Debates of Oct. 21st, 2020

This is page numbers 1347 - 1388 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was going .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Update on COVID-19 Cases

Supporting Community Employment and Economic Development in Small Communities

Child and Family Services Update

Pivoting to Support NWT Businesses through COVID

Supports for Small and Medium Businesses

Northwest Territories Mining Fiscal Regime

Economic Diversification

Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Mining as the Economic Foundation of the Northwest Territories

Introductory Trades Programs

Immigration to the Northwest Territories

COVID-19 and Economic Recovery

Aboriginal and Northern Procurement in the Northwest Territories

COVID-19 Secretariat

Eulogy for Ralph Isaiah

Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations regarding Residential Addictions Treatment

COVID-19 Secretariat Hiring Process

Allowing Minors in Class A Establishments

Introductory Trades Programs in Inuvik

COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

Immigration Nominee Program

Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway and Dempster Highway Maintenance and Upgrades

Northwest Territories Wage Top-Up Program

Tabled Document 192-19(2): Northwest Territories Species At Risk Committee 2019-2020 Annual Report Tabled Document 193-19(2): Conference of Management Authorities Species At Risk Annual Report 2019-2020

Tabled Document 194-19(2): Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services 2019-2020

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Bill 11: Legislative Assembly Officers Standardization Act - Deletion of subclause 1(4) and

(5) Bill 11: Legislative Assembly Officers Standardization Act - Deletion of subclause 7(4) and

(5) Tabled Document 181-19(2): Capital Estimates 2021-2022 - Education, Culture and Employment - Deferral of Department (page 10)

Tabled Document 181-19(2): Capital Estimates 2021-2022 - Industry, Tourism and Investment - Deferral of Department (page 34)

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Hon. Diane Archie , Hon. Frederick Blake Jr, Mr. Bonnetrouge , Hon. Paulie Chinna , Ms. Cleveland , Hon. Caroline Cochrane , Hon. Julie Green , Mr. Johnson , Mr. Lafferty , Ms. Martselos , Ms. Nokleby , Mr. Norn , Mr. O'Reilly , Ms. Semmler , Hon. R.J. Simpson , Mr. Rocky Simpson , Hon. Shane Thompson , Hon. Caroline Wawzonek

The House met at 1:32 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 1347

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Minister's Statement 69-19(2): Update on COVID-19 Cases

Ministers' Statements

Page 1347

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to inform the Members that the Chief Public Health Officer has released two public health advisories today. The first indicates the two positive COVID-19 tests in Yellowknife, first announced as presumptive cases on Friday, have been confirmed. The individuals continue to safely isolate. We appreciate their cooperation with the investigation into contacts, and we wish them well. A thorough contact investigation continues; initial signs are good.

This morning, we received notice of another presumptive case at Gahcho Kue diamond mine. All contacts onsite have been safely isolated. The individual is a resident of Yellowknife, and contact tracing has been initiated. A number of steps have already been taken by public health staff to minimize any potential risk to communities. Immediate household members of the individual and identified contacts were quickly informed and directed to isolate and given appropriate public health advice. Public health has arranged for immediate testing of these contacts. The contact investigation is ongoing and further updates to Members and to the public will be provided once more information is available.

There are two crucial things each of us must do to help in this situation. The first is that we need to be kind and respectful to one another. Stigmatizing behaviours hurt us all because it places the focus on individuals instead of focusing on doing our part to manage the virus appropriately. It has the potential to discourage people from accessing healthcare and being honest with health professionals.

Second, we need to remember that we all have control in this situation. No matter the situation in the community, you are empowered to practice routine public health precautions which keep you and others safer:

Prioritize physical distance of at least six feet or two metres;

Wear a non-medical mask when keeping distance is difficult;

Keep crowds small and spaces large to reduce the risk of transmission;

Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer;

Maintain self-isolation if you are required to do so;

Stay home if you are feeling sick, even if your symptoms are mild; and

If you develop any symptoms, contact your local healthcare centre to be assessed for COVID-19.

As I receive more details from the Chief Public Health Officer, I will provide additional information to this House and to the public. I encourage everyone to be kind and stay safe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 69-19(2): Update on COVID-19 Cases

Ministers' Statements

Page 1347

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister of Infrastructure .

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Minister's Statement 70-19(2): Supporting Community Employment and Economic Development in Small Communities

Ministers' Statements

Page 1348

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, increasing employment in small communities is one of the priorities outlined in the priorities for the 19 th Assembly. Now, more than ever, as we begin to plan for social and economic recovery from COVID-19, we need to ensure that there are opportunities for meaningful employment and economic development for our people to keep our communities and territory strong. I grew up in a small community, Aklavik, where I learned the importance of having a strong community.

While our large strategic infrastructure projects are often in the spotlight, we need to give credit to our regional operations and smaller-scale projects for making an impact on the lives of Northerners with the opportunities they present.

Part of the Department of Infrastructure's core business is the delivery of programs, services, and projects by our staff in all regions of the territory. Almost two-thirds of Infrastructure staff work outside of headquarters in regional offices, with 329 employees based in regional centres and 46 located in smaller communities. Infrastructure's regional operations work hard to keep our 863 GNWT-owned buildings running smoothly. They also oversee the construction, operations, and maintenance of the highway system, including over 2,400 kilometres of all-weather roads, 1,400 kilometres of winter roads, and four ferries.

Mr. Speaker, that is a lot of work, and we cannot do it alone. Many projects and operations are contracted to local communities and/or businesses, which allows the government to operate efficiently, while creating employment at the local level. Some of these contracts include our ferries, where three of the four ferries are operated by local contractors. We also have contracts in place with 14 businesses for highway maintenance, some of which are with Indigenous and community governments.

Out of 27 airports in the territory, eight are operated and maintained by Infrastructure staff, and operations at the 19 smaller airports are contracted to local businesses. Motor vehicle issuing services are also provided at the regional level through a mix of GNWT staff and contractors.

On top of our operational work in the regions, the Department of Infrastructure is also making strategic investments in our territory's future. In partnership with the federal government, we are advancing several significant infrastructure projects. The 2020-2021 Infrastructure Acquisition Plan will deliver 152 capital projects in 28 NWT communities. This includes schools, long-term care and healthcare facilities, and major transportation projects.

Mr. Speaker, to help our residents benefit from these projects, we must increase training and employment. Led by the Department of Infrastructure, the GNWT is working with its project partners to incorporate training opportunities that will lead to maximized benefits for residents. For example, the GNWT and the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation together established the Wrigley Mackenzie Valley Highway Training Committee to identify training opportunities for that project, to facilitate development and delivery of training programs for the residents of Wrigley, and also to facilitate access to funding for these programs.

Similarly, we worked with North Star Infrastructure to include training requirements in the project agreement for the Tlicho all-season road project. As of late this summer, almost 9,000 hours of training have been provided to Tlicho citizens in different areas, such as heavy equipment operator, cook, crushing operation, and job readiness training. Now that the end of its construction is in sight, these individuals will be able apply the skills they have developed onto other jobs.

Mr. Speaker, providing employment and economic development opportunities will help support our communities as we recover from the economic impacts caused by the pandemic, and beyond. Providing employment opportunities are important for the cultural preservation of our communities, so we can continue to engage in our traditional activities and pass on teachings to the next generation. The GNWT will continue to work and support our residents of our small communities. Quana, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 70-19(2): Supporting Community Employment and Economic Development in Small Communities

Ministers' Statements

Page 1348

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Minister's Statement 71-19(2): Child and Family Services Update

Ministers' Statements

Page 1348

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Taking action to improve services and supports to reduce the number of Indigenous children and youth in care is a priority for this government. The 2019-2020 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services that I will be tabling later today, shows a continued trend of overrepresentation of Indigenous children and youth receiving protection and prevention services under our legislation. This is a national issue, Mr. Speaker, and was raised in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children.

