Debates of June 20th, 1995

This is page numbers 1441 - 1471 of the Hansard for the 12th Assembly, 7th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was know .

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Nunavut Visit By Prime Minister And German Chancellor

Minister Absent From The House

Approval Of Gun Registration Fee By Federal Government

Importance Of Community Radio Stations

Forest Fire Suppression

Financial Implications Of Division

Appreciation To Assembly Staff For Preparation Of Educational Material

Business Corporations Act

Territorial Court Act

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Development On Agricultural Policy

Improvements To Communications Systems Infrastructure

Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Return To Written Question 31-12(7): Funds Transferred From The Inuktitut Literacy Training Program

Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Mr. Antoine , Mr. Ballantyne , Hon. Nellie Cournoyea , Mr. Dent , Hon. Samuel Gargan , Mr. Koe , Mr. Lewis , Mrs. Marie-Jewell , Ms. Mike , Hon. Don Morin , Hon. Richard Nerysoo , Hon. Kelvin Ng , Mr. Ningark , Hon. John Pollard , Mr. Pudlat , Mr. Pudluk , Mrs. Thompson , Hon. John Todd , Mr. Whitford , Mr. Zoe

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---Prayer

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 1441

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Pudlat . Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Ms. Cournoyea .

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Minister's Statement 102-12(7): Nunavut Visit By Prime Minister And German Chancellor

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1441

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, three Nunavut communities hosted Prime Minister Chretien and German Chancellor Kohl. The people of Cape Dorset, Pangnirtung and Iqaluit are to be commended for their hospitality and the way they provided the Canadian and German delegations with a brief but memorable experience of life in communities and on the land in Nunavut.

However, even before it started, the visit to the Arctic by these two world leaders was seen as an opportunity to present a very important message to both Canada and Europe. Mr. Speaker, Members are aware that in recent months, the federal government has been taking an aggressive role at the international level in defence of the Canadian fur industry. The visit to Nunavut by Germany's Chancellor provided both Canada and the NWT with an excellent forum to reinforce our messages, particularly with respect to the devastating economic effects of the European ban on sealskin imports and further damage which the proposed ban on leghold traps will have on the traditional harvesting economy.

Mr. Speaker, in personal conversations with the Prime Minister and Chancellor Kohl, I was assured that both will continue to take steps to bring some common sense to the way in which their governments deal with decisions on the fur trade. Members should also be aware that the Chancellor gave a number of interviews with the German press in which he expressed concerns about the impact of the animal rights/anti-trapping lobby on the traditional harvesting economy of aboriginal peoples. In addition, the Prime Minister advised that he spoke personally to European leaders about the fur issue at the recent Halifax G-7 summit.

One other important product of the Nunavut visit was the exposure that Baffin Island and the Northwest Territories received on national and international television during the last four days. Moreover, having millions of people around the world hear Chancellor Kohl promote the environment, cultures, people and communities of the Arctic is an unexpected bonus for our tourism industry.

---Applause

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Minister's Statement 102-12(7): Nunavut Visit By Prime Minister And German Chancellor

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1441

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Ms. Cournoyea .

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Minister's Statement 103-12(7): Minister Absent From The House

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1441

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Silas Arngna'naaq is ill and will be absent from the House today. Thank you.

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Minister's Statement 103-12(7): Minister Absent From The House

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1441

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pudluk .

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Approval Of Gun Registration Fee By Federal Government

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1441

Ludy Pudluk

High Arctic

(Translation) Last Friday, I heard a program on the radio from Iqaluit about the proposed gun control legislation. They interviewed Jack Anawak and it was a phone-in show. He was asked questions about the registration, about having to pay $50 to get a certificate. When he asked why this was the case, he answered that it was approved by the territorial government. I want the Inuit to understand fully that this gun control legislation was not introduced by the territorial government and is very much opposed by northerners.

The fee they have to pay, the $50, was established by the federal government. The federal government introduced this fee and I just want to make this clear to northerners. If I didn't misunderstand, the Member of Parliament said this was the case, but it wasn't introduced by the territorial government; it was introduced by the federal government. I just wanted to make that clear. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Approval Of Gun Registration Fee By Federal Government

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1441

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Thompson .

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Importance Of Community Radio Stations

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1442

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Community-run radio stations are a lifeline for most remote settlements in the Arctic. They rely heavily on these stations to provide them with local, national and international news. For many people, especially unilingual Inuit, the radio is the only source for news and information.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has been an important player in ensuring that even the smaller communities have basic radio service; however, in many of these communities, the equipment is outdated and, as a result, there are frequent interruptions in service. The company contracted to keep these stations operational and to repair equipment has a local contact person in most communities who has received basic training on the equipment by the contractor. However, Mr. Speaker, the training provided is so basic that often the individual is not able to make even basic repairs.

Locating parts for such old equipment and delays in shipping can often lead to a community having to go without radio service for weeks, sometimes months.

I realize that delivering such a service to a small community is a complex and costly venture, but if the Government of the Northwest Territories is going to remain involved in funding these stations, better coordination is needed to ensure that the best possible service is provided. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Importance Of Community Radio Stations

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1442

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mrs. Thompson . Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Zoe .

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Forest Fire Suppression

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1442

Henry Zoe

North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we all know, last year was a very bad year for forest fires in the north, and this year is shaping up to be as bad or even worse. But I'm glad to see, Mr. Speaker, that the Minister responsible for forest fire management is acting decisively to respond to the situation. We all applauded his announcement yesterday of a 31 per cent raise to certified firefighters' wages with good reason, although the other part of his announcement was just as important. Many of my constituents have complained in the past about compensation when their cabins or traplines were destroyed by fire.

The increased compensation announced yesterday by the honourable Minister will go a long way towards addressing their concerns.

Mr. Speaker, increased community involvement is the other important part of these new initiatives. Involving community leaders about how to fight forest fires is a common-sense solution which will help us use our limited resources better and more efficiently. I hope the government and the Minister will work hard to help communities take action now to build fire breaks, develop an action plan or do whatever needs to be done to protect our communities from fires.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am glad to see that it is a cool, wet day again today. I know many of us look forward to sunshine in the summer, but with the forest being so dry, we need all the rain we can get. I hope we get enough to make this summer a safe and happy one for all northerners. Mahsi.

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Forest Fire Suppression

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1442

Some Hon. Members

Hear! Hear!

---Applause

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Forest Fire Suppression

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1442

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Are there any further Members' statements? Mr. Ballantyne .

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Financial Implications Of Division

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1442

Michael Ballantyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about a serious developing problem in the Northwest Territories. We are heading into a period of major financial uncertainty. The Northwest Territories is a very difficult region to govern at the best of times. It is a huge area with many different languages and cultures and a very small, scattered population. We have the youngest population in the country and the highest unemployment. We have terrible social problems. The political, economic and social fabric of our society is very fragile. The federal government has raised high expectations in the areas of division and of self-government.

