Debates of Oct. 31st, 2006

This is page numbers 599 - 630 of the Hansard for the 15th Assembly, 5th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was housing .

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

2007 Canada Winter Games

Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program

Rick Hansen Foundation

Recognition Of Metro Huculak For Exemplary Leadership

Federal Funding Cuts To Literacy Programs

Status Of Sleep Apnea Treatments At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Federal Funding Reductions

Recruiting And Retaining Nursing Graduates

Focus Of Federal Government Funding Reductions

Federal Funding Reductions To The Volunteer Sector

Federal Funding Reductions To Literacy Programs

Need For Territorial Energy Policy

Federal Funding Reductions To Literacy Programs

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Administration Of Municipal Elections

Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Federal Funding Reductions To Literacy Programs

Monitoring Program Delivery At The Community Level

Parking Fees At The Yellowknife Airport

Funding Programs For Youth Centres

Contracting Guidelines And Residency Requirements

Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Written Question 30-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Written Question 31-(5): Airport Runway Extensions

Written Question 32-15(5): Photo Identification Cards

Written Question 33-15(5): Yellowknife Airport Runway Extension

Tabled Document 64-15(5): Performance And Accountability Report, GNWT 2005-2006

Tabled Document 65-15(5): Petition To The Public Utilities Board Against Proposed Inuvik Gas Rate Increase

Dissolution Of The 15th Legislative Assembly

Extended Adjournment Of The House To February 7, 2007

Appointment Of Chief Electoral Officer

Restoration Of Funding For Federal Programs

Appointments To Standing Committees And The Board Of Management

Reducing Maximum Percentage Of Income Chargeable For Social Housing

Restoration Of Funding For Federal Programs

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Bill 15: Elections And Plebiscites Act

Bill 17:

An Act To Amend The Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act, No. 3

Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Members Present

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

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---Prayer

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 599

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the House. Colleagues, I would like to direct your attention to the gallery today. We have the president and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation and none other than the man in motion, none other than Mr. Rick Hansen himself.

---Applause

Also, representing the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities, Cecily Hewitt, Bill Burles, Linda Noseworthy, Heather Clarke and board members Doreen Baptiste and Al Reid.

---Applause

Representing the Yellowknife Association of Community Living we have Rae Celotti and Donna Williston.

---Applause

Representing the Canadian Paraplegic Association, Shaun Roper.

---Applause

Also, the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion coordinator, Lydia Bardak.

---Applause

Welcome to the Legislative Assembly. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 599

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on a point of personal privilege pursuant to

section 21(1) of the rules of the Legislative Assembly,

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 599

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . What is your point of personal privilege?

Point Of Privilege

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 599

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, an

article was published in yesterday's edition of News/North entitled From the Public Purse and contained incorrect information. I would like to take this opportunity to correct the record. The

article contained information regarding my constituency spending. It stated that I spent $2,000 on the purchase of wooden pens. Mr. Speaker, the cost of pens was, in fact, $200, a substantial difference, Mr. Speaker. I do have the invoice to verify my statement here today. I would like to ask News/North to write an apology to me and my constituents. Thank you.

---Applause

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 599

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs , Mr. McLeod.

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Minister's Statement 50-15(5): 2007 Canada Winter Games

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 599

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to provide Members of the Legislative Assembly with an update on a number of special Team NWT initiatives being sponsored by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs for the upcoming Canada Winter Games, which will be held in Whitehorse, Yukon, from February 23 to March 10, 2007.

As Members may be aware, the most ambitious Canada Games torch relay even held began on April 10 of this year, when the three territorial torches were lit for the first time in the North at the Canadian Forces Base in Alert, Nunavut.

From that Far North start, the NWT torch has been on an epic journey through 25 communities to date. It has traveled by dog team, canoe, motorboat, on foot and by cross-country skis, by ATV, truck, car and military jet. It has visited Virginia Falls and has been sighted near the pingos of Tuktoyaktuk.

In the coming months, the torch will continue its journey through the rest of our communities before making its final trek from Yellowknife to Whitehorse just before the games open in February 2007.

In addition to the torch relay, the Northwest Territories is participating in a number of other special events to celebrate the first ever Canada Games north of the 60th parallel.

The Northwest Territories will be sending a contingent of Dene and Inuit games athletes who will vie for special medals in a competition among the three territories. Given the number of Canadians that are expected to attend from all across the country, this event will surely be one of the crowd pleasers at the games.

I am also pleased to report that 33 youth ambassadors, one from every community, will be attending the games to represent the Northwest Territories and learn valuable skills acting as games volunteers. Team NWT will also includes athletes and coaches from 12 sports including badminton, biathlon, snowboarding, curling, figure skating, gymnastics, hockey, cross-country skiing, short track speed skating, squash and shooting.

The 2007 Canada Winter Games represent a significant opportunity for all three territories to host our southern neighbours and to show them the unique wonders of the

North. I will be providing my colleagues with additional information on the Canada Winter Games as we continue our preparation. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 50-15(5): 2007 Canada Winter Games

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 600

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Minister' statements. The honourable Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment , Mr. Bell .

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Minister's Statement 51-15(5): Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 600

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories operates a fur marketing service to trappers in the Northwest Territories under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program.

This popular program provides guaranteed advance payment for all good quality fur shipped to auction, a prime fur bonus and grubstake funding for eligible trappers.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that the 2005-06 season was one of the best in 15 years for Northwest Territories trappers.

---Applause

Thank you. Proceeds from the sale of furs exceeded $1.4 million. Our harvest of marten pelts alone was worth $1 million.

Additionally, eligible trappers received payments from the Prime Fur Bonus and Grubstake programs worth in excess of $400,000, bringing the total income to trappers last season to $1.8 million.