To advance the calls for action, the federal act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children, youth, and families came into force on January 1, 2020. The federal act recognizes the inherent rights of Indigenous communities to provide care for their children and youth. It aligns with work that the Government of the Northwest Territories has already been doing. This includes supporting Indigenous children and youth by helping them stay with their family and community, and reducing the number of children and youth separated from their families only because of financial, health or housing challenges.

Mr. Speaker, we fully support the federal act, and we are affirming our commitment to having an ongoing dialogue with Indigenous governments and communities to ensure that our system advances the best interests of children, youth, and families. We will continue to work collaboratively in supporting communities and families to preserve family and cultural continuity for our territory's children and youth.

Mr. Speaker, work is already underway in supporting the implementation of the federal act. The Department of Health and Social Services has added a new action into its quality improvement plan to enhance practice standards that align with the federal act's national principles. The quality improvement plan, which was released in August 2019, sets out actions that the department is taking to best meet the needs of NWT children, youth, and families. The measurement I am most proud of is that over 90 percent of children receiving support from Child and Family Services live with their family or in their home community.

Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the department has made steady progress with the actions identified in the quality improvement plan. This is important to the GNWT so we have made additional investments to add 20 new positions that ensures we have the appropriate resources to help improve compliance and support for children, youth, families, and foster caregivers.

Mr. Speaker, the 2018-2019 audits for the Child and Family Services division were completed across the system in June. The audits identified pressure points within the regions that need to be resolved to ensure continued service improvements. The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services authorities submitted their action plans in response to the audits and are actively working on addressing key areas for service in each of the regions.

The department has provided funding to foster caregivers and foster care staff from across the NWT to participate in training on best practices on how to better support children and youth, particularly those with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Last year, we saw a decrease in the vacancy rate for staff from 25 percent to 8.6 percent. The department and authorities also expanded staff engagement opportunities through all staff regular meetings, implementation of an anonymous feedback mechanism, and satisfaction surveys. This allows for opportunities to better support staff, which we hope will lead to better staff retention. Having a stable workforce in Child and Family Services is instrumental to overall improvement strategies.

Because of the resources required for the GNWT COVID-19 response, the Child and Family Services system experienced delays in the ongoing completion of some quality reviews. However, the pandemic also created opportunities for the department and authorities to work with partners on some new initiatives. We partnered with the Foster Family Coalition of the NWT to implement a respite program to support foster caregivers during the pandemic.

The department also expanded support services for families by providing short-term financial support to purchase necessities such as diapers, food, and fuel to meet their basic unmet needs. The department also extended support services for youth in care and young adults who would have aged out of the Child and Family Services system in the midst of this global crisis.

We will monitor the effectiveness of these initiatives and how they might be added into the service delivery as part of its commitment towards continual quality improvement.

Mr. Speaker, each year the department presents an Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services. The report enables the department and the public to monitor trends to assess whether actions are making a difference for the well-being of NWT children, youth, and families. Findings from the report help to grow a more responsive system to the evolving needs of children, youth, and families.

In the 2019-2020 Annual Report, it shows some positive indications that we are on the right track. Over the past ten years, we have seen a decreasing trend in the number of children and youth under a permanent custody order. We are seeing a positive movement in the strength and resiliency of communities to support families and their children. Over 90 percent of children and youth who received prevention and protection services were living in their home or with a foster caregiver in their home community, a statistic that bears repeating.

This change allows for continued connections with family and community while ensuring cultural continuity, which is so important in protecting the identity of the child.

Mr. Speaker, as a government, we have a legal and moral duty to protect the well-being and safety of children and youth, and ensuring their families receive the right kinds of support. To accomplish this, I will maintain an open dialogue with Members, Indigenous governments, and communities, as well as key stakeholders to explore opportunities to better support children, youth, and families.

Mr. Speaker, October is Foster Family Recognition month, and I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all foster caregivers across the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 71-19(2): Child and Family Services Update

Ministers' Statements

Page 1350

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment .

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Minister's Statement 72-19(2): Pivoting to Support NWT Businesses through COVID

Ministers' Statements

Page 1350

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, in addition to describing times as being unprecedented, the need to "pivot" business models and methods has become one of the buzz words during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost all businesses in the Northwest Territories have had to adjust the way they operate or do business. In turn, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment continues to respond to the changing needs of the NWT's business community. New COVID-focused Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development guidelines were introduced early on in the pandemic, favouring projects that would help businesses recover, and contribute to the recovery of others.

An additional new funding option was introduced for Northwest Territories artists and commercial film and media arts producers whose activities and revenues were restricted due to physical-distancing requirements. In June, as our government moved to Phase 2 of the Emerging Wisely Plan, the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development program was adapted again, to specifically support businesses re-opening or pivoting to meet new operating requirements.

In an already challenging year for mineral exploration, we were able to make changes to our Mining Incentive Program that helped companies navigate COVID, related costs, and by prioritizing Northwest Territories-based service providers. Through this program, we distributed $1 million to seven companies and 13 prospectors.

Mr. Speaker, it is not only businesses who have had to change direction. With less than a year to go until the release of our 2021-2025 tourism strategy and with a sudden and necessary new focus on recovery, we went back to the drawing board this summer, re-engaging with the tourism industry on a new set of questions and seeking opportunities for both short- and long-term rebuilding through a COVID lens.

In order to help support this particularly hard-hit sector, ITI, in partnership with CanNor, created the Growth and Recovery by Investing in Tourism, or GRIT, as a new initiative that helps respond to the needs of Northwest Territories businesses. By moving budgets away from international marketing, the $1.5-million GRIT fund was introduced in August. By September, it was clear that the initiative was going to be over-subscribed, so we have since taken additional steps to meet this demand.

Mr. Speaker, back in July, the BuyNorth Campaign was also introduced, in partnership with Northern News Services Limited Media, to support and promote businesses as they pivot, re-open, and start to recover from the impacts of COVID. This, too, was a new approach to business support. ITI sponsorship allows all Northwest Territories businesses to have a presence on the BuyNorth web page for free and provides an umbrella for other initiatives, like the Northwest Territories Chamber's #shopNWT campaign to heighten the importance and appreciation for shopping local.

In April and May, at the height of the pandemic and with strict economic lockdown measures in place, Northwest Territories businesses saw revenues decline by an average of 63 percent, and almost 70 percent were in the challenging position of being closed or partially closed. Yet, 93 percent of businesses surveyed from the Northwest Territories at the time still felt they would be able to survive.

Mr. Speaker, I have described a few ways businesses have pivoted and ways that ITI has helped support some of those efforts. The government, too, will continue to adapt its response and supports to changing needs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 72-19(2): Pivoting to Support NWT Businesses through COVID

Ministers' Statements

Page 1350

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Hay River South .

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Supports for Small and Medium Businesses

Members' Statements

Page 1350

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial losses to our small, medium, and large NWT businesses. As our priority has been the health of NWT residents since the outset of the pandemic, businesses have also been provided some support to assist them in weathering the storm that this pandemic has created. However, we have seen some businesses close their doors for good while we know others to be holding their own and some appearing to be prospering. We have seen many jobs disappear, including those from all levels of business. I am looking for this to be a wake-up call to this government.

Mr. Speaker, we all know what it costs to live in the NWT, but it is our choice to live here. Our residents need more than government support. They need employment to meet basic expenses such as housing, utilities, and food. To obtain this employment, our businesses need work, as well. At this point, the only real game for work in the North is government. Therefore, it is important that this government does everything it can do to put government contracts out in a timely manner and that those contracts go to northern businesses.

Mr. Speaker, although it is great to put contracts out, if these contracts are going out to southern firms, then we are not doing our job to protect our businesses. This government needs to strengthen our legislation and policies around procurement to the benefit of our northern businesses, but needs to ensure that northern businesses are the beneficiary of those contracts. It is northern businesses that employ Northerners. Too often, we see southern contractors show up, take the work, take the jobs, and take the cash and leave.

