Debates of March 2nd, 2005

This is page numbers 1675 - 1714 of the Hansard for the 15th Assembly, 3rd 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

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Volunteer Declaration And Action Plan

Funding For The Yellowknife Youth Shelter

Appreciation For Premier's Visit To The Sahtu Region

Impacts Of The Northern Drug Trade

Closure Of The Remand And Young Offender Facilities In Hay River

Lack Of Trust In The Government

Infrastructure Funding For Recreational Facilities

GNWT "get Active" Initiative

Operational Review Of The Workers' Compensation Board

Quebec Parental Leave Program

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Quebec Parental Leave Program

Social Impacts Of Pipeline Development

Increase In Workers' Claims Rejections

Cost Overruns At The North Slave Correctional Centre

Addressing The Northern Drug Trade

Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Written Question 78-15(3): Positions Related To The Diamond, And Oil And Gas Industries

Tabled Document 116-15(3): GNWT Declaration On Volunteering

Tabled Document 117-15(3): NWT Volunteer Support Initiative

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

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Members Present

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

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---Prayer

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 1675

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs , Mr. McLeod.

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Minister's Statement 102-15(3): Volunteer Declaration And Action Plan

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1675

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to announce the release of the Government of the Northwest Territories declaration on volunteering and volunteer support initiative. Later today, I will be tabling copies for the Members' information.

These documents signal a renewed commitment on the part of the Government of the Northwest Territories to volunteers and the important role they play in northern society.

The declaration on volunteering is a public statement of our government's ongoing commitment to, and support for, the important role of volunteers in community life. This document will be widely released in poster format during National Volunteer Week in April.

The volunteer support initiative provides a policy framework to guide Government of the Northwest Territories activities. It is designed to outline how the government can take steps to increase volunteer participation rates and provide more effective support to individual volunteers and organizations. Specifically, it contains a number of measures designed to promote good citizenship through volunteerism, and to support non-government organizations with volunteer development.

Mr. Speaker, volunteers are a critical part of community life. They are the firefighters who protect us, the coaches who train and mentor our children, the organizers of community celebrations and the individuals who support us during difficult times.

Over the next few months, Government of the Northwest Territories departments will be working with Volunteer NWT and other organizations to develop a joint work plan to support the volunteer support initiative.

Over the long term, I am confident that we can continue to support the role of volunteers and volunteer organizations and improve the quality of life for all northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Minister's Statement 102-15(3): Volunteer Declaration And Action Plan

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1675

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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Funding For The Yellowknife Youth Shelter

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1675

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on February 15th I made a statement in this House about the need for a youth shelter, specifically for time after midnight when the youth centre we have now closes because I indicated in this House that the young people have literally no place to go, especially in winter months. What they do is go down the Gold Range street and see things that probably are a bad influence; we shouldn't have a situation where we have 16 to 18-year-olds walking all night long.

The Minister indicated that his department and his officials were working with the group and looking at all the variables to see what they can do. That weekend, I found out, Mr. Speaker, that the centre opened for the weekend and overnight. I thought I made a difference. I felt so satisfied. I felt so powerful that we actually were able to do something. We make small differences.

Well, I found out yesterday that the funding was for five weeks. It started two weekends ago and it's going to end at the end of March. Mr. Speaker, that's a shame. I don't know what the Minister has planned for those kids who are walking between midnight and 7:00 in the morning. They have no place to go and they are just ripe for the picking by people who are selling drugs and encouraging them to do all sorts of things.

I have to also point out, Mr. Speaker, that while this government is growing, RWED is creating 22 extra jobs, the Housing Corporation is spending $2 million more on a project that completely failed in its initial year, we are cutting program money, not only for the youth shelter but also for the Children and the Women's Recovery Program. I just learned that the COPS program that was started by Yellowknife citizens is not going to get any funding from government at all. I think, Mr. Speaker, that our young constituents on our streets will tell you that we have our priorities all screwed up and I think it's about time that we fix it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Funding For The Yellowknife Youth Shelter

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1675

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Appreciation For Premier's Visit To The Sahtu Region

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1676

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past week, I was in Tulita for a funeral for an elder who happened to be my aunt. Mr. Speaker, in times like this, people in small communities take the time out to support one another in difficult times.

Mr. Speaker, we also had the opportunity of having the honourable Premier Joe Handley and Minister McLeod come to the community at that time. They drove up to the Sahtu region.

I want to say, Mr. Speaker, how much the people in Tulita and the Sahtu region appreciated having Mr. Handley and Mr. McLeod come to the community and give their condolences to our people there. Mr. Speaker, sometimes we get caught up in House business and we forget about the people in the small communities, especially times when there is a death and everyone is affected.

Mr. Speaker, the people in Tulita were ever so grateful for having Mr. Handley and Mr. McLeod come by and shake hands with the family. When I left the community, my uncle said he was so appreciative. For me, Mr. Speaker, that shows heart in this government. It shows a government that has heart and compassion for the people. At times it's really hard for us. For the Premier and the Minister to come by and visit the people for a while, it shows leadership and Mr. Handley 's ability to bring the government to the people in times of need.

We may not always get what we need, but as long as you are there for the people and listen to them, it goes a long way in people's minds and hearts. For that, we are appreciative.