Mr. Speaker, here in this House we should talk about how we are going to deal with those expectations in the years to come. I think this government has done a good job to protect the resources we have. I think the Minister of Finance has done the best job he could do, but the reality is the problems that are facing us in the next four or five years are immense. The federal government has to be held accountable because of the expectation they have raised. They have let every region think that self-government is just around the corner and that they will pay the incremental costs of division. I see signs more and more that that isn't the case.

The real danger for us, unless we deal with these problems and unless the federal government lives up to its expectations, is we in the Northwest Territories will turn against one another. I see that potential with every passing day as being a possibility. Today, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister of Finance some questions about his ideas of how we should try to approach this. I think as we head into an election, we have to be very clear and honest with our constituents; the future won't be the same as it was in the past. We won't have as much money, we won't be able to meet everyone's expectations.

I think that all of us have a responsibility to be very realistic of what we can achieve in the next four years.

So I hope in the dying days of this Assembly, that the government and MLAs try to make it very clear to their constituents that we are heading for tough times. The federal government is struggling with a huge deficit and debt problem. I have no doubt that part of the solution is going to be more cutbacks in the Northwest Territories. If there isn't enough money to do things properly, then we have to work...

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Financial Implications Of Division

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1442

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

---Applause

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Financial Implications Of Division

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1443

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Member for Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Ballantyne .

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Financial Implications Of Division

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1443

Michael Ballantyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have some difficult times ahead. I think we have the capacity and will in this House to deal with those times. It is very important that we remember that the federal government has the ultimate responsibility to live up to their commitments. For the rest of us, the name of the game is we hang together, do our best and that will get us through these tough times. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Financial Implications Of Division

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1443

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Koe .

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Appreciation To Assembly Staff For Preparation Of Educational Material

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1443

Fred Koe

Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I have a good-news statement. Periodically, when I go to Inuvik, I get invited to talk to students in the schools. They want me to talk about politics and government systems. A few months ago, I met with the senior students in SAMS Elementary School. At that time, I used the information and educational package that was prepared by the Legislative Assembly. When I was in Inuvik, I met one of the teachers whose classes I talked to. I handed this material out at the end of my talk and they used it in their discussions afterward.

She said the students were very pleased with the information that was provided to them. It was very concise and useful information.

So I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of those students and instructors, to thank the Speakers who have been involved in preparing this information and thank the staff of the Legislative Assembly for doing a very good job. Mahsi.

---Applause

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Appreciation To Assembly Staff For Preparation Of Educational Material

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1443

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Todd .

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Appreciation To Assembly Staff For Preparation Of Educational Material

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1443

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Mr. Speaker, could I seek unanimous consent to return to item 2. I apologize for missing that.

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Appreciation To Assembly Staff For Preparation Of Educational Material

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1443

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Member for Keewatin Central is seeking unanimous consent to return to item 2, Ministers' statements. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Todd .

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Minister's Statement 104-12(7): Business Corporations Act

Revert To Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1443

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, honourable colleagues. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Justice , I would like to provide an update on the commercial law reforms. While much work remains to be done, it is timely to summarize the progress which has been made to date.

1. After over 25 years of attempts to complete the job, the transfer of the land titles program was completed in the summer of 1993.

2. The Personal Property Security Act was first tabled in 1993 and eventually passed in 1994. Regulations are now being drafted and the computer program and public relations materials necessary to implement the act will soon be developed. It is anticipated that this act will come into force in early 1996.

3. Amendments to the Partnership Act were passed and came into force on January 1st of this year.

4. Amendments to the Co-operative Associations Act were passed earlier in the current session and changes to the regulations necessary to bring the amendments into force are now being drafted.

5. Amendments to the Land Titles Act were passed in April, some of which are already in force. To bring into force the remaining amendments, regulations are now being drafted.

At the appropriate time later today, I will table a consultation draft of a Business Corporations Act. This draft is being circulated to the business community and the legal and accounting professions for their comments. This act would replace the present Companies Act and Companies Winding-up Act.

The current Companies Act closely resembles the Companies Act of Alberta, which they replaced more than 10 years ago. It has not been adapted to current commercial practices and in a number of areas overlaps with personal property security legislation and securities legislation. In the past 15 years, most of the provinces and the Yukon have adopted legislation based upon the

Canada Business Corporations Act.

A Business Corporations Act would strike an appropriate balance between the interests of the majority and minority shareholders, creditors and the public dealing with companies. At the same time, it would simplify procedures, eliminate unnecessary applications to the court and eliminate areas of duplication with other legislation.

Specifically, the new act would:

1. Simplify the procedure for incorporation, including elimination of the requirement to specify the objectives of the company and the requirement that each company have at least two shareholders.

2. Improve the process for the approval of company names.

3. Provide greater flexibility in the share structure and in the relations between shareholders.

4. Simplify the procedure for amendments to the corporations share capital and for amalgamations, including reducing the requirements for court approval of these fundamental changes. This is achieved in part by providing for specific rights for minority shareholders who are not in agreement with the fundamental changes.

5. Simplify the procedures for dissolving and reviving companies, including dispensing with the requirement for court approval in most instances.

6. Eliminate unnecessary applications to the court while allowing recourse to the courts in the case of legitimate problems. The Companies Act now provides that almost all fundamental changes to a corporation require the approval of the court, even where there are no shareholders who disagree with the changes. In other cases, the legitimate concerns of minority shareholders are not adequately addressed.

Once all comments are received from the public, the bill will be prepared, Mr. Speaker, for consideration by the 13th Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

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Minister's Statement 104-12(7): Business Corporations Act

Revert To Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1444

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Ms. Cournoyea .

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Minister's Statement 105-12(7): Territorial Court Act

Revert To Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1444

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, later today on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi , Minister of Justice , I will table a document which identifies proposed amendments to the Territorial Court Act. This document has been prepared for the purposes of public consultation over the summer.

Members will recall that in 1992 the NWT Court of Appeal, in its judgment in the "Temela" group of cases, urged the government to undertake reforms to the act because of the potential for ministerial interference in the discipline of judges in ways which would violate the right under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to be tried by an independent and impartial tribunal.

If these proposed changes became law in the NWT, we will be in line with a trend that commenced in Ontario and Manitoba. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 105-12(7): Territorial Court Act

Revert To Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1444

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Cournoyea .

