Debates of June 3rd, 2009

This is page numbers 3219 - 3248 of the Hansard for the 16th 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 communities .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Minister’s Statement 83-16(3): Drive Alive Update

Minister’s Statement 84-16(3): Maximizing Northern Employment

Minister’s Statement 85-16(3): Positive Developments Through Partnership

Income Support Concerns In Nunakput

Youth Parliamentarian Alex Smith’s Member’s Statement - Youth Homelessness

Aurora Oxford House Foundation Funding

Environmental Stewardship

Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Proposed Youth Centre In Lutselk’e

Construction Of Log Homes

Housing In Nahanni Butte

Deh Cho Bridge Project

Arctic Energy Alliance

Territorial Track And Field Championships In Hay River

Accomplishment Of Monfwi Residents

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Youth Homelessness

Evaluation Of Income Support Programs

NWT Association Of Communities Resolutions

Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Recreation Facilities For Tu Nedhe Youth

Deh Cho Bridge Project

Housing Issues In Nahanni Butte

Arctic Energy Alliance

Biomass And Forestry

Log Home Construction Program

Tabled Document 55-16(3): Ministerial Benefits Policies Tabled Document 56-16(3): Benefits Paid To Ministers Under The Ministerial Benefits Policies

Tabled Document 57-16(3): Good Building Practice For Northern Facilities – Second Edition, 2009

Tabled Document 58-16(3): Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowance Fund Financial Statements For The Year Ended March 31, 2009

Tabled Document 59-16(3): Annual Report Of The Northwest Territories MLAs’ Pension Plans For The Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009

Tabled Document 60-16(3): Annual Report Respecting Members’ Indemnities And Allowances For The Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009

Tabled Document 61-16(3): Amendments To

Schedule C Of The Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act – Indemnities And Allowances

Establishment Of A Special Committee To Review The Child And Family Services Act

Motion To Amend Motion 21-16(3)

Recorded Vote

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery (Reversion)

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Report of Committee of the Whole

Bill 6: Species At Risk (NWT) Act

Orders of the Day

The House met at 1:38 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Transportation , Honourable Michael McLeod .

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Minister’s Statement 83-16(3): Drive Alive Update

Ministers’ Statements

Deh Cho

Michael McLeod

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today to give Members an update on the Drive Alive Transportation Safety Program.

The Department of Transportation is dedicated to promoting safety on our roads, trails and waterways. By making safety a priority, this program delivers on the government’s commitment to build our future. Drive Alive supports the Assembly’s priority to build sustainable, vibrant and safe communities.

Drive Alive is a program based on collaborations and partnerships. Through our partnership with heal care providers and RCMP, Drive Alive recently recognized the first members of the NWT Survivors Club. This initiative celebrates residents who made wise decision to wear their seatbelt, helmet or lifejacket, thus sparing them or their passengers from serious injury or death.

Mr. Speaker, through a partnership with Northern Stores, Drive Alive recently released a children’s activity book. This fun and educational document introduces young people to thinking about the choices they need to make to travel safely.

Through a collaboration with CKLB Radio, the department released the new Drive Alive rap song which was written and performed by Aaron Hernandez, also known as Godson. The rap song was performed by Godson at the most recent Super Soccer tournament in Yellowknife and is being used on CBC TV as a public service announcement. It will be an integral part of our ongoing youth Outreach Program.

Drive Alive recently launched a “Be Safe This Summer” poster campaign which promotes safe

travel choices during the busy summer travel season. Bicycle helmets, acquired through a partnership with BHP Billiton, have been distributed throughout the NWT in time for the summer bicycle season.

Over the coming months Drive Alive will launch a boat safety and lifejacket awareness campaign to our communities. I’m very pleased to announce that as part of our Drive Alive lifejacket awareness campaign, the Department of Transportation has made a three-year commitment to provide the NWT Recreation and Parks Association with lifejackets for the Mackenzie Youth Leadership Tour. Participating youth and their instructors will promote water safety in Fort Simpson, Wrigley, and Tulita. Drive Alive will work closely with this organization to identify other opportunities to deliver boat safety and lifejacket awareness information to all NWT communities.