Mr. Speaker, it is Small Business Week in Canada. It is an opportune time to stand up for our northern businesses. Not only do they provide jobs, they are often the go-to people when community fundraising is required. Many business owners refuse to be recognized for those very contributions and supports. I have known business owners who have gone out and paid utility bills for those who were struggling, those who have provided free fuel just so somebody had heat during the winter, those who have taken food to a family in need. The list goes on.

When we talk about supporting northern businesses, let us remember all that they do beyond the contracts they receive from this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supports for Small and Medium Businesses

Members' Statements

Page 1351

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake .

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Northwest Territories Mining Fiscal Regime

Members' Statements

Page 1351

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. Yesterday, the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment launched the long-awaited review of the royalty and taxation regime for the NWT mining industry. These are some of the first steps of our devolution "baby," to look at how much we get as a government from mining and whether it is a fair share. The Minister released a so-called benchmarking study. This is a theoretical review of royalties and taxation for an imaginary diamond and base-metal mine, assessed under 21 different regimes, including the NWT.

The study concludes that the Northwest Territories is competitive against all these other regimes. Although no recommendations were supposed to be offered in this report, it also states that the best way to increase mining revenues is to promote more mining by public investment in big infrastructure to subsidize the industry. This study is apparently going to serve as the foundation for the review of the royalty and taxation regime for Northwest Territories mining. Clearly, Cabinet appears to have little interest in changing the status quo.

There are many limitations and problems with this study. Factors such as political stability and regulatory certainty were not considered as part of competitiveness. Our fiscal arrangement with Ottawa was also not considered in terms of whether we actually get to keep a fair share of resource revenues. This study should not frame or limit the much-needed public debate around whether we are getting a fair share from mining.

The biggest problem, Mr. Speaker, with carrying out this review of mining royalties and taxation is secrecy. How can we have a meaningful and informed discussion of public revenues from mining when our legislation and regulations prevent this information from being made public? This isn't just a thin veil of secrecy, Mr. Speaker. It's a brick wall. This government refused to fix this secrecy during the development of the Mineral Resources Act in the last Assembly and in the time this Cabinet has been in power.

Without analysis of the actual taxes and royalties paid by the mining industry, how can we possibly know whether we have achieved a fair balance between industry profit and competitiveness versus a fair return for this one-time natural wealth? Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Northwest Territories Mining Fiscal Regime

Members' Statements

Page 1351

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

I will not have any questions later today for the Minister. The Minister knows well what needs to be done to fix this fatally flawed review process of the NWT mining fiscal regime: fully disclose the actual revenues from mining to our government as best business practices require and an increasing number of countries around the world do as part of internationally accepted standards; take the review out of the department that is responsible for both promoting and regulating mining and ensure that the process is truly public, independent, fair, and evidence-based. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Northwest Territories Mining Fiscal Regime

Members' Statements

Page 1351

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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Economic Diversification

Members' Statements

Page 1352

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. When we talk about economic recovery and diversification, I like to think that we will have meaningful dialogue between the Regular Members on this side of the House and the Cabinet Members. The residents of the Northwest Territories are counting on us to ensure a future that will provide stability in the workforce and economic prosperity for all of the communities of the Northwest Territories. The youth of our territory are counting on us to set a future that will provide them with opportunities for training and with jobs that will provide valuable work experiences.

Mr. Speaker, now is the time to work together as a consensus government to deal with an economy that is declining should we ever want to continue to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The diamond mines are nearing the end of their economic value. We have already seen what has happened to the Ekati Diamond Mine and its effects on the employees and the lost revenue to the government. This will mostly likely be the same fate the other two mines, Diavik and Gahcho Kue.

These diamond mines have brought economic life to our territory when it was needed most as we saw the closure of one of the largest mines in the NWT, Giant Mine. We are coming upon critical times in the history of the Northwest Territories related to the economic climate. There must be a willingness to adapt to our changing economic reality.

Let's say the head of the household loses their job and with it his wages that was able to buy the much-needed fuel for heat. Now they are left with no other option but to heat their home with wood and adapt to make this work. We need to work together with a common vision for the future. The future that relies on prudent spending and ways to save the millions of dollars squandered on diesel products and look at using our natural resources. This, in turn, will stimulate local economies in all of our communities. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Economic Diversification

Members' Statements

Page 1352

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Deh Cho . Members' statements. Member for Thebacha .

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Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Members' Statements

Page 1352

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, for my Member's statement today, I am going to talk about the Taltson hydro expansion and its significance for creating long-term economic development for the NWT. I've now spoken several times in this House about the importance this project brings to the North, and that is the very reason I keep speaking about this topic.

Mr. Speaker, because of the great potential that I am confident this project will bring in terms of cheaper, cleaner energy for the residents and businesses of the Northwest Territories. Another pressing reason for why this project matters more than ever is because of the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of this pandemic have been severe and will most likely be felt for many years to come. Even our Finance Minister , in her fiscal update earlier this week, said that only about 90 percent of the NWT jobs are expected to return to their pre-pandemic numbers by the end of 2020.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I implore this government to continue to advance this project as a top priority item working alongside the federal government and all Indigenous governments residing nearest to this project. It is extremely important that all levels of government work together on this project to ensure that all of the people of the NWT benefit from the construction of this expansion.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, if the Government of the Northwest Territories truly aspires to grow and diversify our economy for a brighter future, then they must stay the course and complete this expansion. As the saying goes, if you build it, they will come. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Members' Statements

Page 1352

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha . Members' statements. Member for Great Slave .

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Mining as the Economic Foundation of the Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 1352

Katrina Nokleby

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There was a lot of discussion early on in this Assembly on how we were going to diversify the economy of the Northwest Territories, so much so that the 19 th Assembly made it one of our priorities. As the first year of our term progressed, we were hit by COVID-19 and all semblance of a normal economy, a normal Northwest Territories, went out the window. As I survey the economic landscape now with an additional year of knowledge under my belt, I am looking to the future at how we rebuild our economy into a thriving, healthy one that benefits all of our residents.

I keep coming back to what has been the building blocks of our economy before now. Until we save and recover them adding in new streams to our Territory will be a challenge. How do we increase our tourism with no roads for them to drive on? How do we have a healthy small-business sector, including flower shops, hair stylists, and restaurants, if we don't have a major economic driver to employ people so they can spend money in them? This all tells me that in order for the Northwest Territories to recover from our current situation we need to return to our roots, our history.

We need to return to mining. Mining accounts for 30 to 44 percent of our GDP depending on the metrics being used. That doesn't even account for the indirect dollars that our resource extraction sector brings to our small business sector or the benefits to mental health and our society that good paying jobs people have pride in and learn from brings. Additionally, our mines are good corporate citizens, often making financial donations and gifts of material goods to northern NGOs and charities.

We constantly hear the future is green. The NWT is abundant in the minerals and metals required to build Canada's green economy. This is the Northwest Territory's future, our role on the national stage. This is where your children will be employed, where Indigenous organizations will thrive in business, and what our polytechnics should be centred on. I am all for seeing us expand and diversify. I love to travel. I love our arts. However, if we have no foundation, no resource sector, no amount of visitors to our territory will save us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Mining as the Economic Foundation of the Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 1353

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave . Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes .

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Introductory Trades Programs

Members' Statements

Page 1353

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Friday, the 2021-2022 Capital Budget estimates were tabled in this House. This is the first capital budget of this Assembly. It is the largest capital estimates ever tabled. Many of these large infrastructure projects are carryover from the past years. There are many reasons that this happened. One thing I do know is that many times when we have these large infrastructure projects, there are very low percentage of NWT residents working on these projects or are the main contractors of these projects.

What concerns me is the fact that, over the years, schools have had to make tough decisions on what programs their students have with the budgets that they're provided. The teacher's salaries go up and the programs seem to be lost. There is just not enough money there.