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Further Return To Question 592-12(7): Consultation For Development Of Official Languages Handbook

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1444

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Allooloo on June 13th regarding consultation for development of the official languages handbook. Mr. Allooloo asked if the Premier would be able to provide the Legislative Assembly the list of aboriginal groups who had general discussions with the officials of the department. During the fall and winter, the assistant deputy minister of official languages met or had phone conversations with the following:

- representatives from the Dene Cultural Institute;

- representatives from the Inuit Cultural Institute;

- representatives from the Baffin Regional Inuit Association;

- Languages Commissioner;

- representatives from the Federation Franco-TéNOise;

- representatives from the Nunavut Implementation Committee;

- representatives from the Hay River Treatment Centre;

- representatives from the Hay River Friendship Centre; and,

- representatives from the Fort Smith Friendship Centre

The purpose of those consultations was to ascertain the areas where the GNWT should focus its language resources on. The community representatives consulted stressed that funding should be directed at community-based initiatives for enhancement, maintenance and revitalization of languages. These comments played an important role in the development of official languages guidelines.

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Further Return To Question 589-12(7): Number Of GNWT Lay-offs Due To Language Funding Cuts

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1444

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

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Further Return To Question 589-12(7): Number Of GNWT Lay-offs Due To Language Funding Cuts

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1444

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ballantyne .

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Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1444

Michael Ballantyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Finance . Mr. Speaker, I think all Members and most of the public are aware of the problems that this Legislative Assembly and this government have had to grapple with because of cutbacks in areas such as housing, official languages and health care. I think up to this time, we've done a pretty good job to stay the course. But as I said in my Member's statement, I do have serious concerns about the future. I wonder if the Minister of Finance could share with us his views about the medium and long-term hope for us, financially, between now and 1999. Thank you.

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Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1444

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Finance , Mr. Pollard .

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Return To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1444

John Pollard

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. In the short term, Mr. Speaker, it is not a very good scenario. Mr. Ballantyne , in his Member's statement today, mentioned the cutbacks the federal government is making. I think we have to be realistic and realize there may be more of those cuts coming ahead. We're still going to be wrestling with the fact that we're going to have to cut next year in order to balance our budget. So, in the short term, it doesn't look very good.

If you factor into that some of the other issues that Mr. Ballantyne raised in his Member's statement with regard to division, the federal government has yet to agree that they will pay the incremental costs of division. Maybe there have been some hints on the capital side, of course there is some disagreement on the costs of that capital, but much more on the O and M side, which is funded through the grant from Canada, we have been unsuccessful in getting the federal government to admit that it is going to cost more money to run two territories than it is to run one. Therefore, that unknown is hanging out there.

When you start looking at the medium term, Mr. Speaker, if we can resolve those particular issues with Canada and encourage the federal government to resolve the issue of self-government -- which is another issue that may come on the table and cost this government financially, as the federal government would presumably take from us and give to a region of this territory to run their own affairs -- if we can get through those things and realize that perhaps we should be working together instead of trying to work against each other, as Mr. Ballantyne was saying, if Mr.

Todd is successful in getting his northern accord -- and I want to say that's extremely important to the Finance department, Mr. Speaker, simply because we can then see some new revenues coming into the Northwest Territories that are going to be desperately required in the medium term -- then things will look brighter.

I think the answer is the short-term is the roughest part, that's where we have to make some decisions. If we can make those decisions, agree to work cooperatively and get into the medium term and get developments going, in the long term I see a successful story for the Northwest Territories.

Sorry to have been so long, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Return To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1445

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ballantyne .

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Supplementary To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1445

Michael Ballantyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for that response. Mr. Speaker, the issue of division has been with us for many, many years and the expectations in Nunavut are gigantic. My fear is, if the federal government doesn't live up to it's commitments for incremental funding or, when it comes right down to it, if they cut the base by 20 per cent and give us one per cent incremental funding, we still have a huge problem. Does the Minister of Finance see a strategy whereby this government can start a process with the federal government so we don't end up with a major battle between the eastern part of the Northwest Territories and the western part over diminished resources?

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Supplementary To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1445

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Pollard .

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Further Return To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1445

John Pollard

Hay River

Mr. Speaker, we've already had some initial discussions with the federal government with regard to this particular issue. We tried, at the urging of the Standing Committee on Finance, to get that into the formula financing agreement that we're negotiating right now. The federal government was not keen on getting into the detail. One of the reasons was that they didn't have any numbers and they had not even put it into their projects; and they weren't out that far, as Mr. Martin said.

They were amenable to amending the formula financing agreement to put a clause in there that recognized that this agreement may have to go shorter or longer, depending on what happens with division. That's as far as we've gotten.

I think it's going to take some time for all the federal departments to catch up to the fact that there is going to be division in 1999, and I think the strategy has to be that we have to impress upon them in all of the departments that there's going to be a substantial change. My suggestions are going to be left in the transition document that the Premier is collating for the next government; but I will be saying to the next government and the next Finance Minister , that he or she should be immediately putting those things on the table and start negotiating a new formula financing agreement that will come into effect in 1999 as soon as possible in the next year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1445

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Ballantyne .

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Supplementary To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1445

Michael Ballantyne

Yellowknife North

I thank the Minister of Finance . Mr. Speaker, another area where the expectations are very, very high is the area of self-government. The Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs has made a number of promises to aboriginal leaders in the western Arctic, and they have, I think, every right to expect some movement in the whole area of self-government. But, Mr. Speaker, I think the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs has been caught, the same way that Mr. Axworthy has been caught, where the major priority of the federal government now seems to be deficit reduction.

What is it that our government and the Legislative Assembly can do to get these self-government talks going again, so that again we don't start having problems amongst ourselves here in the west? We all have to stay on the same team, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1445

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Pollard .

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Further Return To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1445

John Pollard

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think Mr. Kakfwi has addressed this issue a number of times, and I think what really needs to happen is for the federal government to just define what aboriginal self-government is and how far they're prepared to go. If we did have that definition, at least we would have a document to be working from, the aboriginal groups would have documents to be working from, and we would be able to start attaching some costs to those particular things that aboriginal groups may be allowed to do within the confines of that self-government agreement. That's really what we don't know right now: how far is it going to go?

I would say we need to get the federal government to define that, we need to get aboriginal groups to agree to that, then we can start defining what the costs are going to be, and that may change some people's minds when they see how three or four groups doing the same thing is going to be probably more expensive than the territorial government trying to deliver. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Ballantyne .

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Supplementary To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

Michael Ballantyne

Yellowknife North

In the west, flawed though it may be, we really only have one process where many of the groups, either as full participants or observers, are working together; that's the CDSC process. Without that, we have a major vacuum. I know there's a lot of frustration now. Mr. Koe , as the chair, Mr. Kakfwi and this government have approached the federal government. I wonder what more we can do as a Legislative Assembly or a government to impress upon Mr. Irwin the importance of funding this process. Because without it, we have a vacuum; without it, we don't have any mechanism where we all work together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Pollard .