We are near the start of a busy summer boating season, so the matter of boat safety awareness is one of great urgency. Each year lives are tragically lost to drowning. Unfortunate accidents are almost entirely preventable. The following three tips if followed will save lives:

1. Wear your lifejacket. Don’t leave it at home or

on the floor of your boat.

2. Tell a responsible person where you’re going

and when you’re expected to return.

3. Enjoy the outdoors without alcohol. Remember

that driving any vehicle under the influence is dangerous and also against the law.

I encourage all Members to set a good example while travelling on our roads and trails or when boating. Wear your seatbelt, wear your lifejacket, and wear your helmet. Please have a safe summer on our roads, trails, and waterways, and drive alive.

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Minister’s Statement 83-16(3): Drive Alive Update

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Human Resources , Mr. Bob McLeod .

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Minister’s Statement 84-16(3): Maximizing Northern Employment

Ministers’ Statements

Yellowknife South

Bob McLeod

Minister of Human Resources

Mr. Speaker, each year the Government of the Northwest Territories commits to maximizing a northern workforce through the hiring of summer students and interns. The Summer Student Employment Program, along with the

Northern Graduate Employment Program, is part of the Maximizing Northern Employment Strategy.

To follow up on questions raised in the House, I want to assure Members that there is a fair and equitable process for hiring summer students. I have committed to review the concerns raised by Members to ensure procedures are being followed.

The Summer Student Employment Program increases the number of northern students who find relevant employment in the Northwest Territories as well as within the Government of the Northwest Territories. The program also helps create and maintain an ongoing relationship between northern students and the Northwest Territories, regardless of where the students go to school.

I am pleased to announce today that as of June 1, 2009, the government has hired 245 students. The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to creating a public service that is representative of the public it serves. The Affirmative Action Policy is applied to summer student and intern hiring. Departments hired 83 students who are indigenous aboriginal and 130 are indigenous non-aboriginal.

Student hiring is expected to continue throughout the summer. Students interested in applying can go to the Human Resources website for more information or email their resumes to [email protected] .

In 2008 the government provided 282 students with summer work experience. On June 12, 2009, the Department of Human Resources will hold a summer student orientation in Yellowknife which will provide students with an overview of the workings of government, the advantages of being a Government of the Northwest Territories employee, employee responsibilities, and worker safety. The department will offer regional orientations during the summer.

The Northern Graduate Employment Program helps northern post-secondary graduates obtain relevant work experience. The Graduate Internship Program assists northern post-secondary graduates gain work experience by working one-year internships within the public service. The department anticipates 34 interns will be hired during the 2009-2010 fiscal year. This is an increase from 2008-2009 when 24 interns were hired.

The Graduate Employment Program guarantees northern teacher, social worker, and nursing graduates employment within the Northwest Territories. The government health system will employ nine Northwest Territories nurse graduates in 2009-2010 through the Graduate Nurse Program. Five northern social work graduates are eligible for placement in 2009-2010 through the Graduate Social Worker Program.

I invite my colleagues to join me in welcoming all the interns, summer students, graduate nurses, and social workers who are working with the Government of the Northwest Territories this year. The summer student and intern employment opportunities offer these individuals insight into the public service work environment as well as valuable work experience. The Department of Human Resources will continue to work with Government of the Northwest Territories departments, boards and agencies to find new ways and even better means of providing such opportunities.

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Minister’s Statement 84-16(3): Maximizing Northern Employment

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Lafferty .

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Minister’s Statement 85-16(3): Positive Developments Through Partnership

Ministers’ Statements

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Partnership is a key priority in developing a strong and effective government. The importance of partnerships with aboriginal governments, non-government organizations, and community agencies, industry, communities, and families has been highlighted in the priorities of this 16th Assembly and in Education, Culture and Employment’s strategic plan. Today, I would like to highlight some recent development in education that involve cooperation and collaboration with many of these key groups.

