional team and community.

Besides these passions, Julie was all about helping make the community of Fort Liard a better place to live. She was a hamlet and band councillor for the community. Residents of the community felt she was great at listening and assisting those in need of any services they required. She was about the people.

She was always available to anyone that needed a listening ear or a stern talking to (whether you wanted to hear it or not). She offered her help, support and advice when needed without any complaining. Julie had a big heart that was made of gold.

There were so many more fond memories of Julie to share but it'll turn into a novel, I'm sure. So, we ask you to think about your story with her, how you enjoyed that moment in time and fondly remember her.

Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the galley. Member from the Sahtu .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1282

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me further privilege to recognize Maureen McKinnon, the teacher from the Colville Lake school who is escorting the pages Briley and his brother Mason. Welcome to the Assembly. Mahsi.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1282

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1282

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd first like to recognize Yellowknife North constituents Kate Hearn, whose birthday is today, and her husband Woody Stone. And I'd also like to recognize Yellowknife North constituents, if they're still here -- I can't even see -- Sheila Bassett-Kellett, former SAO of the city of Yellowknife, and Dave Kellett. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1282

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife South .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1282

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to say I have two young pages in the House working with us today. Khalif Joseph and Junaid Mutoola are both residents of Yellowknife South. Thank you for being here.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1282

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1282

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Mr. Speaker, I too would like to welcome Dave and Sheila Bassett-Kellett. Also Kate Hearn and her husband. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1282

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1282

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to recognize the -- I believe I can say the name properly. If not, I'm sure Hansard will say it correctly for me -- which is Araliya Fox. She's a Yellowknife Centre constituent, a student at William McDonald High School here in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1282

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. I must apologize to Ms. Hearn. I had the pleasure of working with her when she was in lands. So I greatly appreciate you being here today as well.

If we missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your chamber. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. It is always nice to see people in the gallery, especially retired government workers.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake .

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Question 361-20(1): Healthcare Sustainability Initiative

Oral Questions

Page 1282

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just spoke about the health sustainability unit, and I think probably my questions are best directed towards the Premier on this one.

Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, can the Premier just reassure the public and reassure people watching that, you know, the sustainability unit is going to be looking at more than just service system cuts. If the Premier would like to share some more information about that on the record, it would be appreciated. Thank you.

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Question 361-20(1): Healthcare Sustainability Initiative

Oral Questions

Page 1282

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake . Mr. Premier .

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Question 361-20(1): Healthcare Sustainability Initiative

Oral Questions

Page 1282

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Member for letting me address this issue. So across Canada, health care services are strained. The North is no different. We hear all the time in this House, I hear from my own constituents, there's issues in the health care system. That's not news. That's nothing new. That's an acknowledgement that I want to make clear that I am making today.

One of the things we're doing to address these issues is the establishment of the health care system sustainability unit. Now, this is a unit that is positioned within my Department of the Executive and Indigenous Affairs, so separate from the health care system, that is going to examine the health care system, look at what we are offering and how we're offering it, make a determination of what are the core services that we need to offer, so that we're in line and we can work towards this Assembly's priority of offering -- or ensuring residents have access to basic health care.

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Question 361-20(1): Healthcare Sustainability Initiative

Oral Questions

Page 1282

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, how will the system sustainability unit be using information like the 2020 Physician Workforce Plan, workforce planning in general, the letter from the NWTMA; how will they be using these documents to inform their work? There's been a lot of work done on system sustainability already by practitioners. How is the unit going to be taking advantage of this work that's already been done? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 361-20(1): Healthcare Sustainability Initiative

Oral Questions

Page 1283

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And the unit, it's not fully staffed up yet, but the staff members that they have have been pouring over all of these documents that the Member's referencing. A lot of work has been done. There's work that's been done 20 years ago that the staff are looking at. So we are really taking an approach that we don't need to start from scratch; a lot of work has been done. And even if there's, you know, letters from the medical association or things like that, those also offer insight into what issues we might want to focus on, so those documents are definitely being looked at as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 361-20(1): Healthcare Sustainability Initiative

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you for those answers, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, how will the NWT Medical Association, the nurses' union, other organizations like that be engaged and have input into the decisions being made by the health care sustainability unit?

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Question 361-20(1): Healthcare Sustainability Initiative

Oral Questions

Page 1283

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When we're looking at this system, we need to speak with those individuals who know it best. And so a dedicated email address has been set up for frontline workers, workers throughout the health care system, to be able to reach out to the health care system sustainability unit and provide their input. We don't want this to be a top down approach. We want to hear from everyone. And so steps have already been taken, submissions have already been received, and from what I understand there seems to be a bit of an uptick in those submissions given that it's rolled out for a little while now and things are moving along.

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Question 361-20(1): Healthcare Sustainability Initiative

Oral Questions

Page 1283

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Premier . Final supplementary. Member from Frame Lake .