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Further Return To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

John Pollard

Hay River

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Irwin has told me that he reads the pertinent parts of the debates and questions and answers that occur in this Legislative Assembly, so I would suggest to the Member that he's made his point. Mr. Irwin will read it and perhaps understand the importance of this particular issue. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Question 657-12(7): GNWT Financial Projections To 1999

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Item 6, oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell .

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Question 658-12(7): Development On Agricultural Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism what progress he has made with respect to the development of an agricultural policy. Thank you.

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Question 658-12(7): Development On Agricultural Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Economic Development and Tourism , Mr. Todd .

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Return To Question 658-12(7): Development On Agricultural Policy

Question 658-12(7): Development On Agricultural Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Agriculture policy, yes. Discussions are currently under way with the people directly involved in the farming community in Mrs. Marie-Jewell 's area, and we're optimistic that we can come to some conclusion by the fall. Thank you.

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Return To Question 658-12(7): Development On Agricultural Policy

Question 658-12(7): Development On Agricultural Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Item 6, oral questions. Mrs. Thompson .

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Question 659-12(7): Improvements To Communications Systems Infrastructure

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Today in my Member's statement I referred to the challenges involved in providing radio service to the communities in the Arctic, especially to the people of my riding. In a letter to the Honourable John Todd on this very issue, Mr.

Nerysoo states, and I quote: "My staff is working with the TVNC aboriginal broadcasters, the federal Department of Heritage, the CRTC, Telesat Canada, NorthwesTel, cable system owners and CBC North to attempt to rationalize the present often duplicated systems, and to jointly provide for a more efficient and economical communications infrastructure using new digital technologies." My question to the Minister is: will the Minister update this House on how discussions are going with these various groups and what, if any, progress is being made?

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Question 659-12(7): Improvements To Communications Systems Infrastructure

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Nerysoo .

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Return To Question 659-12(7): Improvements To Communications Systems Infrastructure

Question 659-12(7): Improvements To Communications Systems Infrastructure

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

Richard Nerysoo

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I agree with the honourable Member of the importance of the communications infrastructure in the Northwest Territories and the importance to her constituency. I want to advise the honourable Member that approximately two weeks ago I had an opportunity to meet with the board of TVNC here in the Legislative Assembly. We had a number of discussions about the directions that they wish to go in a number of areas in terms of communications infrastructure, generally, in the north.

It was intended that the board of TVNC would be meeting with NorthwesTel, the cable companies and I believe CBC, last week. From that, there would be an indication as to whether or not there could be a partnership developed amongst all those agencies to ensure that we had a consistent approach to communication systems across the Northwest Territories.

I have not heard the results of those meetings, but I indicated to them that the government's position is that we would encourage partnership from all those groups who were involved in communications in the Northwest Territories, and we would support a cooperative approach in resolving some of these particular issues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 659-12(7): Improvements To Communications Systems Infrastructure

Question 659-12(7): Improvements To Communications Systems Infrastructure

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Whitford .

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Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

Tony Whitford

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a question I would like to direct to the Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister whether his department has a policy for turnaround time for letters or concerns that are brought to his department. I have a constituent who wrote over three months ago and is still awaiting a reply. They received a form letter that says yes, we got your letter, thank you; but they're still waiting for a reply and it has been almost a week ago since I brought this to the Minister's attention. I would like to know whether his department has a policy as to turnaround time for things in his department.

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Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1446

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Ng .

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Return To Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

Kelvin Ng

Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department doesn't have a policy in place for the turnaround time for responses. However, I would like to say that we try to get responses out in a fairly reasonable time. With respect to the issue that Mr. Whitford has brought forward from one of his concerned constituents, I would like to say that the department and I try to accommodate the concerns that are brought forward, first by Members of this Assembly; and, second, from political representatives elected at large through municipalities and organizations; and, third, concerns brought forward by constituents.

Members of the general public at large voice a lot of concerns to my department with respect to decisions made by municipalities.

The life of politics, as we all know, is a tough business. Decisions that we make as politicians are always questioned, and it's no different in municipal politics. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Whitford .

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Supplementary To Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

Tony Whitford

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Three months is a long time, three months plus is an even longer time. I can understand the frustration he may have in receiving many enquiries et cetera, but I'm sure the Minister can understand the frustration that Members face when their constituents don't get answers from our government. I would like to ask the Minister if he would be so kind as to address some of these things, and give an update after a period of time has elapsed, because three months is a long time. Could they give an update to the effect that they're at least working on something, or something like that, and not leave people in limbo?

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Supplementary To Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Ng .

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Further Return To Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

Kelvin Ng

Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, after the honourable Member brought forward his concern about the timing of response to his constituent's issue, I directed the department to forward a letter to the individual. It is in the process right now, Mr. Speaker, thank you.

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Further Return To Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Whitford .

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Supplementary To Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

Tony Whitford

Yellowknife South

Thank you. I appreciate the Minister's position but I would certainly like to receive from him his assurance that this won't go on beyond another week before a letter is received, at least a letter, in not more than one more week.

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Supplementary To Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Ng .

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Further Return To Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

Kelvin Ng

Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, Mr. Speaker, I can commit to that.

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Further Return To Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Question 660-12(7): Response Time To Constituents' Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Koe .

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Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

Fred Koe

Inuvik

Koana, Uqaqtii.

---Applause

I have a question for the Minister of Health and Social Services . On May 30, 1995, the standards for medevac personnel for the Government of the Northwest Territories was signed off and approved by yourself, as Premier . I would like to ask, what is the status of the work now for setting standards for air medevac carriers.

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Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Health and Social Services , Ms. Cournoyea .

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Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, the work has been completed and I wanted to look at it a final time before we proceed with the standards. The work has been completed and it should go through the process in a very short period of time, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Return To Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Koe .

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Supplementary To Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

Fred Koe

Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the concerns leading up to the review and the work that is being done is where the control is going to be for authorizing medevac air carriers. Is it this government's intention to centralize control for authorizing the use of air carriers for medevacs, or will the control be at the regional health board levels?

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Supplementary To Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Ms. Cournoyea .

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Further Return To Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, the document that we're dealing with talks about the standards for a certain type of medical travel. It doesn't not take away any of the decisions at the regional level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Koe .

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Supplementary To Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

Fred Koe

Inuvik

Koana. Can we be assured, then, that decisions for use of air carriers for medevac purposes will remain in the control of regional health boards?

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Supplementary To Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1447

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Ms. Cournoyea .