Mr. Speaker, market reports for the upcoming season are quite promising. Marten, lynx, cross and white fox pelts from the Northwest Territories are in high demand and are expected to maintain or exceed last year's prices for our dedicated trappers.

Far East buyers are driving interest in wild mink and muskrat, so we expect increased prices for both species. Prices paid for beaver and marten have increased dramatically over the last three years and are expected to remain at high levels.

Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to report that properly handled wolverine and wolf pelts are predicted to once again reach last season's levels, while Northwest Territories and Nunavut seal pelts are in high demand and are also expected to increase in value.

Mr. Speaker, under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program, all Northwest Territories trappers are eligible for an advance payment for their furs. The amount of the advance is posted in all communities and is guaranteed under our program.

Strong markets and a demand for quality furs that currently exceeds supply is good news for Northwest Territories trappers. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise all Northwest Territories trappers that our government's advance payments for quality marten and lynx pelts will be increased on November 1, 2006, to better reflect market value and to directly assist trappers with rising operating costs.

Mr. Speaker, the number of youth involved in the trapping industry in the Northwest Territories is growing. This, in my opinion, is the most encouraging trend, and bodes well for our fur sector in the future. This government will continue to provide support to this important sector of our traditional economy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Minister's Statement 51-15(5): Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 600

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Finance , Mr. Roland .

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Minister's Statement 52-15(5): Rick Hansen Foundation

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 600

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Health and Social Services has agreed to a one-time contribution to the Rick Hansen Foundation...

---Applause

... in the amount of $100,000 to be disbursed in annual amounts of $20,000 over five years. This money will assist people with spinal cord injuries and persons with disabilities.

The Rick Hansen Foundation helps people with spinal cord injuries to have equal opportunities, and lead active and healthy lives.

In May, the Premier and the former Minister of Health and Social Services met with Mr. Hansen to discuss the needs for persons with disabilities, and Mr. Hansen shared some of his personal highlights. The meetings were successful. It was agreed that the Rick Hansen Foundation would work with the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities to ensure the GNWT contribution will be spent in the NWT. A "Solutions Team" of volunteers will work with the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities to allocate the $20,000 per year based on NWT proposals.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services, in conjunction with the Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities , will continue to work at improving services for persons with disabilities. Partnerships with NGOs, such as the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Rick Hansen Foundation, are integral to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Minister's Statement 52-15(5): Rick Hansen Foundation

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 600

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Recognition Of Metro Huculak For Exemplary Leadership

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 600

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today is Literacy Day in this Assembly and in keeping with our literacy theme this afternoon and the importance of education for all people, I would like to draw attention to an individual who has devoted a career to furthering the cause of education and literacy among young people.

Mr. Metro Huculak has done in his context of government and school boards and in keeping with the priority of

teaching students, ensuring they get a good education. Mr. Huculak is here in the audience today, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to read a press release from YK1 as my Member's statement.

Mr. Metro Huculak from YK1 was awarded the provincial/territorial EXL Award for Excellence in School Administration in Winnipeg at the Annual Canadian Association of School Administrators Conference on October 13, 2006. The Canadian Association of School Administrators presents this annual award to members who have displayed exemplary leadership ability, enhanced school administration, made important contributions to education, brought honour to their profession, and served as a member of CASA for five years. Administrators from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba and NWT were nominated for this provincial award.

It's quoted, "I am not at all surprised that Mr. Huculak was given this award," said Mr. Ed Wittchen, professional development director of CASA, "his energy, enthusiasm, interpersonal skills and strong leadership abilities have allowed him to bring a lot of positive changes to YK1 in a short period of time. He surrounds himself with a good team."

Mr. Huculak made significant changes since joining YK1 in August 2005 as superintendent. He places a strong emphasis in implementing professional development programs for YK1 administrative staff to expand their leadership capacity. Over the past few years he has worked at creating and applying the "Classroom Walk Through" program in Alberta which is still in progress and used in training NWT administration staff. Mr. Huculak was also involved in the "Healthy Interaction" and "Safe and Caring Communities and School" programs in Alberta. Mr.

Huculak is currently working for the Northwest Territories Teachers' Association and the Education, Culture and Employment to implement a similar program in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this moment to honour an educator and someone who makes a difference in our community, Mr. Huculak. Thank you.

---Applause

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Recognition Of Metro Huculak For Exemplary Leadership

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 601

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Thebacha , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Federal Funding Cuts To Literacy Programs

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 601

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, the value of literacy programs is not in question, nor is the need to support our museums or the volunteers who are working across the Northwest Territories to make life better, nor is the need for a strong environment, nor is the need to be able to have court challenge money. What is in question is the intent and policies of the Conservative government that have not served us well in these areas.

Mr. Speaker, it's very hard to come to a good understanding of the Conservative policies. They are so Republican.

---Laughter

It's so bush league that it has done us a terrible disservice in the Northwest Territories. The people who need it most are getting hurt the most. I think that is unfair. As we seek to negotiate a way to have the Conservative government come to their senses and put the money back, the one thing to keep in mind is there is an election coming. When that election comes, and if they haven't rectified these injustices to the people of the Northwest Territories, keep that in mind. It's as simple as ABC; Anybody but the Conservatives.

---Applause

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Federal Funding Cuts To Literacy Programs

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 601

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Status Of Sleep Apnea Treatments At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 601

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to speak today with regard to an issue that I brought up in the House in the past and that is the condition of sleep apnea and the devastating impact that it can have on a person and a family's quality of life.