One particular example of success is the Lutselk’e Dene School. The Lutselk’e Dene School has made great strides in improving student literacy and incorporating the community into the school. A dedicated and creative group of teachers have created a genuine culture of learning in the school. They have incorporated parents, elders, on-the-land activities, and with the help of Aurora College and ECE, have streamlined programs for high schoolers and adults.

The South Slave Divisional Education Council’s Leadership for Literacy Initiative, along with the placement of a full-time literacy coach, has resulted in almost every student at the school experiencing significant gains in reading achievement. Ninety percent of students achieved more than what is average in a full year of learning. The Lutselk’e Dene School is a shining example of how teachers, parents, students, and education authorities can come together and effect positive change in a school and community.

During the last session I spoke about the Aboriginal Student Achievement Initiative. Since then a committee has been formed with representation from the Dene Nation, industry, corporate business, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Metis, and the Native Women’s Association, the NWT Teachers’ Association, superintendents of schools,

and the GNWT. This committee met in early May and reviewed our consultation and research work to date, and determined some broad areas for focus in the coming year around public awareness of the education system, tutoring, and focused research.

The northern diamond mines have allowed us to extend our adult education and training resources in many ways. Our memorandum of understanding around the northern workforce ensures that Northerners across the NWT have access to skills training and job opportunities in mining. The Mine Training Society, which is made possible through a funding partnership with the federal government and Diavik Rio Tinto, De Beers, and BHP Billiton, is an organization that builds projects with other partners, including government departments, aboriginal governments, and Aurora College, based on targeted needs.

We would not be making the in-roads we have made in developing a strong and prosperous society without the work that is done through these and many other partnerships with families and communities, aboriginal governments, non-government organizations, industry, and other governments.

I would like to close by thanking all our partners for their shared commitment to the future of the Northwest Territories.

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Minister’s Statement 85-16(3): Positive Developments Through Partnership

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Item 3, Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput , Mr. Jacobson .

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Income Support Concerns In Nunakput

Members’ Statements

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member’s statement is on income support concerns. My riding of Nunakput is dealing with a legacy of neglect regarding income support to the residents. The high cost of living has limited services, for one reason or another. Healthy living in the communities is a lifestyle for only part of the population. I cannot understand how this government expects a person living in the small, isolated community, where a carton of milk is as high as $10 for two litres, to live on $400 a month.

Mr. Speaker, there is a huge disconnect between the department, between the way the support is delivered and the services that are needed to be paid for, the policymakers in Yellowknife to the remote communities. In the communities, people, families and elders are literally going hungry. Healthy living in the communities go hand in hand. When people are living healthy, every aspect of the communities are impacted in a good way.

At times, when harvesting is close for caribou or any other big game close by, residents can live off traditional food and compensate. Mr. Speaker, this

is not a privilege all year round. Communities that are lucky to have a food bank have been stretched to the limits. The longer the government waits, it becomes a bigger problem. People try to get help but often get the run around and the blame game when dealing with government departments and financial problems in the communities. We need a true one-stop shop where the people can deal with all of their issues, where residents can get help so people can feed their families, Mr. Speaker.

I often visit residents in the communities. When I see the cupboards are bare or when they cannot afford to buy basic foods, it makes me wonder why this government is letting this happen, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the appropriate Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you.

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Income Support Concerns In Nunakput

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson . The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Abernethy .

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Youth Parliamentarian Alex Smith’s Member’s Statement - Youth Homelessness

Members’ Statements

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During the week of April 20th to 24th , the Legislative

Assembly and the Speaker hosted the Youth Parliament. It was a great opportunity to meet these young Northerners and listen to them make their Members’ statements and debate their issues on the floor of this House during the official Youth Parliament. I believe that all of the participants should be applauded for their involvement and all of their hard work.