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Further Return To Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

Nellie Cournoyea

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, the issue of medevac services deals with services that will be required in extreme cases where the type of aircraft probably would be more centralized because of use and the requirement of highly sophisticated medevac technology. So, therefore, in general, the use of airlines or travel still rests with regional decision-makers. However, in terms of the intensive care part of the operation, when there is a need that is fairly sophisticated, this is what we're dealing with. But, it does not change the use of regional carriers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Question 661-12(7): Standards For Air Medevac Carriers

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Item 6, oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell .

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Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Mr. Speaker, when Members reviewed the budget of the education boards earlier this year, it appeared on the surface that the budgets were essentially the same as for previous years. However, on closer examination, there were two factors which affect the real impact on school programs. Hidden in the budget are the reductions of 2.5 per cent of the budget and increases for forced growth.

This means that for about the same dollars as last year, boards were dealing with more children, and there must be a negative impact on school programs when schools were asked to do more for less. In effect, the dollars per student have been cut, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to ask the Minister if he can explain how the different boards are dealing with these cuts to dollars per student in their budgets. Thank you.

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Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Nerysoo .

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Return To Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

Richard Nerysoo

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This matter was actually raised by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake and I tried to explain to him during the budget session the purposes for which the reductions occurred. The indications are that there is a change in reductions in the formula, but the overall increase for education generally was about four and half per cent. The concern that the honourable Member has also raised is one we that was worked out by arrangement. We began the year with a ten per cent reduction and we ended up coming to an agreement on two and a half per cent.

I know this matter has caused some concern with some of the boards, particularly those boards with a deficit in this year, so I understand the concerns the honourable Member has raised.

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Return To Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell .

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Supplementary To Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the Minister understands the concerns, can the Minister indicate whether or not his department has taken any measures to address these concerns that have been expressed by many of the schools across the territories? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Nerysoo .

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Further Return To Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

Richard Nerysoo

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Not all schools across the territories have raised this as a major concern, but there has been a concern about the reduction of resources generally. On the other hand, some regions have indicated that they are satisfied with the increases in their budgets in other program areas. I just want to advise the honourable Member that when there is a change in the school-age population, we subsequently introduce a request to the Cabinet for increases in the resources to respond to the increased school-age population. So on one hand, one may believe there is no consideration, but we do consider it.

There are a number of factors that have caused some concern in the regions. Unfortunately, in some cases, it is a result of overexpenditures. In others, it is a situation where there are more PYs in a particular region. It should be based on the formula already in existence. When we deal with additional population, we provide the resources once we know what the population increase is in each particular divisional board.

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Further Return To Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell .

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Supplementary To Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recognize what the Minister is stating; however, the reality is there are some boards in a deficit situation. I look particularly at my riding and how it has affected and placed serious concerns on how this will affect the quality of education to the students who are being taught. What measures are the Minister's department taking to alleviate this fear to ensure that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is maintaining the same quality of education that it has granted over the years?

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Supplementary To Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Nerysoo .

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Further Return To Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1448

Richard Nerysoo

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in the public meetings in Fort Smith about a month ago, I advised them that I would have the departmental officials work with the South Slave Divisional Board of Education. For the last year, we have been working to try to find solutions to the deficit problem. We have been working in conjunction to find program initiatives and, in some instances, funding program initiatives that were in addition to the fiscal resources that were provided for. So we are trying to

find ways to support and help the divisional boards that do have fiscal problems.

I have advised Hay River and Fort Resolution, in my recent visit with the Honourable Don Morin , that I would give updates and information on the formula financing arrangement, so we could understand the basis on which the formula is provided to communities. Based on that, we can ensure that the best support was given to the communities. We are interested in working with communities. I have said so for several years now.

I would advise the Member that we will continue to work with the South Slave Divisional Board of Education to make certain that if there are any major problems, we will try to find ways to support that board, and any other board that finds themselves in a fiscal situation as a result of those reductions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Question 662-12(7): Reduction To Divisional Board Funding

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Whitford .

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Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

Tony Whitford

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question I would like to direct to the Minister of Transportation . Just recently, the Minister announced the final takeover of the airports which includes Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Hay River and Iqaluit airports. These are Arctic A airports. I had raised the issue some time ago, Mr. Speaker, concerning the paid parking at the Yellowknife airport. It is quite inconvenient for the public, in some instances. There are several machines they have to use in order to enter the parking lot and pay their fee, including a change machine. When I raised the issue before, Mr.

Speaker, I asked if there were other airports in the territories that had paid parking. Is Yellowknife the only airport that has paid parking?

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Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Transportation , Mr. Todd .

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Return To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I believe my honourable colleague is correct. Yellowknife, in the centre of the territories, is the only airport that has paid parking. Thank you.

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Return To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Whitford .

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Supplementary To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

Tony Whitford

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister's department be looking at making the parking situation uniform with the Arctic A airports? Inuvik has the same type of parking as Yellowknife, yet there appears to be free parking there. So does Iqaluit, Hay River and Fort Smith. Will there be any change in the policy that will affect those other airports as well as ours?

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Supplementary To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Mr. Speaker, it isn't our intention at this time to institute any additional parking fees in any of the airports at this time, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mr. Whitford .

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Supplementary To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

Tony Whitford

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Then I would ask a further question. Has the department considered removing the barriers that restrict parking in our Yellowknife airport? Will he make this more equitable?

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Supplementary To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

John Todd

Keewatin Central

It isn't our intention at this time to make any changes to the current policy as it relates to parking fees at the Yellowknife airport. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions.

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Further Return To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

An Hon. Member

(Microphone turned off)

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Further Return To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Final supplementary, Mr. Whitford .

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Supplementary To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

Tony Whitford

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What kind of revenue would he generate from this kind of a system that isn't working half of the time; that is very inconvenient to the public. What kind of revenue are we talking about here?

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Supplementary To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

John Todd

Keewatin Central

I am not sure of the revenue associated with the parking fees at the airport, Mr. Speaker. However, I will look into the matter and report back to the honourable Member on this important revenue initiative. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airport

Question 663-12(7): Parking Fees At Arctic A Airports

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1449

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Are there further oral questions? Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Mr. Nerysoo .

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Return To Written Question 31-12(7): Funds Transferred From The Inuktitut Literacy Training Program

Item 8: Returns To Written Questions

Page 1449

Richard Nerysoo

Mackenzie Delta

I am pleased to respond to the written questions asked by Mr. Patterson on June 13, 1995.

1. Who authorized this decision? Nunavut Arctic College received $150,000 last year and this year through the official languages agreement to provide interpreter/translator training. Funds for a number of other programs provided through the agreement, however, were reduced significantly this year.

When Nunavut Arctic College was notified about the official languages agreement funding for 1995-96, Education, Culture and Employment advised the college that the delivery of the interpreter/translator training program, and specifically the medical and legal modules of this program, must be given funding priority.

Nunavut Arctic College could also use official languages agreement funding for literacy training, once this priority has been met.