Mr. Speaker, I want to say thank you to Mr. Handley and Mr. McLeod for taking the time out and coming to our people when they were in need. It shows that this government does have heart and has some good leadership abilities. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Appreciation For Premier's Visit To The Sahtu Region

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1676

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Impacts Of The Northern Drug Trade

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1676

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to speak today about drugs and the impact they are having on our communities, families, residents and children. I had the opportunity on Monday to attend the session with representatives of Crack Busters, a group trying to help crack addicts through the process of quitting crack cocaine.

I listened to how the group works and learned from local addictions experts, including Dr. Ross Wheeler, how addictive and devastating crack is. Unless you are personally affected by crack, most people have no idea how dangerous this drug is. It destroys families, and addicts will do whatever they can to get their next hit or fix. Many families in the Northwest Territories have been financially ruined by the ravages of crack, and children as young as 13 and 14 are doing this drug in our communities and parents are left helpless. I wanted to mention today an

article that appeared in the Edmonton Journal last Sunday, February 27th, which I will table later today. The title of the

article is Big City Drugs Plague Northern Capital. It would appear that we were getting attention in southern press for diamonds, aurora, oil and gas, but now it is drugs. I find this to be very disturbing. I have said previously in this House that we do not have enough resources to combat the scourge that drugs are bringing. I will say again today, emphatically, that, as a government, we are not doing enough to tackle the drug problem.

The city of Yellowknife has three full-time members on the drug squad. We need more officers, more drug dogs, and it is obvious that other communities in the Northwest Territories, like Hay River and Inuvik, do not have the resources to meet the need. I believe it is incumbent on us, as legislators, to act on this situation to try to get the money and the resources to fight back and give our children, our family and our youth a fighting chance. The problem is only getting worse. How many more families will be destroyed? How many more children are going to fall prey to this insidious drug? We have to have a strategy and a plan to get the drugs off of our streets. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Impacts Of The Northern Drug Trade

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1676

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Closure Of The Remand And Young Offender Facilities In Hay River

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1676

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, I want to talk about the not-so-visible consequences of decisions government makes without thinking beyond the economics. Mr. Dent stated in the House recently that the Justice cuts in Hay River are only about economics. It is pretty amazing that a government that prides itself on being fair to the regions and respectful of its workers can take actions that can literally destroy people's lives.

For the people in the upper echelons of government, we are told that we have limited options as to how we can deal with them when the stakes are laid and bad judgment is exercised. They can be reassigned, put on indefinite types of leave on compassionate grounds.

This government makes mistakes that cost millions of dollars. Oh, well, let's just sweep it under the carpet. Maybe Minister Dent would like to counter Mr. Ramsay 's assertion yesterday that the North Slave Correctional Centre debacle cost $1.5 million. But I haven't heard any rebuttal, so let's take it for a fact. I find it so offensive that there are no repercussions for wasting $1.5 million and yet the same department can turn around and wipe out long-standing services and long-serving, dedicated employees in our region to proudly state that they have reduced the government's budget by $1.5 million.

Jobs and services from one community, in one department...Where is the accountability, Mr. Speaker? In Hay River, there are many stories that could be told about the impacts of these job cuts. Let me read into the record a letter that appeared in the House shortly after the closures were announced.

"Hi. I am 13 years old and both my parents are going to be losing their jobs as of March 31, 2005. The courthouse and Dene K'onia are shutting down. Also, SMCC is closing the remand unit. I am writing this letter to ask you to keep their jobs so we don't have to move away from Hay River. All of my friends are here. I enjoy DJSS, bowling and swimming. My Dad loves his job at Dene K'onia. He had the opportunity to work somewhere else, but chose not to. He stayed at Dene K'onia. My Mom works really hard and enjoys working at the courthouse. They are both casual term employees and will not get paid out like others.

Both of my parents will be out of work. Please vote so they can keep working in Hay River." Signed, Jessica.

Mr. Speaker, incidentally, both of Jessica's parents are indigenous aboriginal northerners. Both will cease to be employed on March 31st. So I hope this government is proud of their savings in Justice and the loss of employment in Hay River, the loss of services to residents south of the lake, the loss of years of training and dedication. It is because of people like Jessica that I won't quit asking questions and challenging Mr. Dent on the quality of his information, the quality of his decisions, and the accountability of this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Closure Of The Remand And Young Offender Facilities In Hay River

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1677

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Villeneuve .

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Lack Of Trust In The Government

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1677

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to reiterate some of the same concerns I have with respect to some government services and why the delivery of these services is not working as effectively as many government officials seem to tell the Ministers. Mr. Speaker, I am talking about the lack of confidence and trust many residents and businesses have in our government.

Many people in the NWT have had past dealings with this government and many of its long-term officials in various departments cannot and will not seek assistance or services from that particular government department simply due to the fact that they cannot get straight answers or the fair treatment they are entitled to, whatever the case may be, from the officials who are in charge of delivering these programs.

Don't get me wrong, Mr. Speaker. I commend anybody who is a long-term dedicated government employee. I am sure many others can attest to their good work. But in many instances, those persons or companies who are getting the lucrative contracts out of that department are the only ones that are cheering.