During the actual session, I was quite pleased to see that many of the Members’ statements were very timely and raised concerns that are very real to the residents of the Northwest Territories. I was very happy to hear the Member’s statement from the youth parliamentarian from Great Slave, Mr. Alex Smith. His statement was as follows. He said, “Today I would like to bring up the issues and concerns of youth homelessness. The concern I have with youth homelessness doesn’t affect just Yellowknife, it affects everywhere in the Northwest Territories.

Once youth age out of foster care at 16, they have nowhere to go and no support until the age of 19. Still they have very limited support between the ages of 16 to 19. Yellowknife and NWT residents are forced to live in underfunded shelters, friends’ houses or, in the worst circumstances, they have to live on the streets.

“These shelters these youth run to consist of the Sutherland House in Fort Smith, the Family Support Centre in Hay River and the SideDoor in Yellowknife. There are also more shelters across the Northwest Territories but still very little help to

support the smaller communities. All these shelters are underfunded and can only do so much.

“When these youth have nowhere to run, they turn to drugs and alcohol because they think it will fix their problems. We need to help these youth who are in need, because they are our future.”

I would like to thank Alex for his statement on an issue that needs to be dealt with. Youth aged 16 to the age of majority seemed to have slipped through the cracks of this government. Once they are too old to receive non-voluntary support through the Child and Family Services Act and before they are eligible for income support, these youth are left to fend for themselves, as Alex outlined.

Mr. Speaker, this is an important issue. At the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister of Health and Social Services some questions on the topic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Youth Parliamentarian Alex Smith’s Member’s Statement - Youth Homelessness

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Ms. Bisaro .

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Aurora Oxford House Foundation Funding

Members’ Statements

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like today to talk about a unique residence in the Frame Lake riding. Aurora Oxford House Foundation is a non-profit organization providing housing and services to individuals recovering from alcohol and drugs in Yellowknife. This foundation has been in existence since 2005. It runs a house for men and just recently opened up an Oxford House for women in my riding. These houses provide an alcohol and drug-free environment for their residents. They are self-supported and self-administered. They operate on a cost recovery basis.

The rent paid by the members of each house covers the cost of operating the house. Because each house is sustainable on its own, these houses generally operate without government funding.

Due to the opening of the new ladies’ Oxford House, the foundation incurred one-time start-up costs for that house, furniture, pots and pans, linens and so on. I want to express kudos and appreciation to the Department of Health and Social Services for their $15,000 contribution to the Oxford House Foundation to get the ladies’ house set up and operational.

Yellowknife now has a housing option for women with addictions, which will provide previously non-existent opportunities for them and help them change and make positive choices to improve their lives.

At the Aurora Oxford House Foundation, the success is due to two things. Firstly, their three charter principles which are: (1) that the house must be self-run on a democratic basis; (2) that the house must be financially self-supported; and

(3) that any resident who drinks alcohol or uses drugs must be immediately expelled. Secondly, the success is due to the hard work and dedication of the foundation’s executive director, Mr. Byrne Richards. Thank you, Byrne, for the Oxford House Foundation and the option it provides to NWT residents. I anticipate that we will hear of the opening of more Oxford Houses in the near future. Job well done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Aurora Oxford House Foundation Funding

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . The honourable Member for Weledeh , Mr. Bromley .

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Environmental Stewardship

Members’ Statements

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to speak today both on environmental stewardship and this government’s plan of action. First, Mr. Speaker, I think we can all take a moment for cautious congratulations. During this Assembly, we have taken a more aggressive approach to confronting our environmental challenges and we have made some good progress.

We have begun to consider and invest seriously in alternative and renewable energies through wind power and investigation of increasing large and small scale hydro use. As I have said, I want the current energy deliberations and reviews to incorporate these opportunities in its work. We are developing a Biomass Strategy. However, we know little about what is happening with the sustainable yield of our forests or how we can manage this. This insight has implications for costly fire control and is essential if biomass is to realize its vast potential for decreasing our reliance on oil.