In May of 2005, the former Minister said that a report was being done by Dr. Remmers from Calgary in regard to the continuation and modernization of the Sleep Centre at the Stanton Territorial Hospital. I have not seen a copy of that report and, Mr. Speaker, later today I will be questioning the new Minister on exactly what is happening out at Stanton with regard to sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a very common medical disorder. Sufferers with this condition need to have their condition properly diagnosed in a sleep lab prior to deciding on a form of treatment. This condition can cause severe drowsiness, the sufferer is unable to concentrate at work, stay alert, take care of children or drive safely. Some sufferers cannot even lie down without the fear of suffocating.

One of the forms of treatment is to sleep with the aid of a CPAP or an oxygen machine, which is not covered by NWT health insurance. Mr. Speaker, I would like to know exactly why this machine is not covered or insured. Last year, the former Minister stated that there was a working group currently reviewing the issue and they would come up with the best way for the usage of the CPAP machines to be covered. Mr Speaker, it's 18 months later and I am still getting concerns from constituents that extended health benefits is not covering the cost for these machines, which are approximately $1,800.

Mr. Speaker, I hope that the new Minister can explain to me today why this is still the case. Mahsi.

---Applause

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Status Of Sleep Apnea Treatments At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 601

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Villeneuve .

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Federal Funding Reductions

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 601

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the federal funding reductions we've recently had will have detrimental effects on many northern initiatives that are provided by our NGOs and our non-profit agencies who

rely heavily on federal government funding as a core funding source.

Mr. Speaker, I could stand here all day and talk about why our Conservative government should not have made these funding cuts to these social envelopes in Canada, more specifically here in the NWT, but I am sure the federal government has already had its spill of complaints over the past week.

I want to talk about the hypocritical tactics our Conservative government is taking on many national fronts. A good example is the Prime Minister stating in this House, not just a month ago, the need to free the North from the paternalistic hold Ottawa has on the NWT. But before the ink even dried on this news item, Mr. Speaker, the federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Mr. Prentice, is saying the interest of special interest groups, i.e. the aboriginal governments, will not stand in the way of northern development.

Before the election, the Conservatives were stating how supportive they were to addressing social gaps our aboriginal populations are up against in the areas of education, health and justice. Now we have federal cuts in areas which work to narrow the social gap and the obvious Conservative lack of support for the historic Kelowna Accord, which directly relates to issues related to this, Mr. Speaker, has not had much appeal.

Before federal elections, we heard the Conservatives talking about the partnership building initiatives with aboriginals in Canada, but just recently a UN declaration affirming the rights to lands and resources as essential to indigenous peoples retaining their culture and fulfilling their basic human rights was voted against by only two out of 47 countries, one being Canada. What does that tell us as Canadians, Mr. Speaker? All this lip service about turns, empty promises and inconsistency will get me, and I hope many other Canadians, thinking about the next federal election and say to themselves fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause.

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Federal Funding Reductions

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 602

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Recruiting And Retaining Nursing Graduates

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 602

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am going to have a lot more to say about the ABC and the cuts in federal funding later in the day but, at this point, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to speak about the issues of nursing grads at Aurora College. Mr. Speaker, as you're well aware, the Nursing Program at Aurora College has been and remains one of the cornerstones of the government's efforts to meet the challenge of recruiting and retaining the nurses in the North.

However, it appears that, for whatever reasons, a number of obstacles are being put in front of these grads that are having the effect of them questioning whether the government is genuine about wanting to hire them and keep them, and in some cases forcing them to consider looking elsewhere for employment options upon graduating next summer.

First of all, Mr. Speaker, nursing graduates are being told that they would receive only 90 percent of their wages as new nurses. Not only that, they're being told that there will be no commensurate increments in salaries between those grads with diplomas versus baccalaureate diplomas, Mr. Speaker. I'm also advised that this is not the way things are done in other jurisdictions and I urge this government to revisit this issue and stop the practice immediately.

Secondly, Mr. Speaker, nursing grads are being advised that they will have no choice in areas of specialty that they could practice when they begin their career as a new nurse in the North. Mr. Speaker, I do appreciate that, as an employer, the GNWT has its own operational requirements and that they would not be able to accommodate all requests of a specialty, but to approach it in a way that gives them no options for choice, even where such options could be workable, is not the way to make these nurses feel welcome or feel that the GNWT, as an employer, are concerned about being partners in their personal and career plans.

Mr. Speaker, I'm especially concerned about the suggestion being made to these nursing grads that they would be screened out for any nursing employment opportunities in the North if they don't go along with what's being offered. This is certainly not acceptable and not conducive to making them feel an important part of the NWT health care delivery system.

Mr. Speaker, we continue to face shortages of nurses, new and experienced, and goodness knows we need to keep each and every one of them. Surely we can and must do a better job to create a more positive and welcoming employment environment for these new nursing grads. I will be asking questions in question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Recruiting And Retaining Nursing Graduates

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 602

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Focus Of Federal Government Funding Reductions

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 602

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as some of my colleagues have spoken about today, I'd like to speak to my frustration at the federal government's budget cuts to some of the programs that are very important to the people of the Northwest Territories. I don't know what the message is that they're trying to send to us, Mr. Speaker. They want to cut money from the women's groups, youth programs, volunteerism, smoking cessation. What are they telling us? If you belong to a women's group, light up a cigarette, don't volunteer for anything, especially if it's youth programs? I fail to see where their priorities are, Mr. Speaker.

---Laughter

This is another good argument for the Northwest Territories on this resource revenue sharing, some of the money that leaves here. I heard it's like $1,200 by the time I finish speaking here. I mean, I didn't realize my words were worth that much. The Government of the Northwest Territories has got an opportunity here to send a message to the people of the Northwest Territories that they believe that these programs are important, by finding the money to fill in the gaps until the funding from the federal

government is restored; and if we fight hard enough, that money will be restored.