Mr. Speaker, from my 14 months of experience as a Member of this House, I have seen and, sadly, will likely continue to see, many situations or enquiries brought to this government's attention being treated as just another complaint. Mr. Speaker, if this government does not want to be badgered with the same so-called complaints of the previous government, then my simple suggestion is this: Treat people fairly and with respect. I know that it is the Minister's job to ensure that this simple rule is followed by all of his staff, especially the long-term employees whose motto still seems to be, "You take what I offer; not what the government has to offer." Mahsi.

---Applause

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Lack Of Trust In The Government

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1677

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Infrastructure Funding For Recreational Facilities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1677

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, my Member's statement today is about the need for this government to realign its priorities to deal with the infrastructure deficit of the NWT, specifically in the area of recreational facilities.

---Applause

I was pleased to note that the Minister of Finance's budget address placed significant emphasis on the need for infrastructure in the NWT communities. It is a sad reality that the tight fiscal situation of recent years has meant the infrastructure needs of communities have taken a back seat to other priorities and, as a result, the NWT is in a substantial infrastructure deficit. I am pleased to see that the government has recognized this need. In the budget address, the Minister of Finance announced the government's intention to establish a stable funding base of $25 million per year for infrastructure development in our communities, effective April 1, 2006.

When it comes to spending infrastructure dollars, Mr. Speaker, the priority of this government has not been in the area of recreational facilities. Needs have been identified, but base requirements for recreational facilities continually get bumped further and further back on the 20-year plan. For a long time, there was not much we could do. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. As the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs pointed out in Committee of the Whole yesterday, the department is in a far different financial position now than it has been in the last few years.

It has seen an 87 percent increase in infrastructure funding, thanks to the new deal for the municipal governments, the municipal rural infrastructure fund, and the new money under the federal gas tax.

Once the terms of these agreements have been nailed down and everything has been signed off, the department will be ready to realign its priorities within the context of the fiscal flexibility these deals provide. I suggest, Mr. Speaker, that a strong argument can be made that it is time this government make its highest priority that baseline infrastructure needs for recreational facilities in communities be addressed. This means that, before other infrastructure projects get the go-ahead, all communities will have access to a gymnasium.

---Applause

This means that, before any community gets a new or second improved swimming pool, no matter how necessary that may seem, all communities of a certain size should have access to a swimming pool.

---Applause

Now that our capital infrastructure funding is looking rosier, we are in an excellent position to move ahead on priority areas that have taken a backseat for too long. It is time to ensure base recreational facilities...

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Infrastructure Funding For Recreational Facilities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1678

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Mr. Menicoche , your time for your Member's statement has expired.

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Infrastructure Funding For Recreational Facilities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1678

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my Member's statement.

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Infrastructure Funding For Recreational Facilities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1678

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Menicoche .

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Infrastructure Funding For Recreational Facilities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1678

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and honourable colleagues. Now that our capital infrastructure funding is looking rosier, we are in an excellent position to move ahead on priority areas that have taken a backseat for too long. It is time to ensure base recreational facilities are available to all NWT residents, regardless of where they live. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Infrastructure Funding For Recreational Facilities

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1678

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for North Slave , Mr. Zoe .

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GNWT "get Active" Initiative

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1678

Henry Zoe

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to see the rollout of the "Get Active" NWT Community Challenge yesterday at lunch. The three departments, Municipal and Community Affairs, Health and Social Services, and Education, Culture and Employment, are to be commended for working together to implement and fund this exciting initiative.

The government needs to have more cooperation across departments on issues where the lines of responsibility are blurred. Imagine, Mr. Speaker, just for getting out and being active, you can contribute to the chance of your community getting some needed money to buy recreational equipment. It doesn't cost you anything to participate, and the benefits of your own health are substantial. There are many studies that show that an inactive lifestyle is leading to an increased number of cases of Type 2 diabetes. This is really affecting people in our communities.

If you don't want to get Type 2 diabetes, you have to eat right, get up and get active. Go for a walk, cut some wood for elders, or even go out on the land or play with your children. These are all simple things you can do, Mr. Speaker. I strongly encourage recreation coordinators, physical education teachers, community health workers, schools and community governments to support this initiative because, even if you don't manage to win the $5,000 available for recreational equipment, your community will win with healthier residents. Mahsi.

---Applause

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GNWT "get Active" Initiative

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1678

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Zoe . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden .

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Operational Review Of The Workers' Compensation Board

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1678

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. In 1999, Mr. Speaker, 2,911 workers filed claims with the Workers' Compensation Board. In 2003, five years later, that number rose to 3,349; about a 10 percent increase in the total number of claims filed. An interesting statistic, Mr. Speaker, is that the number of claims rejected in 1999 was 186, and, in 2003, it was 435; an increase of about 240 percent. Mr. Speaker, I have been making statements for several days now on the state of affairs in our claims adjudication and implementation of services of the WCB.

Statistics of this nature tell me that there is something that is not right in that organization, that there is something that needs to be investigated. We have to try to find a way to return to the expectation, the mandate and the belief that employers and employees have of the WCB; to serve the interests of injured workers.