I look forward to a critical review of the Biomass Strategy. We have made excellent progress in protecting species at risk. We need to address the gap of migratory birds under the Wildlife Act. I look forward to reviewing the bison and woodland caribou management plans and a new Wildlife Act.

We have devoted significant sums to helping people make their homes and businesses more energy efficient and we are developing an adaptation plan to belatedly counteract the expensive harms now being caused by climate change.

Mr. Speaker, this wide variety of activities boils down to two truths. It costs money to damage the environment; money we can spend on addressing our social ills and other priorities. Second, when we spend money in ways that protect the environment, we will get it back many times over in lower costs for our residents, good jobs in local small scale industry, reduced vulnerability to world market swings and, above all, by protecting the priceless quality of our northern way of life.

We have made some good progress on the environment but there is much yet to do: action on

mini-hydro implementation, solar opportunities, ground source heat, connecting our incentives to actual greenhouse gas reductions, greening our economy, aggressive implementation of biomass and other opportunities. Our leadership must provide an example that strengthens our call for national and global change.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the ongoing effective collaboration of Members in meeting these challenges. Mahsi.

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Environmental Stewardship

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Members’ Statements

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In regards to the government’s responsibility for devolving programs and services to communities, a lot of times, Members from the smaller communities ask questions to the government in regards to particular activities that we would like to see an improvement on in our communities. And yet, Mr. Speaker, those program responsibilities still lie with this government: education in regards to our schools, our health centres and also including the policing services. It is services that are still being delivered by government departments.

Yes, we transferred responsibility to local municipalities in regards to municipal services, but yet we still have programs and services that need attention in our smaller communities such as replacement of skills, improvement to our health care centres and, more importantly, improving the infrastructure that this government still has responsibility over.

The other area I think this government still has a clear responsibility for is in regards to water treatment plants in our communities. Mr. Speaker, in regards to the situation that happened in Walkerton, Ontario, in which the major municipalities were found liable in regards to those...(inaudible). So were the operators and so was the Ontario government. I think that this government cannot loosen its responsibility for those water treatment plants in our communities.

If anything, I personally would request the communities to allow the government to retain that asset as a government asset, ensure that they are responsible for all liabilities associated with water treatment plants, the treatment of water and also the testing of water in our municipalities.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I think it’s critical that this government does not say, well, sorry, we gave the money to the community, it’s no longer our responsibility. This government is responsible for the assets that were put in place in our communities regardless if it happened 10 years ago or 20 years ago, because there are liabilities that

are associated with it regardless if its environmental or structural or there will be a need at some point to replace those assets as we’re seeing in the Mackenzie Delta in regards to pilings on our buildings. More importantly, climate change and the implication it has on public infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, with that, I’d like to remind the government that they do have an obligation to our communities and not continue to say sorry, we gave the money to the communities. Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Premier questions on this later. Thank you.

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Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . The honourable Member from Tu Nedhe , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Proposed Youth Centre In Lutselk’e

Members’ Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Mr. Speaker, thank you. Mr. Speaker, the people from Lutselk’e School, they don’t have very much to play with games and that. [Translation ends]

The youth have nothing to do. However, the youth have good ideas on the things that they would like to do. The youth would like to swim in the swimming pool, play foosball, play computer games, do homework with a computer in a quiet environment. Mr. Speaker, these are all things that the youth can do if they had a centre or a swimming pool. However, Mr. Speaker, none of these things are available in Lutselk’e today. Mr. Speaker, myself and all of Lutselk’e, especially the youth, would like to see the youth of Lutselk’e be able to do the things they desire to do.

Mr. Speaker, I have received a proposal from the community that voices their concerns for the lack of youth programs and the desire to open a youth centre. This proposal includes letters from 31 youth where they write about the support for opening a youth centre and some words. I would like to read some of their words today.

“I want a youth centre to be safe and keep out of trouble.” Alayna, 11 years old.