2. Why wasn't the college board or the college vice-president or the affected MLAs consulted about this significant change?

There has not been a change from 1994-95 in funding support from Education, Culture and Employment for this program. Inuktitut literacy is not one of the established programs and services approved by the department for ongoing support. Historically, the college has used a number of funding sources to support Inuktitut literacy activities. Several of these sources, including the use of existing instructional staff at the college, remain available to the college. As well, once program delivery plans for the interpreter/translator training program have been confirmed for 1995-96, some funding may be available through the official languages agreement for Inuktitut literacy.

3. Does the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment believe that the interpreter/translator training program is more important than the Inuktitut literacy program?

Both of these programs are important. As resources become more restrained, it is also important to identify priorities for training. As noted above, Education, Culture and Employment directed the college to give priority to the delivery of the interpreter/translator training program, particularly of the medical and legal modules of this program.

The board of governors and the college have achieved excellent results in program delivery in the past. They will need to continue to work with other partners in education and to use innovative approaches to deliver programs to meet the needs of college students across Nunavut, as well as students at Nunatta Campus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Written Question 31-12(7): Funds Transferred From The Inuktitut Literacy Training Program

Item 8: Returns To Written Questions

Page 1450

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Mrs. Marie-Jewell .

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Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Page 1450

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mrs. Marie-Jewell 's Reply

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Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Page 1450

Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have been looking forward to the opportunity to make my reply to the Commissioner's address for some time, and I have indicated to the Members that it is going to be a fairly lengthy one, so feel free, when you think we need a break, to give us a break.

---Laughter

Mr. Speaker, this, as some other Members have pointed out, is one time in this House when we can comment on broader issues that are important to the people of our constituency and also to all residents of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon, I want to comment on a number of those broader issues as well as certain matters that will be of particular concern to the people of Fort Smith. I also want to reflect on the last four years to take a look at what we, as an Assembly, and what I, as a Member, wanted to achieve and what we, as an Assembly, were able to achieve.

Now that we are close to concluding what is likely to be the last session of the 12th Legislative Assembly, it's a good time to reflect on exactly what we have accomplished and to identify priorities that still need to be met.

I will also be commenting about my decision to leave the Speaker's chair, a decision that I felt personally was quite difficult, at times, for me to make, and about the government's action that prompted this decision on my part. As well, Mr. Speaker, I want to share my assessment of the Cabinet and its performance and to briefly review the successes and failures of several government departments. And, before closing, I want to do what my honourable colleague from Yellowknife North has done on a couple of occasions and highlight a few transition issues that will be important for the new Legislative Assembly to address following the fall election.

Mr. Speaker, as we near the end of the current term of this Assembly, it is a good time to think back over our past four years as Members of this House, and no one can deny that those four years have certainly been eventful ones. I can recall sometimes the enthusiasm that surrounded our first few months as Members were sworn in. The Executive Council, the Cabinet, was selected for the first time with the leadership committee process that took our deliberations out of the back rooms of the Caucus from the last Assembly that I was first elected to, and into the full view of the public.

Then committees were formed and began doing their important work. I don't know if there has ever been more work or substantial work carried out in the Northwest Territories Legislature. During the first couple of years alone, there were major initiatives undertaken by standing committees to review the Workers' Compensation Board, to review a major report with regard to the Department of Health and to revise and update the rules of the Legislative Assembly. In addition, we also had the report of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services.

So when people look back at the 12th Assembly, Mr. Speaker, not only will they remember this Assembly as building the new building, but they will also recall that this was the term when bills were first reviewed in the standing committee, reviewed in the public, mainly by the Standing Committee on Legislation, with interested groups and individuals given an opportunity to attend and to participate in public hearings, not behind closed doors as in previous Assemblies.

They will recall that this was the term when they finally saw the long-awaited passage of access to information and protection of privacy legislation; certainly a goal, I believe, to which you contributed greatly during the time you sat as an ordinary Member. They will also recall the Members of this Assembly took great strides in adopting a code of conduct and making a declaration of zero tolerance for violence. They'll remember the feeling of satisfaction when we finally moved to this new home in this building and of significant changes. However, I did want to address that further on in my reply.

So, Mr. Speaker, when northerners look back on the 12th Assembly, they'll remember some of these positive and significant accomplishments that we have made. These are accomplishments which reflect the continuing political evolution of the Northwest Territories, and they are achievements in which I believe all Members can take some pride.

At the same time, though, people will also remember the 12th Assembly for a number of other reasons. They'll recall the frequent turnover of Cabinet Ministers as one failure after another; note-passing incidents; misleading comments in the House; legal difficulties and so on which led to endless portfolio shuffles and the replacement of Ministers. Regrettably, they may even call some of the events that have arisen from the action of individual Ministers, and I have numbered some of them, at many times even within the Caucus.

The people of the north, I know, will remember the growing fiscal deficit, the missed financial projection and the payroll tax that we have created. They may look at the last four years as a period in which the federal government and the rest of Canada began to lose some of its fascination with northern development, and they may wonder why more wasn't done to enhance our profile at the national level to make more progress in resolving fiscal irritants and federal funding arrangements or to contribute towards the development of aboriginal self-government.

The last four years certainly have been eventful ones, and I am certain that each Member of this House will have his or her own memories and recollections. For myself, Mr.

Speaker, I know that I will remember this Assembly for a number of reasons, not the least which is the honour of being selected by my colleagues to serve this House as Speaker, because I know when I first assumed the Speaker's chair, many people expressed some surprise towards me and they basically asked the question, why would I be even remotely interested in removing myself from debates in the committees and from question period in order to become Speaker? Certainly, that question was never hard for me to answer.

As we sit as Members, we know the parliamentary traditions, the rules and conventions and the progress of responsible government in the north became important, and I certainly recognize the importance of the Speaker's chair as one who guards these traditions and who guides the life of this House. You know as well as I know, Mr. Speaker, to be elected by one's peers as the person to take on those important responsibilities is something that is meaningful to any parliamentarian, and when this House expressed its confidence in my ability to serve as Speaker, I was certainly honoured.

As well, I took some pride in the fact that this was the first time in Canadian history that an aboriginal woman had assumed Speaker's chair. I think that it was an important message for this House to send to the people of the Northwest Territories and to Canadians everywhere.

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Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Item 9: Replies To Opening Address

Page 1451

Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thebacha

Too often in our history, it seems as though women of Metis, Dene and Inuit descent have been viewed as not quite equal and too often this conviction has been very present in the political atmosphere. It seems through the years though, we have two strikes against us when we first come to participate in the political affairs of this country: first, because we are aboriginal; and second, because we are women.