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Question 361-20(1): Healthcare Sustainability Initiative

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that they've set up an email address. I think what I'd appreciate is kind of a reassurance that there's going to be fundamental inclusion in the decision-making by practitioners, by frontline staff. I noted the gap in my Member's statement of this happening in the health care system. It's not happening enough, this fundamental inclusion. So how is the health care system sustainability unit going to be including practitioner input into their decision-making beyond just an email address but maybe having physicians, nurses, representatives at the table? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 361-20(1): Healthcare Sustainability Initiative

Oral Questions

Page 1283

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'll have to get back to the Member with some specific details about what meetings they plan on holding but there -- as I mentioned, this is not something that we're doing alone. And this unit is not there to make decisions about how things are going to work. They're there to look at, examine, investigate the system, and bring forward recommendations for the decision-makers to be able to make decisions about how things work. And the best decisions are made with broad input. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 361-20(1): Healthcare Sustainability Initiative

Oral Questions

Page 1283

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Mr. Premier . Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services, and it's with respect to sort of a broader view of how to tackle some of the health and social services challenges. And, of course, first I'm concerned about, you know, is health too big? And that's not picking on anyone personally. It's a giant monolith. So.

Mr. Speaker, I know the Minister -- sorry, the Premier hands out portfolios per se, but would it help focus some of the challenges in by separating the portfolios so we could really deal with some of the robust challenges we've been raising and throwing towards the Ministers to say can you solve? Thank you.

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Member from Yellowknife Centre , are you asking the Premier or are you asking the health Minister, because it kind of seems like you're asking the Premier a question.

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

No, I'm asking the Minister would it help so they could focus in on the challenges we have if we separated them. So would it help her do her job if health was a standing unit itself, health and social services separated. Thank you.

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre . Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, whether it's in one department or it's in two departments, we do have dedicated staff that deal with the health stream and then we have dedicated staff that deal with the social services. Like, we have a director of social services that kind of deals and falls under that. The majority of the -- you know, like, the -- is the operation stuff which amalgamates into NTHSSA. So the authority is -- oversees both those two areas. So if the -- you know, it's not -- it's not -- I would not make that decision alone.

But I don't -- I don't see that it would, you know -- at this point, I don't see that it would make a difference because we do focus majority of our -- of my time is focused on the health portfolio -- on the health area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate the -- what I would surely describe as a sincere answer on that question. It's a tough one to say hey, what do you think of dividing your portfolio to two. I think it was a fair answer.

Mr. Speaker, most hospitals or hospital types or authorities are run by people with PhDs, you know, and they come with the credentials of things known as public health administrators. Mr. Speaker, do we have that type of talent in the department of health overseeing the NTHSSA or even the Stanton hospital? Thank you.

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the decision to create the NTHSSA as one territorial health and social services came in 2016, long before my time, while I was still an employee within that -- the health area. The governance council structure at the time of the day, I even remember watching the Legislative Assembly, I remember hearing and seeing and talking with other people that were attending those meetings and the consultations to create the structure.

The communities were very afraid that they would lose their voice on how health care and social services should be in their communities and as the government of the day decided that they would create the leadership council, the governing council, so that is the current -- the governing council of the NTHSSA. As to what their credentials are, I -- you know, they -- they're -- I don't have that in information. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, again, in my research and looking around hospitals across Canada -- I mean, I didn't look at every one, I want to be clear, I wouldn't want to give you that impression. Would the Minister acknowledge and recognize that being a public health administrator, typically a PhD of some sort, is a specialized skill when it comes to management of health authorities? Thank you.

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre . Can you please explain what you mean by public administrator? We have CEOs, COOs, and so are you talking about those positions or that -- thank you.

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's very specific to health care administration. So it's a very technical skill about overseeing hospitals. Thank you.

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member. Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, within the structure, we do have a CEO that oversees the NTHSSA. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my understanding is we do not have someone of that type of caliber in our system. Can the Minister confirm we have no one of that credentials of being a public health administrator or a PhD level person running the management of these types of authorities in our system currently today? Thank you.

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, we have credentialed staff within our authority running our authority. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 362-20(1): Health and Social Services Departmental Structure, Staffing and Administration

Oral Questions

Page 1283

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Oral questions. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 363-20(1): Medical Travel Policy

Oral Questions

Page 1283

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, several of my constituents were medivaced recently with life-threatening illnesses and were denied escorts because medical travel does not cover escorts for emergency circumstances, and reimbursements for their family members were denied. These escorts are vital in understanding the plan of care for their loved ones who were in an incapacitated state. But it's not policy to allow escorts for emergency medivac situations. I've raised this before. The Minister gave me some assurances that there would be a path forward. Now it appears that path has closed.