This is just one statistic, Mr. Speaker, that proves that we do, indeed, need to have a serious operational review of at least this aspect of the Workers' Compensation Board. I am going to continue to press for this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Operational Review Of The Workers' Compensation Board

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1678

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Quebec Parental Leave Program

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1678

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I am going to talk about the Quebec Parental Leave Program deal, Mr. Speaker, that has just been moving forward as of late. Mr. Speaker, I can truly tell you that I believe in my heart that there is no better job out there than being a parent. I think that there is no better federal policy out there than one that recognizes the importance of parents and, therefore, puts a priority on parents by giving them one year's paid leave through their employment service to support that parental leave. Mr.

Speaker, I have experience, and I know that nobody out there ever says on their death bed that they certainly wished they spent more time at work. It is about priorities with family they always talk about. We need more government action that leads in that direction to recognize those priorities.

Mr. Speaker, once again, Quebec is leading Canada with talking about priorities of families, childcare and, yet again, through child day care. Yet again, I have to say, they are leading with more time off and better time off. Mr. Speaker, if you are a privately employed person, you don't qualify for this leave, but Quebec has said enough is enough, we have to support our families and our people.

Mr. Speaker, our job here is to respond to the needs of the people of the Northwest Territories to make sure we support the needs with good policies. I think that is critical for this government to move forward. We need to show our priorities by asking good questions and by asking the federal government, can we manage that program? Mr. Speaker, the federal government has encouraged other places and regions in Canada to open up the door on this type of discussion. So, Mr.

Speaker, in closing, I will say I will have questions later today for the Premier of this government to see if he will look into this priority program and see if we can implement it in the Northwest Territories to help our parents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Quebec Parental Leave Program

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1679

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1679

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Arnold Gargan, a constituent from Jean Marie River. Welcome to the Legislative Assembly.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1679

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The Member for Deh Cho , Mr. McLeod.

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1679

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize a number of visitors in the gallery who have joined us as part of the volunteer support initiative launch. Mr. Bill Graham, the chairman of Volunteer NWT.

---Applause

Ms. Lani Cooke, board member for the Voluntary Sector Forum.

---Applause

Ms. Julie McNeice, board member for the SideDoor Youth Centre.

---Applause

Fern Denault, president of the Federation Franco-TeNOise.

---Applause

Brian Carter and Josie Gould, NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities.

---Applause

Lyda Fuller, executive director for YWCA.

---Applause

Mr. Leo-Paul Plovencher, executive director for Federation Franco-TeNOise.

---Applause

Ms. Aggie Brockman, executive director for Volunteer NWT.

---Applause

Sandra Taylor from Yellowknife Seniors.

---Applause

Arlene Yaceyko with the Canadian Cancer Society.

---Applause

Cate Sills from Volunteer NWT, a member.

---Applause

I also want to pay a special recognition to Ms. Roslyn Smith who retired last Friday, after 20 years of service with the Government of the Northwest Territories in her position as the volunteer development officer.

---Applause

I also want to thank her for the significant contribution she has made to the volunteers of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1679

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Villeneuve .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1679

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my brother-in-law Barrett Lenoir, another brother-in-law Vince Halushka, and my sister Cindy Villeneuve.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1679

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Premier , Mr. Handley .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1679

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a very special person in the gallery today, Ms. Sandi Briscoe. She has represented our territory and the NWT government in Ottawa since 1982 and will retire this spring. In addition to managing the Ottawa office and providing direction to visiting NWT politicians and public servants not familiar with the city, Sandi was often the first contact for Ottawa bureaucrats who knew nothing about the North, numerous Ottawa Valley school kids doing special projects on our territory, and prospective northerners seeking information about the NWT; employment, housing, education, medical services and so on.

Sandi started with the Government of the Northwest Territories after the legendary Legislative Assembly lobby descended on Ottawa in November 1981, to encourage federal politicians to include aboriginal rights in the Canadian constitution.

---Applause

She was an important part of the follow-up to that historic event. However, the most distinguishing feature of her career with the GNWT is who she worked for. Sandi is one of the few remaining GNWT public servants who can claim to have worked for all nine Government Leaders and Premiers as well as numerous Commissioners, Cabinet secretaries and intergovernmental deputies during their term. Can you imagine the patience and fortitude that was required to serve such a diverse group?

Mr. Speaker, Sandi has witnessed what few of us have over the past two decades. She served her government and the people of the Northwest Territories with dedication and distinction, always with a smile and immense good humour. She has received recognition which most of us would never expect in our lifetime; an acknowledgement in one of Cece McCauley's columns that she is doing a good job.

---Laughter

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, I am sure that I speak for all of us in this Chamber and for many officials in our public service when I express our sincere appreciation for her many years of service and wish her the best upon her retirement at the end of March. Thank you. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1680

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1680

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, I, too, would like to recognize the Yellowknife seniors for being here. I appreciate their watchful eye on us and keeping us all honest. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1680

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1680

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize a former high school teacher, Ms. Roslyn Smith, in the gallery. Thank you.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1680

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1680

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's nice to see so many very influential and important people in the gallery, but I would like to recognize three people who have not been recognized yet. The first one is Diana Beck, who is a youth leader I know of. She's there with Sandi Briscoe.

---Applause

I would like to recognize a very keen observer of culture and politics, a media commentary extraordinaire, Marty Brown.