“I want a youth centre to be safe, I want a youth centre, a place for kids that have nothing to do or a place where kids can stay out of trouble.” That was Alexandria, 11 years old.

“A youth centre will be a good place for kids to stay out of trouble and keep kids safe from violence, drugs and alcohol.” Miles, 13 years old.

“A youth centre would provide youth opportunities to learn and practice responsibility.” Rebecca, 11 years old.

Mr. Speaker, the youth have spoken. Now we need to listen. I have raised youth concerns in this House on many occasions and although some progress has been made, I’m sure more can be done. Mr.

Speaker, I’d like to read one more excerpt from a letter from the older youth, and I quote: “I know it will cost a fair sum. You ask yourself is it worth it? Of course. The youth, they would have a place to eat, cook, watch movies, et cetera. Let them be kids while they’re still young.” Michael, 16 years old.

Mr. Speaker, a simple, very perceptive and almost profound insight from the Lutselk’e youth on the benefits of a youth centre in Lutselk’e. Later I’ll have questions on this very important topic for the appropriate Minister. Thank you.

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Proposed Youth Centre In Lutselk’e

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu . The honourable Member from the Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Construction Of Log Homes

Members’ Statements

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about something I feel strongly about. I think we need to go back to building log homes. These would be log homes that a young couple or a single person could build when they are starting out to make a life for themselves. The NWT Housing Corporation has a pilot project called A Basic Unique Approach. The corporation is looking at testing a couple of units that would be built for people who are living a traditional lifestyle. The owners could leave their homes to go trapping without any problems with regards to water freeze-up.

This sounds like it could be developed into a good program. I believe if there is some consideration of using log construction, I would urge them to go ahead with it. I would go a step further, Mr. Speaker, and provide log housing packages, something like the former HAP housing package to people who are willing and able to build their own homes.

If we design a log home building program we would be demonstrating to our people what we meant and what we mean in the 16th Assembly priorities. When

people choose to build their own log home, it will be strengthening the awareness of everyone’s northern identity. If these homes are heated by wood or woodchips, our communities would be more sustainable and we would be advancing alternative energy methods. We would be walking our talk. We have a very young population in the Sahtu. Constructing log cabins in our communities would give extreme value to those who decide to build their own homes.

Building a log cabin or home is a great learning experience, Mr. Speaker. For example, Mr. Speaker, I was approached by Colville Lake Chief Kochon and he is looking forward to having log homes built in Colville Lake for his people. He would like to see some indication of getting a green light from the NWT Corporation so they can get their chainsaws going.

Mr. Speaker, like the song I heard by the Barenaked Ladies, if I had a million dollars I would buy a log house package for each willing family to build their own home in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Construction Of Log Homes

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Housing In Nahanni Butte

Members’ Statements

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about housing in Nahanni Butte. Almost every house in Nahanni Butte is privately owned. In 2004 the NWT Community Housing Survey indicated that 40 percent of the households were in core need. Many of the homeowners have problems with the physical structure of their house, but cannot afford to pay for the repairs. In 2008 the NWT Housing Corporation responded to these homeowners’ needs and proceeded to arrange for the completion of renovations and much needed repairs.

Nahanni Butte residents were very pleased. The NWT Housing Corporation Assistance Program provided funds to renovate the homes and the renovations were to take place last winter. The renovations did get underway but, unfortunately, due to a number of different reasons, the work was incomplete. Although residents were happy that the work was begun, it needs to be finished. Residents have directed their chief and me to see that these repairs continue. The homeowners should be living in the homes that meet acceptable levels of health and safety.

Mr. Speaker, this work needs to be finished for the comfort and safety of the families, single parents and elder households of Nahanni Butte. They have been waiting a long time to have their needs addressed. Once the project is completed, we will need to continue to concentrate on new and future housing projects.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Housing at the appropriate time. Thank you very much.

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Housing In Nahanni Butte

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Deh Cho Bridge Project

Members’ Statements

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to speak today about the Deh Cho Bridge project. This project, pegged at $165 million, is slated to cost the Government of the Northwest Territories $4 million per year indexed every year for the next 35 years.