Can the Minister commit to revisiting this policy, once again, because it's not working for the people I represent in this House. Thank you.

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Question 363-20(1): Medical Travel Policy

Oral Questions

Page 1283

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Member from Range Lake . Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 363-20(1): Medical Travel Policy

Oral Questions

Page 1284

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the medical travel policy is -- like, as I mentioned in this House many times, right now we're in the midst of reviewing this entire process of medical travel, of moving people within the Northwest Territories. It is a complex process. There are approximately about 1,800 medical travel cases annually requiring many, you know, logistics. So when we -- when we're looking at the different types -- so when people are moving -- going for appointments, insured service appointments, so doctor's appointments, there's one way of doing that.

If they're going for dental and they're covered by an insurance, there's another way of doing that. If they're medivaced, there is no process for in that medivac -- emergency medivac policy, there isn't an escort -- nonmedical escort because the patient is being moved with medical escorts. And so I understand what the Member is saying, is that there might be sometimes where an escort may go down to Edmonton, learn the plan of care, and then travel back with that Member but then those circumstances are case by case. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 363-20(1): Medical Travel Policy

Oral Questions

Page 1284

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Minister's doing this work but if they've -- and they've moved medical travel into the department so the Minister can really weigh on these things and it's not arm's length distance in the authorities. But what's the point of doing that if there's no exemptions that can be made? So can the Minister clarify what the exemption policy is for medical escorts, not for the people who are medivaced but for medical escorts. Thank you.

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Question 363-20(1): Medical Travel Policy

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Page 1284

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Again, Mr. Speaker, that move was just recently done to remove the people that are actually doing the medical travel process from not having to now be the ones to appeal -- work with an appeal or an exception on their own work. So that part has moved into the department. The Member is asking what good is that. Well, every case is case by case and then it's looked at, so there's not, like, a tick list of everything because it's new within the department, so there's not -- there's not a case -- there's not a line by line item as to what it is. Thank you.

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Question 363-20(1): Medical Travel Policy

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Page 1284

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister agree that being present for a plan of care for a loved one who is incapacitated would meet the criteria for an exemption? Thank you.

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Question 363-20(1): Medical Travel Policy

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Page 1284

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Within the policy, there -- there are -- we do have the policy. So if there are decision-making, if there are -- there are exceptions to some of those policies. I can't speak to the specific case but like I said, every case is looked at individually because there's -- every time we get BFs, you know, there's more information, there's -- everything is so complex for every different person. It's not the same for every single person that's travelling. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 363-20(1): Medical Travel Policy

Oral Questions

Page 1284

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister for Health and Social Services . Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 363-20(1): Medical Travel Policy

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Page 1284

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can tell you my constituents are frustrated. I can tell you this family is very frustrated. I hope the Minister will bring something practical about how to improve the system. But one thing I'll say, the rates are far too low to cover the costs of today. When is the Minister going to adjust those rates to reflect the reality of today's costs? Thank you.

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Question 363-20(1): Medical Travel Policy

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Page 1284

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'm really glad that the Member has asked that because that has been asked in this House over and over and over again many times. The rates are to make things equitable in the territory. So the rates fall in line with all of our policies. Some of our policies that are federally funded, and we try to match what those rates are so that it's equitable across all residents with that. And, yes, times have changed, things cost more. That is in the review process.

The one thing that I would like to highlight is if we -- you know, that's a decision that will have to be made once we have all of those in front of -- all of the recommendations in front of us with medical travel policies. Can we afford all the changes that we want for every person, every elder, all of the rates to be equivalent to what we've heard in this House many times to government rates that are negotiated through the collective agreement? You know, there's costs after costs. It's going to make the changes.

And once we have all those recommendations and it's reviewed and recommendations put in front of us, we will have to make those decisions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 363-20(1): Medical Travel Policy

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Page 1284

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Oral questions. Member from the Sahtu .

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Question 364-20(1): Tulita Health Centre Project

Oral Questions

Page 1284

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My follow-up to my statement here are questions to the Minister of Health and Social Services . My first question there, Mr. Speaker, is the Tulita Health Centre, can the Minister provide an update on the progress of that unit? Thank you.

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Question 364-20(1): Tulita Health Centre Project

Oral Questions

Page 1284

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Sahtu . Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 364-20(1): Tulita Health Centre Project

Oral Questions

Page 1284

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm not sure if the Member wants me to answer it all in one question but the project has remobilized to the site and work has resumed this past summer, summer of 2024, with the completion date of 2026. This summer, due to low water and the no barges that we -- in order to not delay this project any further, that materials were expedited through air freight to the community so the work could continue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 364-20(1): Tulita Health Centre Project

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Page 1284

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank to the Minister for that progress update. Now we've got a date or a year. I seen the drawings and the colored designs. It's a very beautiful building with other features that the old facility didn't have.