---Applause

I also see the unrelenting champion of four-legged animals and other animal friends of ours, the chairperson of the SPCA, Janet Pacey. Thank you.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1680

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1680

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, I'm going to repeat the recognition for Sandi Briscoe and the service that she has provided many of us through her years in Ottawa. Good luck, Sandi. I would also like to recognize a constituent, Josie Gould, here in her capacity today representing the Council of Persons with Disabilities. As well, a former colleague of mine from my journalistic days and media personality, Marty Brown.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1680

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Mr. Dent .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1680

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Although they have already been recognized, there are three constituents who I recognize that I'd like to make note of in the gallery today. Lyda Fuller, the executive director of the YWCA is with us.

---Applause

Mr. Fern Denault, the president to Federation Franco TeNOise.

---Applause

And Mr. Bill Graham. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1680

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we missed anyone in the gallery, welcome to this session today. It's always nice to have an audience in the gallery observing our proceedings, so welcome to the Assembly.

---Applause

Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1680

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question today is to the Minister of Health and Social Services and it's further to my Member's statement. Earlier, Mr. Speaker, I called for some government help to have a youth shelter opened in the city and there is a group called the SideDoor who has worked to make this happen. The Minister was quite generous in his answers to my questions a couple of weeks ago and he indicated that his officials were working with the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority to make this happen.

I was happy to hear this had happened, but then I'm hearing that the funding is for a very short term. I'm wondering if this is because the funding can only happen until the end of the fiscal year, and if I could get a commitment from the Minister that the department will continue to work with this, I'd be happy with that. Could he make that commitment? Thank you.

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Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1680

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Return To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1680

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we will continue to work on this. Thank you.

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Return To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1680

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1680

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Should I take that as the Minister saying that he will use his good office to let his department officials know that creating a shelter or making it possible...Not the government doing 100

percent, but making this happen is his priority. Could I take that as his answer? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member asked for a ministerial commitment to continue to work on this issue with the SideDoor and Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority past the end of the fiscal year. I've indicated that, yes, we are going to continue to do this. It is an issue that's not going to stop April 1st. So, yes, we are going to continue on this. I do not make these commitments lightly. There are people recording the proceedings of this House in Health and Social Services, so we will be moving on this. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this, it's just that you can never be as certain as you'd like to have it. Mr. Speaker, could the Minister indicate whether or not the budget that this House just passed included any elements there that could specifically fall into funding a facility or program money like this? I also heard that in Inuvik there is a youth group there that is having a problem with funding and I'm just wondering if the government has separate pockets of money that look after the needs of the youth in this way. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with regard to the specific issue of youth at night, especially on the weekends, and being on the streets, we've been dealing with this under the issue of homelessness for the short term. We're working on a longer-term homelessness strategy as I'm also the Minister responsible for the homeless. I'm working in conjunction with my colleagues, Ministers from the social envelope, and we've put together a short term budget that is before this House now in a supplementary and we intend to come forward with further planning.

In Yellowknife we want to continue to work with the coalition as well, and there is also access to federal dollars. So we're trying to come up with a way to deal with both the issue of absolute homelessness, who are those folks who have absolutely no place to stay, and the issue of relative homelessness, which are those who may be inadequately housed. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My understanding is that the SideDoor specifically has funding until the end of the fiscal year. Could I get the Minister to commit to provide me with correspondence that speaks to the funding arrangement for the next year, given that he's going to work on this? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will confirm in writing to the Member what I've just said in this House. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Question 517-15(3): Funding For A Yellowknife Youth Centre

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Premier . Yesterday in the House I asked the Premier about the numbers that were used to justify the reductions in the services in Justice in Hay River, and the Premier shared with me that the Audit Bureau of the Finance department would be looking at the methodology in these numbers. I have to say that I want to thank the Premier for that because, regardless of the outcome, I see it as some small step of progress on this subject which I've been harping about for some time now. I want to thank the Premier for that.

I would like to ask the Premier a few questions about that though. Would he be prepared to share publicly what the scope of the question is that was posed to the Audit Bureau so we know exactly what's being looked at? Thank you.

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Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Premier , Mr. Handley .

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Return To Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Justice has asked the Minister of Finance to have the Audit Bureau look at the methodology that was used to arrive at the numbers. They will do that. Mr. Speaker, I want to be very, very careful that I'm not politically stepping into the realm of the Audit Bureau and somehow compromising their impartiality on this. So, Mr. Speaker, whatever I do I want to be very, very careful about that. So I can't say that we would share what they say publicly. I can't make that commitment right now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1681

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just think it's good to know that we operate within a government that tries to be as transparent as possible and while I understand the Premier not wanting to be prescriptive about what the Audit Bureau may do with this, I just want to make sure that the question is comprehensive enough that it actually does some good because this is going to require some work.

Might I also say, Mr. Speaker, that I'm very pleased that as of this morning I'd already received a call from the Audit Bureau asking for input. I was very impressed by

that, especially given the fact that the Audit Bureau, according to Mr. Hawkins , is quite short staffed.

---Laughter

Mr. Speaker, pending the outcome of this work that the Audit Bureau is going to do, would the Premier agree to put the reductions in Hay River on hold until the results of the review are available? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Premier , Mr. Handley .

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Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased that the Audit Bureau has contacted the Member and I want to assure this House that I didn't have any part of that. That's something that they would have done on their own. I will stay away from the Audit Bureau's work because, again, as I said, their impartiality is the most important in their business. Mr. Speaker, the one thing I can't do is change the amount of money that's in the budget that is before this House. It's before the House. The money that was identified as a savings has been identified in the budget, it's a reduction in the budget.