I failed to mention literacy, Mr. Speaker, but that is another important part of it. My colleague from Thebacha likes to talk about the ABCs. Well, today I want to give you another lesson on the most powerful letter in the alphabet, and that letter, Mr. Speaker, is the letter X. With one simple little letter you can change things you don't like. If you don't like the way a government is run, use the letter X and you can change it. If you don't like people or if you don't think people are qualified to be MLAs or Ministers, use that little letter. The letter X is a powerful letter. A lot of people went to war and fought so we could have the privilege of using this little letter.

So, Mr. Speaker, people across the NWT may think they're powerless sometimes, but, no, they're not. They're very, very powerful people and that power comes from one simple little letter and sometimes they should exercise that responsibility that's been given to them and use the letter X. Thank you.

---Applause

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Focus Of Federal Government Funding Reductions

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 603

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Federal Funding Reductions To The Volunteer Sector

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 603

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, federal actions in the last few weeks have savaged programs that make a big difference for the people of the NWT in literacy and public health, our museums, programs affecting aboriginal people, and tourism. Mr. Speaker, we learned a couple of days ago that the August 2006 budgetary surplus in Ottawa was, get this, $6.7 billion. So far this year that's $2 billion more than last year.

Astonishing; and yet the federal government, without talking to us, comes and rips $1.2 million out from underneath programs that support the most valuable, the most cherished, and I think the most undervalued sector of our society, and that's the volunteers. Many of these people are putting in the time away from their families, sometimes away from their jobs, donating their skills to their communities. This is an enormous hit, Mr. Speaker.

It might not sound like a big one in dollar terms, because for the volunteer sector here, the Canada Volunteer Initiative, it's $160,000 to this program annually, but that's 95 percent of its budget, Mr. Speaker. We're going to lose the initiatives that these people have started, with training, with community outreach.

You know, Mr. Speaker, 53 percent of NWT adults volunteer with a group. Eight-six percent of us volunteer informally on our own. Collectively we contribute the equivalent of an estimated $50 million to our economy. One hundred and sixty thousand dollars ripped out from underneath this very valuable organization is helping to turn over $50 million in productivity and benefit. Mr. Speaker, shame on the federal government.

---Applause

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Federal Funding Reductions To The Volunteer Sector

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 603

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Federal Funding Reductions To Literacy Programs

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 603

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you can see today, some of my colleagues are speaking on literacy. With the recent announcement by the Conservative government to cut a number of programs, the organization taking the biggest cut is the NWT Literacy Council, who, I understand, will lose approximately $300,000 in funding or one-third of their budget. This is a crying shame, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the way the Conservative government made the announcement, without consulting the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , shows a lack of respect for provincial and territorial governments. How will the Department of ECE find funds within their budget to replace the $300,000 that is vital to continue literacy programs for NWT residents?

Mr. Speaker, over the last few years we have strived, as a government, to enable residents to become literate by providing assistance to the NWT Literacy Council to assist local people in their communities so they can provide workshops for capacity building, tutoring workshops, et cetera. Mr. Speaker, in order for our people across the territory to survive in today's society, we need to continue to provide funding to the colleges, schools and adult education facilities so that the students can enhance their literacy skills and become self-sufficient and employable.

How can we do this when the federal government made these cuts? This is a step backward, in my opinion, because once again we, as aboriginal and non-aboriginal people, suffer the consequences and once again will have to rely on government hand outs.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, does the Conservative government know the importance of literacy and the unique situation of our vast and beautiful territory? With these recent cuts, Mr. Speaker, I don't think so. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Federal Funding Reductions To Literacy Programs

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 603

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Federal Funding Reductions To Literacy Programs

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 603

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in keeping with today's theme, I, too, would like to offer my thoughts on the effect of the recent, short-sighted federal decision to cut literacy funding for a number of territorial literacy advocacy groups who also deliver literacy programming to NWT residents and the cuts to funding for a portion of the Literacy Program delivered through Aurora College.

All in all, Mr. Speaker, the NWT will see $600,000 in cuts, with the NWT Literacy Council losing roughly $350,000 and Aurora College losing $125,000, and other organizations like the Federation franco-tenoise will also see their funding reduced. These cuts are particularly hard on a jurisdiction like ours where we do not have the ability to fund programs from other revenue sources.

In short, Mr. Speaker, to replace the federal funding will mean that another program or service will have to be cut.

Mr. Speaker, these cuts will be especially hard on the NWT Literacy Council and will challenge their ability to stay in operation past March of 2007. Losing one-third of their budget will mean no funding for governance, no pay for the executive director, and the end of community-based literacy programs.

In a press release deploring the cuts, the executive director of the NWT Literacy Council posed a number of very relevant questions in response to the federal government's position that funding national literacy initiatives is an adequate alternative to funding community-based literacy programs; and I quote, "Who is going to organize a National Literacy Program that will meet the needs of the people of Aklavik? Who in Ottawa will travel to Fort McPherson to offer family literacy training? And which national organization will work to create literacy materials in the aboriginal languages in the NWT?" Mr.

Speaker, I believe these questions highlight the need for and the relevance of the NWT Literacy Council in the day-to-day lives of the residents of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, Aurora College has also been severely impacted by the cuts. Funding for the student support centres at the Aurora College campuses is cut. So college students who need some extra help will be impacted. There will be two literacy outreach programs that will probably cease to operate.