Mr. Speaker, in yesterday’s question period I had a number of questions to the Minister of Transportation regarding the current and future

disposition of this project. The most alarming issue was the fact that even though piers are in the water and close to $40 million has been spent to date, there is still no firm design for this bridge. How is it possible for a construction company to put a fixed price on a massive piece of public infrastructure like a bridge across the Mackenzie River with no firm design? How or why would any government agree to this so-called fixed price?

Mr. Speaker, Members who were here during the 14th Assembly will recall what changes in design

can cost the government. All we have to do is look back at the construction of North Slave Correctional Centre, with the many design changes and the 40 percent over budget attributable mostly to design changes.

Yesterday during question period I asked the Minister if the Government of the Northwest Territories and Department of Transportation had done due diligence on the bridge design prior to signing the Concession Agreement. The response I received from the Minister was, and I quote from unedited Hansard, page 49, “I think the project has followed all the rules and regulations up to now.” He continues on, “There may have been, could have had and should have maybe had this all signed off prior to the project starting.”

As the Minister and government are well aware, I’ve had some serious concerns about the process that allowed a concession agreement to be signed in secret and on a Friday afternoon three days prior to the last election in 2007. In response to questions on the bridge project, former Premier Joe Handley stated as far back as March 25th , 2004, in Hansard

page 305, “The design for the bridge is being finalized.” And on May 26th , 2004, page 540 of

Hansard: “The Deh Cho Bridge Corporation have, to my knowledge, basically finished the design for the bridge and we are awaiting for cost estimates from them and expect to have those estimates, based on the design they have...” Again, this was five years ago.

Then there’s this one from page 546 of Hansard: “It is one that the design is a very serious issue, and one that I assure the Member that we’ll be as thorough as we possibly can in reviewing the design that is put forward by the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation.”

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted.

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Deh Cho Bridge Project

Members’ Statements

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

It is evident that this review of the design did not happen prior to the Government of the Northwest Territories entering into the Concession Agreement. Even the current Minister of Transportation got into the mix on February 28th ,

2005, page 1612 of Hansard, “The design has been worked on for some time now. It’s down to a couple

of small issues.” Well, obviously there are more than just a couple of small issues outstanding as there still remains no design on a $165 million bridge that this government signed up on.

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Deh Cho Bridge Project

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Arctic Energy Alliance

Members’ Statements

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about making sure that good energy saving ideas are turned into action. The Arctic Energy Alliance is a not-for-profit society with the goal to help communities, consumers, producers, regulators, and policymakers to work together to reduce the costs and environmental impacts of energy and the utility services in the Northwest Territories.

We all know far too well about the high energy costs and the concerns around the world regarding climate change which have made reducing energy a top priority for many. My concerns today are that everyday people who need assistance to turn energy saving ideas into reality, hit a wall because there seems to be a gap in the system that is unfunded that turns ideas into action.

Any Northerner can pick up a brochure and learn about solar water heaters that could reduce their energy costs at home. To make the ideas real, that person likely needs some practical assistance with those changes. The Arctic Energy Alliance is funded to provide those ideas and they do that very well. But that’s where the funding ends. With that, their goal of translating that into action seems to hit a brick wall. They need the resources to do this.

Another hurdle some of our consumers have is the fact that some of our NWT trades contractors may not have enough experience in helping them bridge those ideas of technology into action. Therefore, people are unsure, and certainly and understandably nervous, that are these good ideas going to translate into results.

If you’re a business, there are no programs to be able to turn these ideas into results. Yet, again, a funding gap and a brick wall.

I don’t think all is lost because we could fill those funding gaps if our partners such as Environment, Housing Corporation, Public Works, MACA, as well as others could come together to find a way to bridge those gaps by giving them resources to provide that practical experience and translate them into results.