Mr. Speaker, I think that all Members can take pride in the fact that at one point during the 12th Assembly, our federal Member of Parliament, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Premier , a Cabinet Minister and even a Deputy Clerk were all aboriginal women. I think that is significant progress for the north. Unfortunately, that only lasted for a short time, but it set a precedent for the future. It sends out a positive message to young aboriginal women in the Northwest Territories. Like my daughters and your daughters, Mr. Speaker, they certainly don't have to take a back seat to anyone.

I can say that I did enjoy my short year of tenure as Speaker. I did enjoy the time frame that I spent. At the time, I felt I was able to attain a successful protocol with the Premier to ensure the interest of Thebacha constituents could be met. I was pleased that the Premier came to Fort Smith back in December of 1993, last June of 1994 and again in December of 1994. Each time the Premier comes to Fort Smith, I know the residents of Fort Smith certainly enjoy having her visit us and they certainly are interested in hearing what she has to say.

Mr. Speaker, I want to state that at no time have I ever taken proceedings of the House or discuss matters pertaining to House business through other Members with respect to the protocol I established with the Premier .

Mr. Speaker, we know back in 1993, the new Legislative Assembly was officially opened. We certainly had changes. It was quite a change for the staff. It was quite a significant change for Mr. Hamilton and I think he served Members well through the transition period. I know that when we had the Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Jean Chretien, address this House and be here with us on opening day, it gave particular significance to the north. It indicated to Canadians that we were not only proud of our home, but we were able to recognize the importance to southern Canadians of having the Prime Minister come in and open our home.

and talk to the Royal couple. I believe that we should all acknowledge the hard work and thoughtful planning that was carried out by Russ Look, David Hamilton and the numerous volunteers who worked with them in Yellowknife, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit for making it such a success.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, I found my time in the chair to be both challenging and rewarding. I know that you will already understand this yourself, Mr. Speaker, and I wish you the very best as you serve all Members in your role as Speaker. I know that you will always do everything that you can to preserve and protect the integrity of the Speaker's chair.

However, when all things are said and done, this concern for the integrity of the House was the same concern that led to my decision to step down from the chair earlier this year. Honourable Members know that a commitment to build a tanker base previously made to the people of Fort Smith by the Premier is still unfulfilled. They will know as well that I have legitimate concerns about the manner in which the air tanker base fire suppression contract had been tendered by the Minister of Public Works and Services . I will have more to say on both of those issues later in my reply.

For the time being, Mr. Speaker, I want to note that when these issues began to develop, I became increasingly aware that it would not be possible for me to remain silent. I recognized that the stakes were too high for my constituents, but in realizing that I also accepted the fact that because of the high esteem which I hold in the integrity of the Speaker's chair, it would be inappropriate for me to attempt to retain that office, if I were to address Cabinet's failures to treat my constituency appropriately.

That was not an easy decision and it was one that I contemplated carefully. In fact, there were several occasions when I mentioned my concern to the Premier and told her that I would always need to priorize the interest of my constituency over my own continuation as Speaker. I urged her at the time, Mr. Speaker, to bring the matter of the air tanker base to a constructive conclusion, but she failed to respond.

I told her that if the uncertainty over this matter were to continue, I would have to return to my place on the floor of this House, but there was not even a hint of progress at the time. I believe that some of Cabinet felt they had gotten me safely out of the way and that my interest in serving this House as Speaker would override my commitment to my constituency. Mr. Speaker, they were wrong.

In the end, I realized that I really had only one choice. The people of Thebacha had elected me to represent their interests and to speak up on their behalf under circumstances when they were being treated unfairly by government. I realized that with the information I had on hand, I would also have to allege conflict of interest on the part of a territorial Cabinet Minister. At the same time, I realized that it would be critical to uphold the impartiality of the chair. To do that, I knew that I would have to vacate the Speaker's chair and that, in the end, was the path I chose to follow.

Mr. Speaker, once I made that decision, I can honestly state not one moment of my time has been to regret that particular decision. I have never regretted resigning as Speaker, although at times it has been hard to hear some of the comments that Cabinet Ministers and others have made. I know one Cabinet Minister who, at times during Christmas while handing out oranges at a constituency gathering had made comments such as we paid her big bucks to keep her quiet; although, the actual words were much harsher and I recognize the parliamentary language we have adopted in this House. There were other comments made and they quickly got back to me.

Mr. Speaker, I am not going to indicate which Cabinet Minister made these remarks because I consider them undignified and regrettable. It should be left as a matter between the Member and the Member's conscience.

I will, however, acknowledge that that sort of reaction did cause some concerns, both at a personal level, because it does hurt to hear a colleague make remarks like that, and as a northern leader. Have we really come to the point where this sort of conduct has become part of the territorial leadership style? I certainly hope not, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, one of the regrets that I did have while sitting as Speaker was that I was not able to participate when Ordinary Members' Caucus reviewed the Cabinet. I watched with interest as honourable Members advised the Cabinet about their respective successes and failures and gave them each a letter grade. Mr. Speaker, you know I missed out on that process, but I strongly felt that it is never too late to follow up on a good idea.

So this afternoon I would like to offer my own assessment of Cabinet Members and to provide my own grading of their performance. Mr. Speaker, I will begin with my assessment of our Premier , the Honourable Nellie Cournoyea . I should tell Members that I once had an enormous amount of respect for the Premier . Unfortunately, some of those feelings have eroded over the past year. I am very concerned that many of the details that are not coming out about the CL-215 base are not represented in a manner that is entirely consistent with the facts.

My constituency is eager to know the truth about whether it will receive the long-awaited tanker base and the reasons for the delay. And I think it's only fair that the government has the courtesy to tell them.

As Premier , Ms. Cournoyea made statements way back on June 16, 1992, which she titled "New Directions." At that time, she announced a number of key decentralization initiatives. Mr. Speaker, the Premier made the following promises:

- transportation programs would be moved to Fort Simpson, Norman Wells and Baker Lake to take advantage of existing infrastructure and support services;

- Arctic College headquarters would be moved to Iqaluit and Fort Smith;

- in recognition of distinct supply routes for products delivered by POL, it's headquarters operations were to be placed in Rankin Inlet and Fort Simpson;

- given the availability of the necessary communication-processing facilities and infrastructure, the health insurance

section which primarily processes health billings would be located to Inuvik and Rankin Inlet, which it has been over the last year -- I can say that Inuvik and Rankin Inlet really did well when it comes to decentralization, particularly Rankin Inlet;

- the Science Institute was to be moved to its laboratory and research facilities in Inuvik and Igloolik;

- recognizing the predominance of a transport and utility company in Hay River, the Highway Transport Board and the Public Utilities Board would be moved there, which has happened; and,

- in order to capture economic benefits of government spending, Cabinet indicated it would support the location of an aircraft maintenance facility in Fort Smith for its fleet of water bombers that would develop a training component, in conjunction with Arctic College.