Mr. Speaker, we are fortunate there are corporate citizens like BHP and Diavik that are working with and providing opportunities for their northern employees who want to improve their literacy and we thank them for this. However, Mr. Speaker, that responsibility lies primarily with all levels of government and it now appears that the federal government has abandoned those adults with literacy problems to us as a territorial government and NGOs.

In closing, I wanted to reiterate how disappointed I am with the actions of this federal government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Federal Funding Reductions To Literacy Programs

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 604

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Need For Territorial Energy Policy

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 604

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I read a document published by the Department of ITI and ENR called "Energy for the Future," June 2006. Mr. Speaker, the Ministers have embarked on an energy crusade to develop a framework policy to ensure all NWT communities are treated equally in heating their homes or reducing huge leakage in the business sectors.

Mr. Speaker, the document states that the NWT consumes nearly 416 million litres of fuel, 55 percent of which is used for transportation. Fuel imported for space heating requires 91 million litres of diesel imported for electricity generators. The report also states that the development of highway infrastructure would have the greatest impact in terms of reducing energy costs and the costs of living in the NWT communities.

I'm a little worried, Mr. Speaker, because in the Sahtu we have no highways, our communities rely on diesel generators, and we only have seasonal roads. In 2004 in Deline, the average income per person is a little more than half of what the average person earns elsewhere in the Territories. Yet, Mr. Speaker, our cost of living is almost double that of Yellowknife. The Energy for the Future report is full of good ideas, such as the hydroelectric development strategy. The report says that hydroelectric power is renewable and insulated from international fuel price increases.

The report also mentioned other potentials for cheaper energy sources. However, as long as these ideas sit in this report, the cost of living in the Sahtu remains terribly high. The government needs to get moving on implementing this strategy as soon as possible, so the people in the Sahtu can lead affordable lives.

Mr. Speaker, finally, I look forward towards a policy that supports all communities in the North with an equitable and sustaining energy model that will make our people proud and that we will be doing more to make it more liveable. Thank you.

---Applause

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Need For Territorial Energy Policy

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 604

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Federal Funding Reductions To Literacy Programs

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 604

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Mr. Speaker, I made a statement last week, but I would like to say this again. I'd like to make a statement on literacy. When we look into our region and within Canada, the government has made cutbacks to literacy programs. They have also taken money away from my region and when we consider all the mining industry in our land and the majority of people that are working there are southern people and this is a statement I would like to make. (Translation ends)

We have heard lots of facts and statistics about the importance of literacy in this House. I could stand here and reiterate these facts and tell you once again that, according to our survey, 42 percent of working-age adults in the Northwest Territories have literacy challenges, Mr. Speaker. But I'm not going to do that today, Mr. Speaker. Instead I'm going to tell you a story about my community and every other small aboriginal community in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories currently benefits from a booming economy in our backyard. We have three major diamond mines in this territory. We have oil and gas and all the secondary industries that these industries bring with them. Mr. Speaker, we have more jobs than many parts of Canada. All that looks good on paper, Mr. Speaker, but when I go back to my community I talk to many of my constituents who unfortunately fall within the 69 percent of working-age aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories who have literacy challenges and who, as a result, Mr.

Speaker, are therefore impacted by other social issues such as equity, power, justice, and their children's learning, and more. Instead of living on the property line or filling manual labour positions, these are the people, Mr. Speaker, who could be and should be taking on these high profile management and highly

skilled trades positions made available by these industries. Instead, Mr. Speaker, we see southern people, as indicated in this House on several occasions, flying over our communities and taking away employment that should be rightfully ours.

Mr. Speaker, can this government justify telling 69 percent of its people that they are not important enough to be acknowledged? Mr. Speaker, I will have questions at the appropriate time. Mahsi.

---Applause

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Federal Funding Reductions To Literacy Programs

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 605

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 605

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize Lydia Bardak, a constituent of mine and one of our new city councillors. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 605

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 605

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I see Mr. Dan Stockton, a constituent of mine and who also owns a business that deals with sleep apnea and respiratory therapy programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 605

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we've missed anybody in the gallery today, welcome to the House. I hope your enjoying the proceedings. It's always nice to have an audience.

---Applause

Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 605

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the Minister of ITI , when will his department start implementing some of the steps in the Energy for the Future document so that the Northwest Territories can see an equitable cost structure for energy provisions for all of the communities in the Northwest Territories?

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Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 605

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment , Mr. Bell .

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Return To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 605

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Member for the question. It's a good question. We've had a number of vehicles and documents over the last number of years building towards an Energy Strategy. Members are aware and Mr. Yakeleya 's just referenced the document, Energy for the Future, a discussion paper that was released this June. It was meant to stimulate some dialogue and debate on the issues. We embarked on a consultation, tried this summer and didn't get much uptake, so we've rescheduled for the fall here. Obviously people are very busy in the summer, but we have a number of consultations underway this fall. We've been in Simpson; we've been in Norman Wells. We're on

schedule in many other communities. The intent is to come back to committee and be ready to roll out the plan in February. But we should be to committee I believe in January. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 605

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 605

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, I read the document. It's a very important document. I sure hope we get a lot of people in there and involved in terms of getting some discussion here. Mr. Speaker, as I said in my Member's statement, the Energy for the Future report states that the development of the highway infrastructure would have the greatest impact in terms of reducing the energy costs and cost of living in many Northwest Territories communities. In the Sahtu we have no highways. Our communities rely on diesel generators and we only have seasonal roads. Mr.