I can't put pieces of this budget on hold. We're going through a process here and I have to respect that process of reviewing the budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well then I really have to question what this entire debate in Committee of the Whole with respect to department's budget is all about if we have no opportunity as Members to affect any change in that budget. As Members all know, we're already looking at expansion of government presence and government roles in various regions throughout the Northwest Territories for the upcoming fiscal year that are nowhere indicated in the budget. So I'm a bit disappointed with the Premier 's answer on that.

All I'm asking for is that if the decisions were made on good and sound information and the Audit Bureau's analysis is going to bear that out or not, I just don't want anything irretrievable or irreversible to be done until those results are in. I think it's a reasonable request. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Premier , Mr. Handley .

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Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, it's unfortunate that when we reviewed business plans that this item hadn't been identified early on, because that's where we can make changes, as we build our business plans and build our main estimates. Mr. Speaker, having said that, if we find as we move along in the next fiscal year and so on after this budget is approved, then there are other ways of changing the budget through supplementaries and special warrants and so on. That's the proper way of doing it. I can't, as the Premier , suddenly start changing this budget that we're reviewing here, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in fact when the standing committee's report on Social Programs is entered into the record when Justice comes up, I think it's unfair for the Minister to say that this had not been brought up in the main estimates discussions, because that I don't believe is correct. Mr. Speaker, I'm not asking the Minister to change the budget, I'm asking him to put actions related to the budget on hold in Hay River until such time as these numbers can be analyzed. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Premier , Mr. Handley .

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Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, the proposed changes in Hay River -- I'm assuming she's referring to Dene K'onia and SMCC -- are proposed changes that will happen, assuming this budget is approved, after April 1st. That is a time we would be making the final decisions on it. That's where we would have to decide if something was wrong in here, then we would have to look at a supplementary or look at doing it some other way. I can't change that today, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Question 518-15(3): Scope Of Justice Audit Review

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week the honourable Premier , Joe Handley , and Mr. McLeod drove up our winter road into the Sahtu. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Transportation . In terms of the winter road complaints from the Sahtu people and the increased volume of traffic into the Sahtu due to the oil and gas exploration, I would ask the Minister if he would inform this House and the people in the Sahtu what the plans are of the department to improve the road conditions in our region for next year. Thank you.

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Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Minister of Transportation , Mr. McLeod.

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Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1682

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the trip into the Sahtu and Nahendeh was a real good opportunity for us, as Cabinet Ministers and the Premier , to have some discussions with a number of communities along the way. I think we had, over the weekend, probably around six meetings with different organizations in different communities and we had a lot of discussions. The winter road was always on the agenda and we certainly had an opportunity to take a firsthand look at the road. We thought it was a very scenic drive. There are some stretches that probably could use some

improvement. This upcoming fiscal year, our contracts that we have in place for maintenance are coming to an end. They were five-year contracts. We will be reviewing those. We'll be taking a step back to look at our budgets that are allocated for this stretch of road. We also wanted to do some review in terms of talking to the contractors to see what suggestions they may have, what issues they bring forward. We also wanted to take the opportunity to meet with all the players in the industry who are utilizing our road and see if we can come together in a more coordinated fashion for the upcoming winter seasons. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya .

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Supplementary To Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the people in the Sahtu region's favourite song is "On the Road Again." They just can't wait to get back on that road again. Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the Minister if his department would consider, because of the increased volume of traffic in the Sahtu region and the oil and gas exploration, moving one of the offices to have some presence in the Sahtu. Because right now our offices are outside of the Sahtu, for example, in Fort Simpson and other regions. I want to ask the Minister if he would consider having his office presence in the Sahtu region. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. McLeod.

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Further Return To Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, the issue of having a permanent presence in the region was something that did come up. We recognize there is a lot more resource development activity in the Sahtu and we also realize there is a lot more traffic. There are people in the communities that now have vehicles and there is a lot more community traffic travelling south during the time that this winter road is open. I will certainly commit to consider having a position in that region. Thank you.

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Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya .

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Supplementary To Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the volume has increased and I would ask the Minister if he would consider advising us on this side of the House in terms of finishing up the winter bridges program. I know some people were looking at an all-weather road into the Sahtu. Would the Minister consider having that discussion with the people in the Sahtu in terms of having an all-weather road into the Sahtu region? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. McLeod.

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Further Return To Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, all-weather roads in a number of different areas in the Northwest Territories are always at the top of our list. If we can find some federal investment to create all-weather roads into different areas, we certainly will pursue it. At this time, it's still the jurisdiction of the federal government. We are doing what we can to increase the season. We're putting in bridges. This year we have started a sign campaign; we're putting 650 signs over this year and next year onto the road.

We realize that it's probably only half as much as what we really need, but it's going to really improve the safety of the road. We've also set a speed limit for the road that will also contribute towards the safety. We have increased enforcement. I'm not in a position at this point to point to any new dollars that we have to commit to an all-weather road, but I certainly will commit to the Member that I will continue to pursue it whenever I can at every opportunity that I have. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to again commend the two Ministers and commend the Minister of Transportation for coming to the Sahtu. It's a good sign to come to the people in the smaller communities. I'd ask the Minister if he would commit to looking at the all-weather road project. Would he consider doing it from the discussions from the community base where they would connect from the different regions and communities before they push down south? Would they look at, having been with the Sahtu people, community approaches in terms of an all-weather road? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. McLeod.