Mr. Speaker, we also don't have any regular scheduled introduction courses into the trades in my community through the college. How do we ever expect to increase the amount of qualified tradespeople when they're not given the opportunity to experience these areas during school or enter into any intro programs as they have in the past years? With the deficit that we've heard in infrastructure in the Northwest Territories and lack of qualified tradespeople we will continue to bring out-of-territory businesses and tradespeople so the money will continue to leave our territory.

This is unacceptable and does not benefit our economy for years to come. I will have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Introductory Trades Programs

Members' Statements

Page 1353

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes . Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake .

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Immigration to the Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 1353

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is an incredible place to visit, but it is an even better place to live. Our 33 communities are spread out over vast and gorgeous territory that extends the salt plains to the Arctic Ocean. Between, you cruise past dense bush, Canadian Shield, the Rockies to the left, the Delta, the Pingos, and straight into the Arctic Ocean. Along your journey, you'll run into a bison, a muskox, caribou, wolverine, wolves, otters, beavers, a black grizzly, or polar bear, and if you're lucky, maybe even a beluga or two.

The adventures the North has to offer are plentiful, just like the wild cranberries in fall, the birch bark syrup in spring, or fish any time of year. Each season eases you from skis to paddle boards and then back again. True, you can experience all of this as a visitor, along with the northern lights, gorgeous sunsets, or a midnight sun depending on the month, but what you can't get as a visitor is how it feels to be northern.

While most of the people in this room are born and raised Northerners who have consciously made the North home for the next generation, some come from the South to start an adventure or plant roots. The NWT is a transient and welcoming place. Some come for a year and stay for a decade while others come for five and stay for a lifetime.

The lure of career opportunities, lifestyle, the six-minute commute, wins over many northern newcomers, while the supports for new entrepreneurs or budding professionals, opportunities for student financial assistance, connections to the land and culture and that same lifestyle, and its people make it harder to ever leave; but why would you, Mr. Speaker? The NWT has arguably some of the most generous supports for seniors in all of Canada. I am thankful for a childhood North of 60 and am honoured to raise my own children in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I challenge anyone looking to build a career, find some balance, enrich their lives, or discover friends who quickly become family, to join us. The North is incredible, and I want to share it. Today, I will have questions for the GNWT's Immigration strategy for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Immigration to the Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 1354

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake . Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North .

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COVID-19 and Economic Recovery

Members' Statements

Page 1354

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Firstly, I would like to begin by thanking our public health department and all the work the department of health has done to date in response to COVID. I believe in our contact tracers, and in large effect I am supportive of the measures to date. I think, at times, we spend too much time attacking these measures, as if they are hurting the economy, but in many ways, our protective measures are making sure we can have an economy. Our restricted border measures allow us to open up more. I believe we need to reframe some of these narratives.

Wearing masks out in public, washing your hands, allows us to have more interaction, allows us to keep our businesses open. I believe we are spending too much time criticizing public health orders, as if they are shutting down the economy. In fact, the thing that will truly shut down the economy would be mass community spread of COVID-19, Mr. Speaker. There is nothing more that would shut down the economy than our residents getting sick and dying, so I would like to thank the Minister of health for her update and thank all of their team.

However, Mr. Speaker, there are many things we can do to support the economy beyond criticizing public health measures, and today, I would like to renew my commitment to the Vote Growth platform from the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce. Many of the Yellowknife Members in this House supported that platform the election, and I believe we have to relook at those priorities and make sure we are making progress on them.

Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 let the cat out of the bag. The government can move quickly. We created 160 positions. We shut down our borders. We mobilized border enforcement. We created brand new units. We passed more regulations in a few weeks than I expected us to do all year. The rapid response of mobilizing 5,000 public servants showed how fast this government can work. I am proud of that response, but we must take that initiative to respond to the economic crisis we now find ourselves in and the recession we will inevitably be heading into.

I stand here and I renew my platform to the Vote Growth platform. I believe we need to create a more reasonable business environment for the sale of alcohol in Yellowknife. I believe we need fibre redundancy. I believe we need to fund our community governments more. I want us to lead the world in our post-secondary transformation and truly build a world-class university. Lastly, I believe we need to transfer the land to the City of Yellowknife. These are the issues I campaigned for under the Vote Growth platform, and I am committed to continuing them. I will have questions for the Minister of Finance . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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COVID-19 and Economic Recovery

Members' Statements

Page 1354

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North . Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Aboriginal and Northern Procurement in the Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 1354

Steve Norn

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I want to speak about the businesses in the NWT and the state of the economy. I want to echo some of the comments that my colleagues had on both sides of the floor. I think it's really encouraging for our business community to hear that they are being looked after. More specifically, I wanted to talk about Aboriginal and northern procurement in the NWT. I would like to delve into this a little more and hopefully get a good sense of how this government is going to address this issue.

In my reply to the budget address earlier this year, I mentioned that businesses will be key to getting us through this financial and economic stagnation and decline we are going through right now. I've been seeing some of the employment numbers lately, and the news scares me, quite frankly. I am worried about how our constituents are going to keep roofs over their heads and food on their tables.

With that, in my research, Mr. Speaker, I noticed that we are one of the few jurisdictions here in the NWT that do not have an Aboriginal procurement policy. A good example of this for best practices is in the US. The US Small Business Administration, through the 8(

a) Business Development program, supports disadvantaged businesses.

There are quite a few items to go through, but I'll try to keep this brief. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, the Americans, our neighbours to the South, have set guidelines, and one did stand out, that businesses must be at least 51-percent owned and controlled by their citizens who are economically and socially disadvantaged. To me, that means that our American partners are taking steps to help their minority populations and their businesses.

How does this apply to the NWT, Mr. Speaker? It begs a few questions: where is the support for Indigenous businesses in the NWT to keep bidding on government contracts? What business specialists will help Indigenous businesses compete on bids, mentor businesses, and form joint ventures, and provide management and technical assistance? This service is not available in the NWT for Indigenous businesses who are starting up, developing, or expanding. These are definite service gaps that I believe this government can easily address.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, a solid Aboriginal procurement plan will no doubt be a path toward capacity building, creating employment, and will support Aboriginal governments toward self-determination. Undoubtedly, this will translate to more jobs in the North. With that, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of ITI at the appropriate time. Marsi cho.

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Aboriginal and Northern Procurement in the Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 1355

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

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

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COVID-19 Secretariat

Members' Statements

Page 1355

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. Today, we are talking about economic recovery here in the Northwest Territories. I believe it's time that we listen to our business sector and the public on how to boost our NWT economy.

Mr. Speaker, I have to reflect back on 150, again. That's the staff that the Premier 's secretariat needs. That is one COVID staffer for every 200 people living in the territory. Eighty-seven million, Mr. Speaker. Eighty-seven million is what the department of COVID is going to cost the taxpayers in the Northwest Territories. That is more than three times what we're spending on the entirety of the Assembly's priorities over the four-year life of this Assembly. I refer to priorities like lowering our cost of living in the Northwest Territories, raising education standards, and decent, affordable housing.

It also equals 300 homes for homeless and overcrowded Northerners. It equals the three new addiction treatment centres I spoke to earlier plus six badly needed community centres. It also equals 100 new classroom teachers employed continuously over the next five years of schooling.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, there are better, cheaper ways to respond to the COVID challenge, had the Premier and the Cabinet chosen to consider these options. I stand here today to say: enough is enough. Let's start listening to the people of the North. They are our voices as we stand here today, questioning these very important matters. Masi, Mr. Speaker.

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COVID-19 Secretariat

Members' Statements

Page 1355

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi . Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh .

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Eulogy for Ralph Isaiah

Members' Statements

Page 1355

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ralph Charles Isaiah of Fort Simpson was born to Rosie Isaiah and Phillip Gargan on August 16, 1975. Ralph died suddenly and unexpectedly four days before his 45 th birthday, on August 12, 2020. Ralph's dad, Phillip, died the year before, on July 9, 2019. Ralph was the second youngest of four brothers and six sisters.