Speaker, I want to know what this government or this Minister is prepared to do for the Sahtu in order to make the cost of living more affordable. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 605

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 605

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, there's no doubt that infrastructure is key. Many of our communities that rely on flown in goods obviously are at a cost disadvantage. We need to make investments in road infrastructure throughout the territory. You've heard this government and this Premier lobbying in Ottawa for roads in your neck of the woods. Mr. Speaker, I think that you know that we'll continue to do that. We think it's a priority. It's but one piece of our energy plan and Energy Strategy, but it is vital to do something and make an impact on the cost of living in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 605

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 605

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister to define what "affordable" means as a target. For instance, does affordable mean that the government predicts the Sahtu can have a cost of living equal to Yellowknife or to Edmonton? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 605

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 605

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, obviously affordability is relative. We recognize there are going to be differences, disparities between communities in the North.

Some are remote. Some are closer. Yellowknife is going to have some cost advantages by virtue of the fact that it's on the road system. Mr. Speaker, we'll never be able to iron out all of those cost differentials to make everybody equal. I think what we're trying to strive for is equitability. We recognize that we've got to do what we can primarily in our smaller communities to bring down the cost of living. That's a priority for this government. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister has my 125 percent support in terms of making it equitable and bringing down the cost of living in the Sahtu region. Mr. Speaker, my question for the Minister is, when will the Sahtu see a significant, effective reduction of the fuel costs and increase to the standards of living? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First step is to plan in February, but that's not to suggest that all initiatives are on hold. I know the community of Deline is doing some very good work looking at some local hydro options. I've been very impressed with their ability to look for solutions and not wait, obviously, for a government plan that tells them these things make sense. I think intuitively they know that. We're prepared to support that community and other communities that want to look at local solutions, Mr. Speaker. I'll give the Member this government's assurance that those communities have our full support and we'll continue to work with them to find solutions. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Question 226-15(5): Implementation Of The GNWT Energy Strategy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to get back to my Member's statement from earlier. Again, I am standing up in this House and questioning the government on sleep apnea and how the government is dealing with this issue. Last year there was a substantial wait for persons wanting to access the Sleep Centre at Stanton Hospital and the former Minister stated last May that a report was being done by Dr. Remmers from Calgary in regard to the modernization of a Sleep Centre at Stanton. I'm wondering if the Minister of Health and Social Services can tell me exactly what the report of Dr.

Remmers of Calgary did last year said about the Sleep Centre at Stanton and what exactly the disposition of that centre is today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services , Mr. Roland .

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Return To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm not familiar with that report and would have to make a request to the department as to where that report is and what recommendations may have been made. Thank you.

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Return To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On May 30th of last year the former Minister stated in this House, on page 75 of Hansard, that there is a working group currently reviewing this issue. I'm sure that they will be giving us suggestions on the best way for this program to be covered. This program, Mr. Speaker, is the CPAP machine that sufferers of sleep apnea require as part of their treatment. I'd like to ask the Minister, is he aware of the recommendations that this working group came up with? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated earlier, I'm not familiar with that report and would have to get the information. So, no, I'm not aware of those recommendations. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's not only sleep apnea patients that can use the help of the CPAP machine. A constituent of mine suffered from a heart defect and had severe arrhythmia. One of the most significant symptoms was a marked decrease in oxygen while he slept and, Mr. Speaker, once he was tested and given oxygen while he slept he felt immediately better and the stress to his heart decreased significantly. I'd like to ask the Minister to tell me why the use of these machines and the purchase of these machines is not fully covered by the NWT health insurance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 606

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the process we have in place today, my understanding is through a contractor we do testing of individuals who are referred to them by their doctor for testing. The testing can happen in any one of our regional centres, more normally done here in Yellowknife at the Stanton Hospital. With those results of the tests that are sent back to one of the internal medicine specialists, who would look at the information and depending on that process, if there is an additional medical condition attached to it, a prescription, as we call, is sent up to the office that deals with sending out requests and coverage

under this area of HIB, and that, in fact, is what we use today. We use the same requirements that are put upon us by the NHIB. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't think the Minister quite understood my question or answered my question. Given the fact that the use of these machines is fundamental to the sufferers of sleep apnea and other conditions, I believe the government should fully fund the purchase and the use of these machines, because they increase the quality of life for individuals. Again I want to ask the Minister, why are these machines not fully covered by NWT health insurance? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department itself or the Government of the Northwest Territories does not cover those on its own. We do from time to time, depending, as I stated earlier, if there is a medical condition as well related to this and this helps relieve that condition a prescription is made to our office and is sent through for coverage in line with the same guidelines used by the NIHB. That's the process that we use today. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Question 227-15(5): Stanton Territorial Hospital Sleep Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, today is Halloween and by golly we got some scary news the other week from the federal government, didn't we? About a million-two, I understand, lost to the NWT, $160,000 to the Volunteer Initiatives Program. That's scary. The Literacy Program, the Literacy Council here, $300,000, a third of their revenue is gone. They may have to close down some of their programs or lay off some of their staff. Frightening, Mr. Speaker. The amazingly successful program that we have got going, and I believe it's with Nunavut, to help curb smoking and help stop kids from smoking, the Butthead program, is under threat, as well as contributions to our museums.

Mr. Speaker, I wanted to ask my questions of the Premier to see if he could advise the Assembly, Mr. Speaker, of the cumulative impact on programs, on our communities, and specifically on initiatives that this government is involved in. How are we hurt because of these program cuts by the federal government, Mr. Speaker?

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Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Return To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, I don't have all the numbers on the cumulative impact. Let me tell you that on literacy alone it's in the neighbourhood of $500,000. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Supplementary, Mr. Braden .

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Supplementary To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, because these have such broad-reaching impacts, has the Premier undertaken to direct all departments to look at where and what the impact is and what contingencies might be considered to take up the slack, Mr. Speaker?

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Supplementary To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Mr. Handley .