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Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During our presentation of our budget, we had indicated that we're doing a number of things across the board. We want to update our Highway Strategy. We have received an agreement for our SIF money and we want to put a proposal together, a strategy together to approach the federal government. As part of this strategy, we're going to change our focus somewhat. Our last Corridors for Canada proposal that went forward was focused on resource development and reconstruction of roads that were in areas impacted by resource development.

This time around we still want to be able to invest money into resource areas that are impacted by resource development, but we also want to be able to focus on connecting communities. We realize there's a high cost of living in the Northwest Territories and a way to lower the cost of living would be to have good transportation links. That would be our focus. We are working on that document now and we'll have that over the next while for a review by committee. We'll present it to committee and get their comments on it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 519-15(3): Road Conditions In The Sahtu Region

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1683

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the honourable Minister of

RWED. Recently, on the weekend I did manage to make it over to Wrigley, but that's another story.

---Laughter

The needs in Wrigley, Mr. Speaker, are they still need capacity building assistance help with developing their communities and EDO position. It's much like many of the smaller communities in my riding, including Jean Marie River. What are the plans for the Minister of RWED to assist and aid these communities with respect to establishing economic development officer positions? Thank you.

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Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The honourable Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development , Mr. Bell .

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Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can't, for the Member, indicate what the exact arrangements are in Wrigley and Jean Marie River in terms of EDO support. I can get that information for the Member, but we do have a couple of different arrangements that vary by community and vary depending on what the community's interests are. In some communities, in some regions, we have RWED staff that fill that role and through the community transfer initiative some time back, RWED was able to transfer funding to communities to have them provide the service for the community and on that community's behalf.

So it depends on the community as to the option they've chosen. We have found that some communities that initially took on that role have given it back to RWED for a number of reasons. We did have some discussion, as well, Mr. Speaker, with committee about the adequacy of EDO funding by community and by region. A number of other Members have raised that in the House and that is something I intend to investigate and pursue. Thank you.

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Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche .

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Supplementary To Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I guess with the imminent split of the two departments, I guess the communities would want to know which department will be the applicable department in terms of accessing these funds that were provided in the past. Which department would fund that particular EDO or that particular sector which is developing capacity, Mr. Speaker?

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Supplementary To Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Mr. Bell .

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Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In terms of existing arrangements, we believe it will be a seamless transition from RWED to the two new departments. But it would be ITI that would be responsible for providing the submissions to communities and staffing these positions where we have that arrangement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche .

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Supplementary To Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I guess one of the biggest issues is that things are picking up in the Deh Cho, so that's what the communities have been asking. They're saying, look, we're being overwhelmed by these huge volumes of binders of information that we have to go through. That's what I was trying to get from the Minister is if there is a specific program designed to help the communities with this need. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There's no short answer to this, but I do understand what the Member is talking about. In terms of communities' ability to intervene and the environmental impact statement process for the pipeline, they are challenged. There are reams of information to sift through. I've been discussing that with my colleagues, most specifically with the Minister of MACA , but also with the social envelope Ministers. We had a meeting this morning to discuss some of these challenges.

We are looking to provide some help and looking to come up with a framework that will have some answers and provide some solutions for communities. In my travels in communities, I'm hearing the same things. We're hearing that they are challenged in terms of capacity. We want to make sure that everybody can have a meaningful involvement and participation in this process.

To the broader issue of economic development initiatives in general, we hope that this BDIC legislation will be more flexible, less prescriptive, allow for broader partnerships, and allow for communities to not only get access to GNWT programs and services, but be able to lever that with federal money or other money that is available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to thank the Minister for that answer. He covered just about everything.

---Laughter

I'm glad for that. I just have one question I'm curious about. I hope there is not an interruption in service when we split RWED in providing service to the communities. If the Minister could assure me of that. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1684

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

I can give the Member that assurance. I also want to say to the Member and other Members, if issues do come up and there are things that arise and Members believe it is as a result of the transition process, I want to make sure they bring them to my

attention as quickly as possible. We want to work with our regional staff, as I said, to make sure this is a seamless transition. We want to make sure there's no interruption for our clients and this is of utmost priority. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Question 520-15(3): Establishing Community Economic Development Capacity

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Miltenberger . During a recent information session with Crack Busters on Monday, there were a few items that the addictions counsellors and Dr. Wheeler, who was there, had brought to our attention that I believe the government should be paying close attention to. I'd like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services a few questions. The first question is what type of public awareness and education is this government doing specifically to address the pitfalls of drug use? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Return To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have public information that deals with right personal choices, active living, healthy choices, not to use alcohol and drugs. We don't have anything tailored specifically yet to the new drugs, specifically the one the Member referred to, which is crack cocaine. I also attended that meeting, which I found very informative. We are also intending the target part of $1 million for further prevention with youth in terms of an awareness campaign that focuses on substance abuse, alcohol and drugs, as well as the ambulant concerns that have also been raised. Thank you.

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Return To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay .

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Supplementary To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister didn't mention the fact that the government had anything specifically dedicated to drug use and the troubles that drug use brings to our youth and our families here in the Northwest Territories. The other item that they mentioned is what are we going to do as a government to address the long-term residential care that's needed and the treatment that's needed for these individuals? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as was indicated yesterday by the folks that did the presentation from Crack Busters, they have a program that's not residential-based. Its success hinges on being able to be in the communities, responsive to people at the community level where they can work through their issues and their support groups that are there to assist them after the 22-week Crack Busters program is completed. Mr.

Speaker, I still share the same conviction that our focus has to continue to be working with the communities at the community level, which is why we've invested money in community wellness workers, mental health workers, clinical supervisors and why we intend to proceed with year three of that program to get further resources at the community level. As well, we still have the resources, which we are trying to work on and improve at Natse' Ejee K'eh, and access to southern treatment referral if you need it. We also have arrangements in Yellowknife with the Salvation Army with the program that they offer.

As well, we're going to move ahead on doing a better job and bringing on line a medical detox facility at Stanton. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay .

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Supplementary To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last year the Regular Members on this side of the House brought forward a motion in regard to reinstating treatment centres in both Inuvik and in Yellowknife and I would like to ask the Minister today what progress has the government made on addressing that motion that this side of the House made last year. Has there been any progress made and when are we going to see residential care and treatment centres finally addressed by this government? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we're continuing to work and advance the agenda for addictions and mental health, as I've lain out. There was a motion in this House and the intent is to improve the services and we're working on that. The Member indicates that we need two or three or four new facilities and I'm saying that our energy and funds are better spent at the community level.

When we can quantify and demonstrate that we will have facilities that will be fully used and we won't need any other southern resources, then I'll be happy to move forward with the project in putting it into the capital plan, but you would have to get in line with other capital projects. But at this point, I can tell the Member that if we built three or four new facilities, they would all be underutilized and we don't have the numbers to quantify the need for that number of capital projects. I want to maintain, Mr.

Speaker, if I could just reiterate, the focus, in my opinion, has to continue to be at the community level to get resources on the ground, working with families, with individuals, with other groups in the community to get people to make the right choices and not just build bricks and mortar and facilities to deal with them once they've got an addiction problem. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1685

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1686

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we need to work with community groups, yes, I agree with that. That type of work should happen, but we're here today and we still don't have treatment centres. How long is it going to take for the government to work with the community groups to get us the treatment centres that our communities are demanding and the residential care that our communities are demanding? How long is the work going to take? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1686

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mr. Miltenberger .

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Further Return To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1686

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I've been involved directly or indirectly in this business dealing with alcohol and drugs now for over 20 years, and I've been involved that long in trying to advance the agenda dealing with alcohol and drugs. As Minister, I've been here for over three years and made significant strides, especially moving from the Chalmers report and we're going to continue to do that.

We have a plan and we intend to stick to it and it's not just a case of banging up residential facilities all over the place when we know that a few years ago we did that and we ended up closing most of them because they were underutilized. We have not yet focused properly on prevention at the community level on getting people to make the right personal choices and to invest the resources at the community level, and not just have centralized facilities that are going to take up all the staff and resources we have. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Question 521-15(3): Addressing Drug Use In The Nwt

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1686

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1686

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm going to rise with a question in regard to what I talked about earlier in my Member's statement, Mr. Speaker, which is the Quebec deal on parental leave and their ability and control over that program. Mr. Speaker, the federal government has basically kicked the discussion door wide open and said come talk to us, and I believe Quebec has their priorities in line with their people. I think we need to ensure that, as well, in a meaningful way. I think this government needs to make tracks to ensure we do have those priorities in line with the people. So, Mr.

Speaker, my question for the Premier of this government is, is he supportive enough that we will engage in a discussion with our federal counterparts to take upon this opportunity to see if we can implement parental leave in a fair way in the Northwest Territories, such as Quebec has been fighting for since the '80s? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1686

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Return To Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1686

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, the Member has raised a very interesting development in Quebec. Certainly they have the richest plan now on parental leave in Canada. We are talking with the federal government on devolution, and, along with that, resource revenue sharing and we feel that we need to have a fair revenue arrangement with the federal government that allows us to be able to afford what every other Canadian can afford, and that is clearly spelled out in the Constitution that all Canadians, no matter where they live, should have benefits that are roughly equal.

I note that the federal government has provided $750 million to Quebec to manage this program. So if they would give us $750 million, I tell you we would have the same programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1686

An Hon. Member

Hear! Hear!

---Applause

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Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1686

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins .

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Supplementary To Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1686

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know all of us are listening on this side. That certainly sounded like a commitment to look into that, but maybe if I could get the Premier to reaffirm that in a commitment he'd open up the door to discussions. I don't think its part of a devolution deal. This sounds like a sidebar deal on the parental leave issue only. So if the Premier could address that by saying today he'll look into that and commit to just following up to find out if the Northwest Territories can implement this policy, heck, I don't need my next two questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1686

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Further Return To Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1686

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, I will look into this one. I know it will be on the agenda for the next Council of the Federation meeting of all the Premiers, because we'll all be looking at it, because often Quebec has its own arrangement with the federal government and the rest of us have a cooperative arrangement. I will certainly look into this one. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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