Ralph was involved in a motor vehicle accident in July 1991. He turned 16 years old that summer. Ralph spent the last 29 years in a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. From 1991 to 2019, Ralph was lucky enough to be cared for in his own home by his loving and devoted mother. Ralph's mother, Rosie, is forever grateful for Ralph's large circle of friends and family members who provided tremendous help, caring and helping, whether it was feeding him, taking him for a walk, or just keeping him company. After 28 years in his own home, Ralph moved into the long-term care facility on March 2019.

Ralph's being in a wheelchair did not hinder him in wanting to learn more about what he loved to do, which was navigate the computer with his mouse stick. Ralph wanted to attend college and take a computer tech course. Ralph's family moved him and his mother to Edmonton in 1999 where he attended MacEwan College taking computer course. Ralph dreamt of going on a road trip. His family planned every aspect of his journey and drove Ralph from Fort Simpson to Fort St. James, B.C. This was a month-long trip that Ralph was forever grateful for his family to make his dreams come true. The importance of family and taking care of each other is shown in its truest form.

His mother, Rosie, and family would like to thank everybody for their kind words, thoughts, and prayers. She would also like to thank Ralph's friends for playing a huge

part in his life. She would also like to thank the long-term care staff in Stanton Hospital for their continuous support. He will be sadly missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Eulogy for Ralph Isaiah

Members' Statements

Page 1355

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nahendeh . Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, acknowledgments. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Thebacha .

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Question 386-19(2): Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Oral Questions

Page 1356

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister provide this House with an update on the status of the Taltson hydro expansion project? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 386-19(2): Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Oral Questions

Page 1356

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha . Minister of Infrastructure .

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Question 386-19(2): Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Oral Questions

Page 1356

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Work continues to advance this project as it is a priority of this government. We continue to work with Indigenous partners to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding for how we will work together on this project. Efforts also continues towards the development of a preliminary business case on the project that incorporates the views and perspectives of Indigenous partners. Work also continues to collect environmental information to support the regulatory applications. This summer, we were fortunate enough to be able to have some field work to map out the bottom of the Great Slave Lake to inform possible routing for this transmission line.

Also, Mr. Speaker, I want to inform that the participants of this northern youth leadership program were involved with this work, which included 22 youth that participated in Nahidik projects. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 386-19(2): Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Oral Questions

Page 1356

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I'm curious whether the Taltson expansion project will be delayed or altered in any way. Can the Minister confirm whether any aspect of this project has been changed or delayed?

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Question 386-19(2): Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Oral Questions

Page 1356

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

COVID-19 has impacted our ability to do community and stakeholder engagement, just to some degree. We are also currently working with a plan that takes into account the health and safety of our residents. Other work has also continued through this pandemic. For example, the desktop technical work that has continued on the project, and specialized initiatives such as our recent field program on the Great Slave, which was undertaken with some minor delays.

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Question 386-19(2): Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Oral Questions

Page 1356

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

In May, I questioned the previous Infrastructure Minister about Taltson, and she mentioned the establishment of an Indigenous engagement community relations unit within the Infrastructure department. Can the Minister explain what this community relations unit is and what they have done to date regarding the Taltson hydro expansion?

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Question 386-19(2): Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Oral Questions

Page 1356

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

The Taltson project team includes the Indigenous relations advisor. The primary focus for the role is to develop an engagement plan for the project in order to communicate what the project could look like while respectfully incorporating input and information from communities, residents, and Indigenous organizations. That work has only just begun, and meaningful engagement on the project will need to factor in the unique interests of the perspectives of Indigenous and Northern residents in order to minimize environmental impacts while maximizing some of the benefits.

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Question 386-19(2): Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Oral Questions

Page 1356

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Thebacha .

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Question 386-19(2): Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Oral Questions

Page 1356

Frieda Martselos

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, the Taltson hydro expansion is important for a number of reasons for the Northwest Territories, particularly for advancing economic development across the territory. Does the Minister agree that this project will help attract more economic development and business opportunities for the people of the Northwest Territories? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 386-19(2): Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Oral Questions

Page 1356

Diane Archie

Inuvik Boot Lake

Agreed. The Taltson hydro expansion has potential to connect ten NWT communities, and 70 percent of our population to one renewable hydro system that will stabilize the cost of electricity across the territory, reduce the impacts of the drop in the Snare system, and set the stage for clean economic growth from new to existing resource development projects, north and south of the Great Slave Lake.

As we move towards construction, the northern economic impact of this project will only grow while our Indigenous partners at the table, we will enter into the regulatory process, establish critical protocols for business, employment, and training opportunities, and also work to ensure that project benefits stay in the North to the greatest extent possible. For example, approximately 600 construction jobs are expected during the construction phase over a five-year period.

Mr. Speaker, the Taltson expansion project is important to our future and economic recovery. It will provide energy-related infrastructure needed to advance our economy into the future, while also helping meet our mission targets. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 386-19(2): Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project

Oral Questions

Page 1356

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Monfwi .

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Question 387-19(2): Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations regarding Residential Addictions Treatment

Oral Questions

Page 1357

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about the situation in the NWT. Like I said yesterday, these are not my words. These are coming from the community, and I would like to question the Premier . Yesterday, I did not get an answer, so I am directing my question to the Premier . The Commissioner's report, so I'd like to ask her a question regarding the report. [Translation ends.]

I just want to question the Premier since she has the lead on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The 94 recommendations, more specifically for Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, the first question I have for the Premier is that I note, under this government, there was a promise made for a residential addiction treatment being provided here in the Northwest Territories. That hasn't been so to date yet. It's been a number of years now we've been waiting. I'd just like to know, more specifically what this government is planning to invest in in our people when it comes to residential treatment and as part of the TRC action plan, number 20 and 21, more specifically, Mr. Speaker. Masi.

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Question 387-19(2): Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations regarding Residential Addictions Treatment

Oral Questions

Page 1357

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi . Honourable Premier .

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Question 387-19(2): Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations regarding Residential Addictions Treatment

Oral Questions

Page 1357

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I'd like to start by re-emphasizing the Minister's statement the other day is that we support both residential treatment centres in the South and also on-the-land programming in the Northwest Territories. Only $500,000 is less for the on-the-land. We do put a huge chunk or resources into that fund, and again, quoting the Minister from the other day is that it looks like it's not all being accessed. Please reach out, any Indigenous communities that are looking to access that support; we will work with you through that process. I think, Mr. Speaker, that's a combination, and that's what we're looking at. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 387-19(2): Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations regarding Residential Addictions Treatment

Oral Questions

Page 1357

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

I, for one, would like to see more of our territorial investment into our people, and that is addiction treatment. We have so many people homeless, on the street, our downtown core especially. My own people are there, too, and I am trying to reach out to them. Mr. Speaker, the next question I have is more specific to that. It will be focusing on the TRC recommendation on wellness. It has been five years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued a call for new healing centres to deal with the emotion and spiritual damage caused by residential schools across the Northwest Territories in our region.

The TRC especially singled out the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, therefore, I ask the Premier : why are we not pursuing a northern addiction treatment centre here in the North, Northerners treating Northerners in northern facilities, as the TRC highly recommended through the TRC actions 20 and 21, to be more specific?

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Question 387-19(2): Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations regarding Residential Addictions Treatment

Oral Questions

Page 1357

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

I agree that we need treatment for people in the Northwest Territories. I am a child of family addictions, and I have seen the trauma that comes with it. I have seen family violence to a huge extent, a lot of pain and suffering for families within that. However, I also agree that you need to have different methods of care. One treatment does not work for all people. I know this is a new government. In the last Assembly, the Minister of Health and Social Services actually reached out to committee members and took them down South for a tour of the treatment centres.