She promised that all these decentralization initiatives would be completed by April, 1994. It's now June, 1995 and Fort Smith still just has a sign there saying, "This is going to be the home of the aircraft maintenance facility."

Mr. Speaker, each of these commitments, each of the promises she has made, has been fulfilled; except for the commitment for the Fort Smith tanker base. Rankin Inlet has its POL operation and health billings office, Hay River has its Public Utilities Board, the Science Institute is long gone from Yellowknife but still, over three years after the Premier made her original announcement about the heavy aircraft maintenance facility and over a year after the initiative was supposed to have been completed, there is only confusion and uncertainty about the development of the air tanker base in Fort Smith. It has left my constituents wondering why.

And it has left them questioning the credibility of the Premier ; when she gives her word on something, Mr. Speaker, can we expect her to keep it? I think this is a question of leadership, Mr. Speaker. When the Premier announces that Cabinet will support a particular initiative, I think most people understand that she means all Cabinet Ministers. Why has she allowed one department to throw an important component of her "New Directions" initiative into doubt? Frankly, I think it has been clear from the start that this Premier has difficulty in providing positive leadership for her Ministers.

The interdepartmental coordination that we will need to carry us through the difficult upcoming fiscal crisis has still not been achieved. There have been a lot of jobs taken on but too many of them are still only half done. Part of this may be due to the fact that the Premier is a woman who simply takes on too much. It seems like she doesn't like to delegate and she gets too focused on specific matters. This has resulted in her often appearing very tired and hurried, compared to all other provincial premiers and aboriginal leaders. She certainly seems energetic all right, but not vibrant. Perhaps this is part of the reason that we have sometimes been kicked around at the national level.

I'm concerned about the way that she has led her Ministers in voting as a block, most recently against last Friday's motion on whether to allow western aboriginal leaders to appear before committee of the whole. I'm also concerned about the stand she took with respect to the private Member's bill on recall that my honourable colleague for Yellowknife Centre brought forward earlier this session. The Premier should know that, regardless of her personal views, the people of the Northwest Territories should have been given an opportunity to discuss the principle of recall in public hearings, rather than having the rug pulled out from under them at second reading.

I'm also concerned about the manner in which the Premier has dealt with the matter of her former Minister, the honourable Member for Baffin Central . I believe that Ms. Mike was not treated fairly by the Premier and her senior Cabinet officials. No one likes to see a colleague railroaded into resignation, and in looking at that situation, I believe that is what happened. I know that at least some northern women have been asking themselves, would Ms. Mike have been forced to resign if she had been a male? Would she have been forced to resign if she had been non-native? I guess we'll never know those answers, Mr.

Speaker, but I am troubled that the Premier 's handling of this matter has left the door open for those kinds of questions.

However, on a more positive note, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see that decisions about the use of power surpluses from the Pine Point shutdown are now going to be looked at. As you know, I have always said there are opportunities to maximize power delivery at lower rates for the people of Fort Smith and I'm glad to see the Premier , in her capacity as Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation, finally starting to examine this question. But, Mr. Speaker, I wonder since Pine Point shut down a few years ago now, what took her so long in the first place?

I would like to comment favourably on what I perceive to be something of a turnaround in the Department of Health and Social Services. You'll remember, Mr. Speaker, that at some points during this Assembly there have been times when the Department of Health came in for some serious criticism. I think the Auditor General of Canada, in fact, pointed out a number of major shortcomings in the department's operation and there were frequent criticisms of its relations with regional health and hospital boards.

I know I became very frustrated with the manner in which it dealt with a respected doctor who worked in Fort Smith for years. In fact, that doctor still lives in Fort Smith and Fort Smith still has a rash of doctors coming in and out, trying to address my constituency's health problems. But they go away just as quick as they come in. That's unfortunate, because there's no stability in our health care system as a result of that.

Over the past year, I believe many of the problems have shown signs of significant improvement. I believe that the amalgamation of the departments of Health and Social Services have been fairly successful and there will be some real benefits for the people of the Northwest Territories as a result. I certainly give the Premier , in her capacity as the Minister of Health and Social Services , a lot of credit for this particular progress. But, I also think she should be very grateful to several hard-working officials. Without them, these gains could not have been accomplished.

I would especially like to acknowledge her deputy minister, Ken Lovely, whose appointment brought some stability and a new corporate approach to the operation of the department. I also think the Minister should be grateful to Penny Ballantyne, who assumed the challenge of the assistant deputy minister of Social Services. As someone raised in the north and as someone I went to school with, I believe that Mrs. Ballantyne is particularly sensitive to the social needs of northerners. This is reflected in the thoughtful priorities that have been set for this department since she has joined the directorate.

Mr. Speaker, as the former Minister of Social Services , I know that there are many other hard-working officials who are deserving of recognition, but today I would like to make mention of one of them: John Campbell of Yellowknife, who I think stands out in the contributions he has been making to people in the north to assist in addressing the alcoholism problem we have. Many honourable Members are aware that Mr. Campbell has worked for many years to coordinate alcohol and drug treatment programs.

Frequently, he's a person to whom our constituents turn for assistance, with treatment referrals or to solve problems in the funding of addiction agencies. I believe he's a public servant who has a lot of experience and a great deal of knowledge in the field of addiction around this country. But he approaches his job in such a down-to-earth, open-minded way that people just want to talk to him, no matter how much pressure they might be under, and I think that's perhaps what makes him such an effective and valuable public servant. But I hear that Mr.

Campbell may be coming close to his retirement, and I know that all Members will wish him the very best when he decides to retire.

So, Mr. Speaker, with the assistance of the officials I mentioned and many others, I believe that the honourable Member for Nunakput has performed well as Minister of Health and Social Services , certainly one of the toughest portfolios in the Cabinet.

But in my books, even that performance isn't enough to outweigh her lacklustre record in dealing with global issues, in failing to provide strong leadership to the Cabinet and in failing to live up to her commitment about the Fort Smith tanker base. So, for that reason, I feel that Ms. Cournoyea should receive an A-minus for her efforts, not exactly the sort of northern leadership that I believe we were hoping for at the outset of this term.

Before moving on, however, I want to note that, even despite the concerns existing about her failure to follow through with her commitment, many people in Fort Smith continue to have high hopes for the Premier , and I really believe that if she can fulfil the earlier promise about the tanker base and if she can quit letting her Ministers place her in embarrassing situations, I am certain that the people of Fort Smith would see her mark improve to an A-plus...

---Applause

...and might even feel comfortable about having her express an interest in returning as Premier after the fall election.

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