My next question to the Minister is with this new modern facility, will there be additional staff opportunities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 364-20(1): Tulita Health Centre Project

Oral Questions

Page 1284

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what will happen is the current staff will transition into the new building. There hasn't been any planning on new staff, but what I will say is that we are in the process -- in the early processes of looking at our health centres and the model of how we provide health services in our communities, in our small communities and so, you know, that's going to take some time and analysis to look through because, you know, what happens in some small communities is not the same in the other. Some communities are bigger. So at this point, no. Thank you.

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Question 364-20(1): Tulita Health Centre Project

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Page 1284

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Minister for those two replies. It gives a better knowledge on the

schedule of the construction.

My last question is that will the Minister work with my office for the additional materials that were there and got deteriorated, call it old stock. I've been getting some inquiries that local people are interested in the old material. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 364-20(1): Tulita Health Centre Project

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Page 1284

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker I will talk to my department, and I will talk to the Minister of Infrastructure . I'm not sure how that process and what materials are there and if they're no longer useable, but I can follow up on that material and what's the plan for it and get back to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 364-20(1): Tulita Health Centre Project

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Page 1284

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Oral questions. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Question 365-20(1): Red Tape Reduction and the Government of the Northwest Territories Relations with Small Businesses

Oral Questions

Page 1284

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member's statement, I spoke about the issues entrepreneurs are having in Inuvik in processing applications and so on and so forth online. I referenced the 2020 red tape reduction group. My questions for the Minister of Finance is this red tape reduction group proactively addressing these issues to address and streamline the application processes and, if so, how? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 365-20(1): Red Tape Reduction and the Government of the Northwest Territories Relations with Small Businesses

Oral Questions

Page 1284

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Member from Inuvik Boot Lake . Minister of finance.

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Question 365-20(1): Red Tape Reduction and the Government of the Northwest Territories Relations with Small Businesses

Oral Questions

Page 1284

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the red tape reduction working group was always set up to be an opportunity and a repository where anyone can direct them to an issue of red tape. So there's an email set up. There's an opportunity, [email protected] , it's quite simple. They receive information about people who are running into, frankly, exactly the types of situations the Member mentioned earlier and then they will action them and they will investigate them and can coordinate across departments to find solutions.

And I can say it actually hasn't been as fruitful as I would think it should be for the number of times I hear people say there's red tape out there. So, you know, I appreciate being able to sneak that email address in. I really do hope people can use it, but I can certainly say I intend to follow up on the items I heard earlier in the Member's statement. Thank you.

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Question 365-20(1): Red Tape Reduction and the Government of the Northwest Territories Relations with Small Businesses

Oral Questions

Page 1284

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks to the Minister. And, yes, oftentimes people have complaints and they'll bring them to their MLA or they'll bring them to their community leadership but have an opportunity to bring them to a website or an email like the email said, and unfortunately, don't do that. So we need to find a way to be a little more proactive.

Having said that, Mr. Speaker, does the Minister know how many files or how many policies have been reviewed based on the information that has been collected by the red tape review? Thank you.

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Question 365-20(1): Red Tape Reduction and the Government of the Northwest Territories Relations with Small Businesses

Oral Questions

Page 1285

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So since November of 2023, when I believe that's when the email went live, there have been three matters formally submitted all regarding different GNWT processes. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comment about being more proactive. We do -- we did also go through the process earlier this year in seeking suggestions about more efficiency and specifically directing that to the public service and in that regard received over 1,800 suggestions about finding efficiency from about 900 individuals with different ones raised by different people.

So there certainly is -- there are different ways to bring this out there and to get people involved and don't want to lose track of finding a better way that we can get the ideas that are out there and the issues that people are running into in front of this group. Thank you.

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Question 365-20(1): Red Tape Reduction and the Government of the Northwest Territories Relations with Small Businesses

Oral Questions

Page 1285

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I know that, you know, this issue runs throughout several departments, this is not just a Department of Finance obviously, and I, you know, appreciate that I'm speaking with the Minister of Finance . But I guess -- and I don't know if this question, Mr.

Speaker, is even able to be answered but when you're looking at a terms of reference or looking at putting together this red tape review, does it kind of take into consideration other items like the innovative -- innovation action plan that ITI has and different things like that to kind of look at the terms of reference, I guess if you will, on the types of information we're looking to address here, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Question 365-20(1): Red Tape Reduction and the Government of the Northwest Territories Relations with Small Businesses

Oral Questions

Page 1285

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no, the red tape reduction working group really was meant to be focused on when a business or an individual runs into an issue and says, you know, I'm unable to get a license in an orderly fashion, I have to pay -- go to multiple departments in order to do something, I, you know, sought permissions or an opportunity, I can't get it done. This was an opportunity to say okay look, take that to the working group. They will cross those different departmental lines. Sometimes it'