I was not part of that tour, but what I did hear is that it did open the eyes of MLAs to seeing and hearing the stories of residents and saying that they want choices, that sometimes it's not okay to have it in your community. Again, I have experienced that in my own family and the shame that comes with being a family member of addictions. It's impactful. I did reach out to the Minister, and we talked about it. I think that the Minister agreed that she would reach out to standing committee and offer that. If the Members are willing to take

part in a tour, then we would be willing to offer that, as well.

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Question 387-19(2): Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations regarding Residential Addictions Treatment

Oral Questions

Page 1357

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

If the Premier and this government agrees, then we should be investing more in this area. It is a serious matter, a serious issue, and real-life issue today we are facing, and it's in our backyard, on the streets, Mr. Speaker. Once we walk out of here, we see them. They have no place to go, so we are here, speaking for them, Mr. Speaker. The Premier alluded to a southern institution. I can give you an example. This will not be the only time. There will be other Members' statements coming next few days. Mr. Speaker, Poundmaker's is one of the government's six addiction-treatment partners in the South.

With all due respect to Poundmaker's, it's Cree. Cree is not Dene. Culture is a major factor in addiction treatment. If there is a mismatch between Cree and Dene, just imagine the mistakes of sending our people to these treatment centres down South, more specifically, downtown Toronto. That is a prime example. Mr. Speaker, how does this mismatch affect the appropriateness of the residential treatment those six institutions are providing for our Dene constituents, those with a language barrier, more specifically, too?

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Question 387-19(2): Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations regarding Residential Addictions Treatment

Oral Questions

Page 1358

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

As I stated before, I think that people need to have a continuum of choices when they are talking about addictions. However, Mr. Speaker, I think there is a missing component here. I came into this Assembly because of working with homeless women, and I have had over 20 years listening to the horror stories of women. Some of the stories, I cannot even share in this House they are so horrific, from when they were children, Mr. Speaker. I think that, if we talk about addictions treatment, we also have to be looking at mental health, Mr. Speaker, and that does not have to be in a residential setting.

I think that mental health is a huge issue and leads to addictions. Addictions is not something people pick up. It's a coping mechanism, Mr. Speaker. Again, I would like to say that you cannot talk one without the other.

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Question 387-19(2): Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations regarding Residential Addictions Treatment

Oral Questions

Page 1358

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Madam Premier . Final supplementary. Member for Monfwi .

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Question 387-19(2): Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations regarding Residential Addictions Treatment

Oral Questions

Page 1358

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. We represent the Northwest Territories, almost 40,000 people. Almost every second person you talk to, they have addiction issues or family-related matters or community members. Again, it's a real issue, and we need to start listening to the people of the North. We cannot just dictate to them that this is good for you, six southern institutions. Mr. Speaker, that leads into my next question, and that is: residential addiction treatment works best for Dene when it's integrated with elders and time on the land.

Of course, this is not possible in a southern setting, southern institutions that we talked about. Dene have to wait to come home for that. Those clients would have to come home to these elders. Mr. Speaker, question to the Premier : what does her government research say about the drawbacks of decoupling of culture components from the clinical components of treatment when it comes to our Dene people of the Northwest Territories? Masi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 387-19(2): Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations regarding Residential Addictions Treatment

Oral Questions

Page 1358

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

I cannot just pull up the research on that at this point because I do not have it on hand. However, what I can say, Mr. Speaker, is: I totally agree. We need to consider the whole community unit when we are talking addiction support, mental health support, as well. The elders are important within that component, and I value them very much with that. That goes to the offer that we do on-the-land funding for communities to access so that they can provide that elder support and the community support that is needed.

Mr. Speaker, one thing also I thought about while the questions were coming is that I did hear that people were saying they want choices, but I also heard that after-care was an issue, as well. The on-the-land funding might not be able to be accessed as much right now, but after-care is an issue. It's: what do these people do when they get out of the treatment centres? I know lots of research that shows that, if you do not have the proper after-care in the communities, they often slide back. That is not something we want to see. It's a continuum of care that we need, starting from in schools right until people age. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 387-19(2): Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations regarding Residential Addictions Treatment

Oral Questions

Page 1358

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Honourable Premier . Oral questions. Member for Hay River South .

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Question 388-19(2): COVID-19 Secretariat Hiring Process

Oral Questions

Page 1358

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions for the Premier . Mr. Speaker, within the community of Hay River, there is some confusion among the residents around the hiring process for the secretariat. There is concern that workers are being hired without following any type of process. This is troubling, considering the cost this government will be incurring. Can the Premier confirm the hiring process and if any or all positions for the proposed secretariat have been or will be advertised internally within the government and externally for the public? What type of media is being used for advertising? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 388-19(2): COVID-19 Secretariat Hiring Process

Oral Questions

Page 1358

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South . Honourable Premier .

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Question 388-19(2): COVID-19 Secretariat Hiring Process

Oral Questions

Page 1358

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories is following all our hiring processes when we are seeking to staff up the secretariat. Some of the positions will be filled by existing employees from other departments. For the most part, these employees were already doing the work prior to the creation of the secretariat. Some of the positions have been advertised internally through an expression of interest process, and about half of the positions are also being filled from individuals new to the Government of the Northwest Territories. They are, at this point, either casual hires or as a result of advertising for term positions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 388-19(2): COVID-19 Secretariat Hiring Process

Oral Questions

Page 1358

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, another issue with staffing the secretariat concerns brought to my attention are P1 candidates. Can the Premier confirm if we are following the Affirmative Action Policy in the advertising, interviewing, and hiring of COVID secretariat staff with respect to affirmative action?

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Question 388-19(2): COVID-19 Secretariat Hiring Process

Oral Questions

Page 1358

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

The affirmative action and the necessity for making sure that Northerners get jobs for northern people has been brought up in this House not only by MLAs. Ministers have also talked about it. It's a priority for our government, and I can confirm that the secretariat is following those processes. Cabinet, as a whole, is watching all hiring as it goes forward, to ensure that we use our Affirmative Action Policy as much as possible.

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Question 388-19(2): COVID-19 Secretariat Hiring Process

Oral Questions

Page 1359

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

I understand we have staffed over half the positions already. Of the approximately 86 staff hired to date, what process was used to hire and enter into contracts with them, and are the contracts all for the same length of time?

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Question 388-19(2): COVID-19 Secretariat Hiring Process

Oral Questions

Page 1359

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

At this time, today, there is 110 employees with the COVID secretariat. Of these, 65 are currently new to the Government of the Northwest Territories, of which 62 are casuals and three are term employees. Forty-five of the current secretariat employees are currently on reassignment or transfer assignments from their home positions in other departments of the Government of the Northwest Territories. When it comes to the qualifications of employment, I would like to see as many people that can get good, stable jobs in the Northwest Territories.

However, the secretariat, as I said before in the House, will dissolve as soon as the Chief Public Health Officer determines that we are safe and the public health emergency is released. Within that, then, we can't hire permanent. We have to look at term positions and casuals, and that's what we're doing at this point.

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Question 388-19(2): COVID-19 Secretariat Hiring Process

Oral Questions

Page 1359

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Honourable Premier . Oral questions. Member for Hay River South .

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Question 388-19(2): COVID-19 Secretariat Hiring Process

Oral Questions

Page 1359

Rocky Simpson

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once we have a vaccine, rapid testing, or another process to confirm that COVID-19 is under control and can be satisfactorily treated, can the Premier explain to the people of the Northwest Territories what are the triggers, criteria, and process for making the decision to wind down the secretariat, and how long would such a wind-down take? How will this government deal with reprofiling and terminating staff?

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Question 388-19(2): COVID-19 Secretariat Hiring Process

Oral Questions

Page 1359

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

The whole purpose of the secretariat was to be able to implement the orders of the Chief Public Health Officer. As I said in my last answer, as these orders change, our response to the pandemic will change, as well. Once the Chief Public Health Officer and the Minister of Health determine that the orders are no longer necessary and we can conclude the public state of emergency, at that point then, we'll look at winding down the secretariat. I know that we've made projections. The $87 million almost is over two and a half years. Thirty-one million dollars of that is for this year.