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Further Return To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we have asked the departments to take a look at this and it doesn't matter which department is affected. Take a look at it and see what the impact is and whether there's ways of us doing business a little differently or helping out. But, Mr. Speaker, at the same time let me say that we can't just jump in whenever the federal government decides to opt out, because it just gets very expensive for us. So we want to be creative, we want to work with the NGOs and the others who are impacted by these programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Supplementary, Mr. Braden .

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Supplementary To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, I couldn't agree more with the Premier that now is not the time for us to jump in and accept this ghoulish, Mr. Speaker, this absolutely frightening surprise. And this was a surprise. Like a ghost in the dark, the feds came along and zap, they hit us. So I couldn't agree more that now is not the time for us to jump in and automatically fill the gap. So, Mr. Speaker, what has the Premier done to convey our disappointment and our dismay at the loss of these programs, Mr. Speaker?

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Supplementary To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Mr. Handley .

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Further Return To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, I have written a letter to the Prime Minister on this and explained our concern to him and appealed that he reconsider this. Mr. Speaker, as well, each of the Ministers whose mandate the various programs that have been cut fall within have also written letters.

I have talked to other Premiers as well and in fact the chair of the Council of the Federation of all the Premiers across the country had a discussion, had a teleconference this morning and we have agreed to do a letter on behalf of all the Premiers saying this is something that impacts every jurisdiction, not just the Northwest Territories but all of us, and we're concerned about it. We're asking him to look at this again. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 607

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Where we've really got to go with this one is not only seeing what we can do about the cuts that we know of, but I believe the Conservative government also signalled that there may be even more so-called smart spending initiatives. What can the Premier tell us about any potential future additional cuts which might be in store for us, Mr. Speaker?

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Supplementary To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Mr. Handley .

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Further Return To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We haven't received confirmation that there is an intention to do another round of cuts, although that was indicated. I can tell you that all of the jurisdictions, all the Premiers across the country are very concerned about that and all of us have expressed our concern with this round of cuts as well as anything else that they may be considering in the future and are letting the Prime Minister know that we're not happy about this, the way it was done or the expectation that we're somehow going to be able to afford to jump in there and fill in where they pulled back. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Question 228-15(5): Impact Of Federal Funding Reductions On Territorial Programs

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the questions to the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment , the Honourable Brendan Bell . It has to do with the business incentive policy and the Minister knows that I have some concerns about one aspect of the business incentive policy and that is the five percent local preference that is applied to contracts when the contract is put out to tender and the bid comes back from a specific community.

There's no issue with that particularly, but when the goods or services that are procured are actually for territorial consumption, does the Premier , or, pardon me, does the Minister agree that to give one company the advantage of a five percent local preference when the goods are going to be distributed territorially is a fair practice? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment , Mr. Bell .

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Return To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, I believe the intention for the local preference for BIP is to give an advantage to a local company. An example of where goods would be purchased, we'll use Yellowknife for an example, in Yellowknife for the use by a government department in Yellowknife. If in fact that's not the intent and the government department then intends to then turn around and ship the goods out to regions, I would suggest that that wouldn't qualify for local preference for Yellowknife businesses. Thank you.

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Return To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Well, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. That is exactly the answer that I wanted to hear, because there are agencies that are funded by the government in Yellowknife that go out to tender for goods which are to be redistributed through a standing offer agreement with, well, I might as well say what it is. It's the health authorities where they have the opportunity to kind of piggyback on the pricing that was obtained by Stanton Hospital.

Then each of the regions has the opportunity to take advantage of that, but since the tender originates here it doesn't really give a fair playing field to companies that may want to bid on that. So let me understand clearly then, Mr. Speaker. The Minister is saying that where such a situation occurs as I have just described, that in fact the five percent local preference would not be applied. Is that correct? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

I believe, Mr. Speaker, I understand the Member's question. If the goods are it's an arrangement where Yellowknife business is given a local preference, it would make sense for local preference to be applied where those goods are going to be used in Yellowknife. If those goods are going to be used in Norman Wells, it wouldn't make sense for a Yellowknife business to get a local preference on the percentage of the goods that are going outside of Yellowknife. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister, then, if he considers it kind of administratively possible that not knowing exactly where the uptake is going to be sometimes on these standing offer agreements, is it administratively realistic to be able to prorate that particular tender? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 608

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, that's a very good question. It's probably a procurement question and I'm not sure I know what administrative mechanisms we have at our disposal that are in place, but I would suggest that, yes, it must be difficult to understand what future demand will be and where the goods will eventually end up. I can certainly agree to get back to the Member with our methodology in trying to make this determination. But,

really, the intent of the policy in the local preference is to advantage local businesses. If those goods are being purchased with every intention of sending them out to other regions of the Northwest Territories, then you have to question the application of local preference in that regard. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, then what opportunity does the Minister have to affect a situation like that? What is the mechanism for him to ensure that this is not occurring, that there are not local businesses getting local preference for things which are purchased for territorial distribution? What ability and what assurance can he offer, then, that he has the ability to actually delve into the system to that level of detail that would ensure that does not happen? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

There are a couple of ways to deal with this, Mr. Speaker. I'm not an advocate of excessive red tape, but certainly the person who feels that the policy has been misapplied can appeal to our deputy minister standing committee on the BIP. If they don't feel that they get satisfaction there, it should be brought to my attention and I will go to the client department who is procuring the goods and ask them if their intention was to have local preference applied here and that they actually intend to use those goods locally.