Twenty-three million dollars of that is covered by the federal government. I don't want it to go on. No politician in the whole of Canada, in the whole world, wants this to go on. As soon as a vaccination is found or we can get this under control, we will be looking to wind it down, but we don't know how long it's going to last. I can't give a timeline. What I can say is that, as soon as the Chief Public Health Officer deems our residents safe, at that point, we will be winding down the secretariat. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 388-19(2): COVID-19 Secretariat Hiring Process

Oral Questions

Page 1359

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Honourable Premier . Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Question 389-19(2): Allowing Minors in Class A Establishments

Oral Questions

Page 1359

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I spoke about a number of the Vote Growth platforms. One in particular was allowing a more flexible business area for liquor sales. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak about one thing in particular, and that is allowing minors into Class A establishments. In the last Assembly, there was a petition with hundreds of signatures supporting this. Numerous of my constituents who own bars or restaurants have asked for this. My question for the Minister of Finance is: will she allow minors in Class A establishments? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 389-19(2): Allowing Minors in Class A Establishments

Oral Questions

Page 1359

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North . Minister of Finance .

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Question 389-19(2): Allowing Minors in Class A Establishments

Oral Questions

Page 1359

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are class A establishments and class B establishments. The class A are predominantly focused on the sale of alcohol,

whereas your class B establishments are predominantly focused on the sale of food. What's interesting is that an entity or a business can apply to have both, can be a class A and a class B. For instance, a business could apply and have a class B licence on Saturdays and Sundays during brunch hours when the focus is certainly more on food. Indeed, I know there are businesses that have recently made such application and, indeed, from the point of first enquiry to the point of that being granted, took less than a month.

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Question 389-19(2): Allowing Minors in Class A Establishments

Oral Questions

Page 1359

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

That is very much the response my constituents got the last time, and it was the response to the petition. The problem is: it doesn't reflect the reality of many business models. There are very few patios in this town. Our patio season is short. If you walk up to a patio at one of the few we have in town at a class A establishment and you have a minor with you, you can't sit down because there are people drinking only beer.

That business has to decide whether people want lunch-hour beers only or they want minors, such that changing one or repurposing your entire business to be half class A and class B is not the reality of how business owners want to run their businesses. I will ask this Minister: this is a regulation change purely within her authority. Will she amend the regulations to find a model that works for class A business owners?

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Question 389-19(2): Allowing Minors in Class A Establishments

Oral Questions

Page 1360

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

I'm not making that regulation change without more extensive consultation with the people of the Northwest Territories. At the beginning of the pandemic, when we sought to make what seemed, again, to make a fairly small change in order to help adapt the then business structure to what was going on with COVID-19, there was a tremendous outpouring of concern from all different sides, about all the different impacts. While it seems like a simple thing, I was taken aback by just how many different opinions there are across this territory and on the ways that these kinds of changes will impact them.

What I am doing is that the Department of Finance is doing a review right now of the Liquor Act and a review of liquor pricing, really looking at the entire schematic of the regime. In doing so, we'll have that opportunity to go out to consult and to determine if there's a way to adapt our system so that we can have systems and regulations that are appropriate for some parts of the territory while still ensuring that those that want different types of protections or controls can have them.

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Question 389-19(2): Allowing Minors in Class A Establishments

Oral Questions

Page 1360

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

I recognize there is probably nothing more divisive in the NWT than liquor regulations and the Liquor Act. However, the comprehensive review of the Liquor Act, I believe, needs to be separated by this finite issue. Most of the small communities don't have class A establishments. Many of them have alcohol period. There are a handful of true class A establishments in the territory. Will the Minister of Finance reach out to those class A establishments and find a business model that works for them outside of a giant, comprehensive Liquor Act review that I agree we need to do?

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Question 389-19(2): Allowing Minors in Class A Establishments

Oral Questions

Page 1360

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

I'm not going to make that commitment right now. Simply put, this is the only time I've actually had this specific issue raised, and I appreciate that there are quite a number of establishments, particularly in Yellowknife, for whom this might benefit their situation. I'm certainly not getting a groundswell. In fact, if anything, what I hear more is about concerns about prohibiting liquor and restraining liquor and restricting access to liquor. At the moment, we are already underway with the Liquor Review. There have already been some minor amendments made to reflect some recommendations from the Liquor Board.

The department has been quite flexible in terms of ensuring that there are options and flexibility available.

Again, as I've said, for those entities, those businesses, that are seeking an exception, there is a route forward. It's not particularly cumbersome, and it can be done quite quickly. While the bigger process of consultation and review is underway, there is a mechanism by which businesses can change their situation, can change and be a hybrid. If that proves to be untenable, then, certainly, we'll look forward to hearing that.

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Question 389-19(2): Allowing Minors in Class A Establishments

Oral Questions

Page 1360

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Question 389-19(2): Allowing Minors in Class A Establishments

Oral Questions

Page 1360

Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know how much more of a groundswell there can be. There was a petition with hundreds of signatures. There have been numerous requests. The hybrid model of having class A and class B at different hours and in different parts of one establishment requires infrastructure changes. It doesn't allow people to have a beer solely for lunch hour in that area, which happens. My question is: will the Minister of Finance review the current liquor regulation that allows the class A and B at different hours and see if there is a way to bring them together for the same hours? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 389-19(2): Allowing Minors in Class A Establishments

Oral Questions

Page 1360

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

I'm sure it comes as no surprise that the department staff are always watching what happens on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, and if there is, indeed, some sort of solution that I'm not aware of, I have every confidence they'll bring it to my attention. I'm certainly not, at this moment in time, going to commit and say the solution is easy or obvious or simple because, just as there may be hundreds of people expressing one view, I expect that there are many more that express a different view on what is a very divisive issue.

We certainly made changes quickly to the liquor regulations, but it was clear that there were changes that could be made that would have impacts, and positive impacts. We made those changes only after having some consultations, not only with business owners, but with community governments, with Indigenous governments, and with members of the public. While it may seem like a small change, in my experience already, that change is not small and can have significant ramifications. I am always alive to the opportunity to make quick changes that have positive benefits, but that is about as far as I will go in terms of where this direction might go. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 389-19(2): Allowing Minors in Class A Establishments

Oral Questions

Page 1360

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes .

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Question 390-19(2): Introductory Trades Programs in Inuvik

Oral Questions

Page 1361

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand that each school board gets to decide how they use their funding allocations they receive, but they only have enough for their core classes, O and M, then they get a bit for the inclusive schooling, and then for Indigenous language and education. I would like the Minister to look at how regional schools can be allocated funding to increase their trades classes for regional and small communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 390-19(2): Introductory Trades Programs in Inuvik

Oral Questions

Page 1361

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes . Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 390-19(2): Introductory Trades Programs in Inuvik

Oral Questions

Page 1361

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the former chair of BDEC, I'm sure the Member knows the funding system better than me, but I want to say that, yes, that is exactly the plan. I committed to looking at the funding formula along with the Education Act during the life of this Assembly so that I can ensure that we can better support our small communities and regional centres. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 390-19(2): Introductory Trades Programs in Inuvik

Oral Questions

Page 1361

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Over the years, the campus in Inuvik has lost many programs. They have lost the environment and natural resources program most recently. They have lost the recreational leadership program, and they do not have any more trades program or intro to trades programs in our local Inuvik campus. Will the Minister commit to looking into utilizing the college in Inuvik to return programs that have benefited the regional workforce by bringing back Intro to Trades programs?

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Question 390-19(2): Introductory Trades Programs in Inuvik

Oral Questions

Page 1361

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

I don't get too much into the operations of the college and what they offer on a regular basis, but I can say that delivery of trades programming in the Beaufort Delta is one of the priorities of that campus. I thank the Member for bringing this up. I do appreciate bringing some attention to the campus in Inuvik because I believe it is under-utilized and we can do more. We can expand. That is the impetus behind this entire transformation, so that those types of programs that lead people into the workforce can be delivered where they need to be delivered. I am very alive to the need for tradespeople.

The regional staff from Aurora College in the Beaufort Delta is very aware of it, and they talk to the Indigenous governments on a daily basis and are well-aware of what the needs are. Our public administrator is from the Beaufort Delta. I was just talking with him today about this very matter, so it's definitely at the forefront of our minds.

I can't commit to making any programming changes, especially in light of COVID, where things like trades programming especially have really been curtailed because of the limitations placed on the college by the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer. What we are offering now is a combination of a little bit of in-person, but mostly online. Unfortunately, I can't have a "yes" to this one, as well.

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Question 390-19(2): Introductory Trades Programs in Inuvik

Oral Questions

Page 1361

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Just because we're in the process of transitioning or looking toward a polytechnic university, this shouldn't mean that everything else in our college system should be cancelled and put under review. What is the long-term plan for the Inuvik Aurora campus to build NWT capacity in the NWT workforce?

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Question 390-19(2): Introductory Trades Programs in Inuvik

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Page 1361

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

I don't have a long-term plan right now. That's what we're working on. There has recently been a couple of discussion papers released, one on areas of specialization. One of the proposed areas of specialization is trades, skilled trades, and technology, so similar to what the Member is talking about. Right now, it is tough to expand and transform at the same time.

There is a lot of effort put into strengthening the foundation of the college and transforming it, and one of those steps is going to be a facilities plan where we look at what exists in all of the different regions and what we can then offer in that region, how we build on those natural advantages. The long-term plan, that's what is in the works right now, and that's the exciting transformation that is happening.

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Question 390-19(2): Introductory Trades Programs in Inuvik

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Page 1361

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes .

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Question 390-19(2): Introductory Trades Programs in Inuvik

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Page 1361

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What I would like now is a short-term plan. I understand we're in a pandemic, but we still have students and we still have a college there that is still operating. What is the plan for this winter, the winter semester, and do we have a plan for next fall as to what kinds of courses they are going to be having at the Inuvik College? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 390-19(2): Introductory Trades Programs in Inuvik

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Page 1361

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

I can provide the Member with a list of all the programming that is happening at the college this fall, or rather this upcoming winter. Again, COVID-19 has really hampered anything that can be done. I know that the JK-12 schools are back in, but I can't say the same for adult programming. Right now, it's mostly distance. As for fall 2021, that is, again, dependent on the state of the pandemic, and so those plans are being worked on. Without knowing what state we're going to be in and what the orders are going to say, it's really hard to tell at this point. I'm sorry I don't have more concrete answers for the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 390-19(2): Introductory Trades Programs in Inuvik

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Page 1361

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho .

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Question 391-19(2): COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

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Page 1362

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the health Minister. The residents of my riding have grave concerns with the Coronavirus spreading into the Northwest Territories through the 60 th parallel border check stops. They do not want to see the second wave come into our communities. What intensifies their concern is the many sightings of Alberta and BC license plates travelling into our communities. One would expect detailed information, including temperature testing, before they are allowed to continue into the territory or, at the very least, turned back. Can the Minister provide an update as to what steps are taken when dealing with out-of-territory travellers into the NWT? Mahsi.

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Question 391-19(2): COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

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Page 1362

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Deh Cho . Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 391-19(2): COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

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Page 1362

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Health and Social Services doesn't direct the border enforcement, and so this question would be better directed to the Premier who does. Thank you.

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Question 391-19(2): COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

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Page 1362

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you. Honourable Premier .

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Question 391-19(2): COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

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Page 1362

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We will have to get back to the Member about the testing that is done. My understanding, though, is that the testing that we have, and I'm not the health Minister so I don't know all of the different ones; I think there are three different test machines that we use and a whole bunch of tests. Right now, the priority is using them for essential workers, people who are in our healthcare field, our dentists, et cetera, like that. The Chief Public Health Officer would like to be able to test every single person coming in, as they come in, but at this time, our testing capacity, my understanding is that we don't have the ability yet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 391-19(2): COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

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Page 1362

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi for that, Premier . You touched upon just the testing stuff, but I was more wanting to know the type of information that is collected from the travellers at the border, especially if they have Alberta plates, BC plates, because we are seeing too many of them coming into our communities. There is a big concern about that. I just wonder if you could touch upon that topic.

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Question 391-19(2): COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

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Page 1362

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

That one is under the secretariat. I can actually provide the information to the Members. I'll get a list of all of the information. It's been a while since I had that briefing, but my understanding is that the information that is gathered from the people who drive up to our borders or land in an airline is asking them where they are from, show us your ID, where are you going to, what is your purpose here. If they are going to be self-isolating, where are they self-isolating at?

If it's going to be at an isolation centre, then the process followed is that, at the end of each day, our border patrols actually phone the isolation centres and give a list of the names of people who are going to be there to ensure that they have driven up.

I do know, Mr. Speaker, that we see a lot of people coming up with driver's plates that are not from the NWT, and that is a concern. I hear that all the time. However, all of them are either essential workers, or some residents in the NWT still have the plates if they are snowbirds or those kinds of things. Every person who comes through the border, though, has to have either a social-isolation plan or an exemption from the Chief Public Health Officer as an essential worker. That, I can say.

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Question 391-19(2): COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

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Page 1362

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi for that bit of information. There are still a lot of concerns with travellers. I note that the enforcement team are all stationed in Yellowknife and not out in the communities. My question is: has the enforcement team ever been stationed at the 60 th border check stop to monitor travellers and to assist the border check stop staff in their duties?

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Question 391-19(2): COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

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Page 1362

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

I cannot say if the border team, the enforcement team, has been at the border to monitor people coming across because I have not heard that that has been a concern. We have only had one person that I know of who actually tried to run the border, and the RCMP were called in that instance. If we have issues with people trying to run the border or not complying, the RCMP is called immediately for that, Mr. Speaker. The enforcement team is actually to make sure that people are following the Chief Public Health Officer's orders, that they are self-isolating, that they are abiding by those things.

However, I do want to say, Mr. Speaker, we have got cases in the NWT now. It's critical at this point, and I know that people are tired. They have been hanging on for a long time, but this is not the time to let down our guard. Now is the time that we have to make sure. We can't confirm that every single person who comes across the border is going to be COVID-free. We are seeing that that's not happening, so every single person, I cannot plead enough, needs to start abiding by the Chief Public Health Officer's orders. Keep your distance. The best things you can do: keep that 2-metres distance; wear a mask; protect your neighbours; wash your hands frequently; and keep your circle small.

Mr. Speaker, all of us have a responsibility now. None of us want to see this in the NWT. We have been very fortunate doing what we did, but we knew it was only a matter of time. Now is not the time. I am pleading with everyone. Please do your part to help keep us safe.

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Question 391-19(2): COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

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Page 1363

The Speaker

Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Honourable Premier . Final supplementary. Member for Deh Cho .

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Question 391-19(2): COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

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Page 1363

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I wish your enforcement team would have a hotline to Big River gas service station in Providence for all the information they need in terms of travellers. Anyways, there are many concerns that local NWT residents are travelling to Alberta and places beyond for vacations or to get out of the territory for various reasons, including going to casinos. Most are returning but not self-isolating and going on about their business, including partying with residents. This is one sure way the coronavirus will enter our territory, and it does get people's anxiety levels up there. How will the Minister's department deal with these situations or the CPHO's office?

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Question 391-19(2): COVID-19 Border and Travel Restrictions

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Page 1363

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

A couple of ways. Again, I already spoke about the necessity for all