If they don't, we have to have a discussion with that client department about the application or misapplication of the BIP and I would certainly then endeavour to get back to the Member and to their constituent in that regard. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Question 229-15(5): Local Preference Component Of The Business Incentive Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Oral questions. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden . The honourable Member for Thebacha , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and it's in regards to municipal elections. Our office of the Chief Electoral Officer has evolved and matured over the years and runs the territorial elections, but the other big piece of the public government system are municipalities, which right now I understand have their elections run separately. I just wanted to ask the Minister, has any thought been given for efficiencies and for economies of scale, to look at having the Chief Electoral Officer's office oversee the elections both at the territorial level and the municipal level? Thank you.

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Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Return To Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had indicated earlier, in response to some questioning regarding municipal elections, that we would be reviewing the act. The act has been in place for some time now. Aside from some minor revisions, I think the act has pretty well stayed the way it was drafted in 1988. A number of issues have come forward over the years from communities, including reducing election periods and looking at ways of encouraging voter participation and changing the eligibility provisions and a number of other things. Those things will be brought forward when we do the review.

We're doing the research right now and that would include also trying to align the act with the NWT Elections Act. So we're looking at those things and trying to do analysis of the benefits. Thank you.

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Return To Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger .

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Supplementary To Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for that answer. Could the Minister as well just indicate what the timelines are for this paper? I recognize the questions on proxy votes. He indicated there was a paper coming forward, but he didn't think it would be done in time for this Assembly to act on. But could I just ask the Minister to confirm that again, please? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Mr. McLeod.

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Further Return To Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are doing the research right now. We are putting the discussion paper together and we are anticipating that this document will be available for discussion amongst the stakeholders in the new year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Question 230-15(5): Administration Of Municipal Elections

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 609

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are to the Minister of Health and Social Services and it's following up on the Member's statement that I made earlier. Mr. Speaker, I believe the Minister has been made aware of the concerns that have been brought to his attention and to my attention and some other colleagues in this House from the nursing grad class of 2007 at Aurora College.

Some of the issues that I spoke about earlier comes from the latest meeting that the class had with the government Human Resources officials who, by stating some of the stuff that they did or not being very clear about where the government stood on making these new grads feel welcome into the very much needed human resource space of our health care system that they're feeling very distraught and demoralized. So I'd like to ask the Minister if he could use this opportunity to clarify whether he would be willing to revisit any of these policies. Thank you.

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Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 610

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Return To Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 610

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had been made aware of concerns at a presentation to the potential graduation class for 2007 of our Nursing Program. To set the record straight of how we've implemented the policy, there's still a commitment by this government to hire all of our graduating nurses in the Northwest Territories and find suitable employment for them in one of our health authorities around the territory. So the commitment's there. We will continue to honour that commitment. It includes a number of things. One, for example, Mr.

Speaker, when a graduation class is done their program, we offer immediate employment through either Stanton or one of our other health authorities, other facilities in the Territories, and that is done even though they don't receive their full licence. They operate under a temporary licence and still would be under the guidance of a supervisor at that point. It usually takes about three months and then they would fall under the regular category of our hiring practices. Thank you.

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Return To Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 610

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Supplementary, Ms. Lee .

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Supplementary To Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 610

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm of course glad to hear that the GNWT wants to do all it can to hire these grads, but I think everyone would agree that next to the decision to get married a career that one chooses is as serious as that. Like marriages, it's not a one-way street. Only because government says we want to hire you all, that doesn't mean that the contract is done unless and until the contract arrangements are such that it's acceptable to those being hired. As they stand right now, Mr.

Speaker, I don't think the government is going far enough to make these people want to work for the GNWT and not look elsewhere. Because knowing the environment, I mean, they have lots of choices to choose from. I would like to know why it is that the government is not willing to look at this policy of just paying them 90 percent. That's like nitpicking the 10 percent. The salary system is already graded, so why alienate them in that way and also why is there no difference between baccalaureate grads versus diplomas?

I mean those are the little things, but big things that put a sour taste into these people's mouths. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 610

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 610

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what we've done in the Northwest Territories is to allow for immediate hiring of the graduating nurses, and they would only be able to operate under a temporary licence until they get their full licence, and that usually takes about three months. It's that interim period that it's 90 percent. Once they receive their full licence and are then able to operate in one of our hospitals without supervision, then it goes up to the 100 percent salary. So we've gone one step further, I believe, than other jurisdictions, and that's make the graduating class available for immediate hire. That's why it's stepped at that location.

When it comes to the difference between diploma and baccalaureate nursing in the field, to get your licence both groups have to write the same exam and that's why it's treated that way. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 610

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Supplementary, Ms. Lee .

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Supplementary To Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 610

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the issue of not giving nursing grads the choice of specialities, I think we're all aware of the fact that in any chosen field there are such vast areas of practice and specialties that not everyone has the same interests or they have certain interests that they want to pursue. Will the Minister revisit this and consider giving some options to nursing grads for at least the employers to consider and work out situations that are agreeable to both parties? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 610

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 610

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd be glad to sit down with the department in that area to see what can be done. Again, our commitment is to offer jobs available. Part of our situation is that once we intake a lot of the grads, although a lot of them would like to work in our larger facilities and centres, we have to have other resources to ensure that training can occur in some of these areas, and that is part of our goal as a government, as well as to ensure that we have nursing coverage throughout the territory, and that's one of the other considerations that has to come into this. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 610

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Final supplementary, Ms. Lee .

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Supplementary To Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Question 231-15(5): Hiring Practices For Northern Nursing Graduates

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 610

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the concerns also raised was the fact that these grads would be told that they would be screened out of any employment opportunities if they don't go with this plan and I wouldn't think that the Minister or this government would stand by that sort of statement and I would like to know if the Minister will make a commitment to see if that was in fact said and to correct the situation if that was the case. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 231-15