Whether you’re an everyday person or a small business, progressive changes need to be addressed through their funding source and delivery mechanisms. All the best energy efficiency

ideas do nothing without the support to translate them into real results.

I’ll have questions for the environment Minister later today.

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Arctic Energy Alliance

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Territorial Track And Field Championships In Hay River

Members’ Statements

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Spring is here and again this year the Territorial Track and Field Championships will take place in Hay River. I just wanted to use my Member’s statement today to once again recognize all of the workers, volunteers in Hay River, who every year put so much effort into preparing the grounds and welcoming these young people into our community for this exciting event.

I have heard, and I’m not positive, but the number of participants grows every year. This year I heard that it’s up to 1,300.

---Applause

For a small town like Hay River to host an event like this is remarkable. Of course, we couldn’t do it without the folks who put the effort into getting their students there. It will be amazing tonight again as the teams from schools large and small parade into the arena for the opening ceremonies. It’s an exciting time. I wish them good weather and good luck, and I hope they have a lot of fun.

Again, thank you so much to the volunteers. This year noted in absence, of course, will be someone who was such a huge proponent and supporter of the NWT Track and Field Championships who recently was recognized as Citizen of the Year and has since passed away, and that is John Ashcroft. I wanted to mention that because this will be the first Track and Field Championship without his assistance and I’m sure he will be absolutely sorely missed.

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Territorial Track And Field Championships In Hay River

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Member for Monfwi , Mr. Lafferty .

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Accomplishment Of Monfwi Residents

Members’ Statements

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to highlight just some of the outstanding Tlicho citizens from the Monfwi riding. They are true examples of the kind of role models that we must recognize and support so others will follow.

Adolphus Nitsiza from Behchoko, one of the 14 minor hockey volunteers across Canada named as

RBC Local Hockey Hero on May 11

th,

2009. This

award is based on behind the scenes work to make hockey better across the country for people in the communities. Adolphus has always gone out of his way to strengthen the community recreation spirit. Ever since the sportsplex shut down in Behchoko, he has taken it upon himself to organize the junior hockey opportunities. He drove the kids to Yellowknife on a weekly basis, even on weekends, so they could have the opportunity to play hockey and other sports that the community does not have. As a result of this award, RBC will donate funding towards a Behchoko hockey program and give Adolphus and 20 others opportunities to carry the Olympic Torch for the 2010 Olympics.

Another individual that’s worth mentioning is Corporal John Paul Rabesca. Now here is a true soldier, Tlicho soldier, honoured to serve his community and country. John Paul recently completed his military training as an armoured crewman and is stationed in Edmonton.

These two individuals clearly show what it’s like to achieve a goal.

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Accomplishment Of Monfwi Residents

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to recognize my cousins Linda Wood and Hazel Lyttle, and their friend Carol Prouse.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu . The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

I’m pleased to recognize my constituency assistant from Fort Simpson, Ms. Pearl Norwegian, who is in the gallery this afternoon. She’s assisting me in Yellowknife this week and a very warm welcome to her in the Leg. this week.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The honourable Member for the Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

I’d like to welcome Mr. Saturday Night Request Show, Mr. Les Carpenter, to the gallery.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

I’d like to recognize a constituent, Ms. Linda Wood, her sister Hazel Lyttle, and their friend Carol Prouse, as well, that are in the House today.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . It gives me great pleasure to recognize in the gallery today my new constituency assistant, Ms. Stephanie Fischer, who is with us today. She’s over here chaperoning two Pages from Hay River North, Mr.

Dylan Studney and Ryan Shank. They are paging here and I want to welcome them to the Leg. They’ve been doing a great job all year. All week.

If we’ve missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the House. It’s always a pleasure to have an audience in here. I hope you’re enjoying the proceedings.

Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Abernethy .

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Question 402-16(3): Youth Homelessness

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Health and Social Services . Homeless youth between the ages of 16 and 19 often fall through the cracks of our existing programs. Too old for non-voluntary support under the Child and Family Services Act and too young for income support, they have to rely on themselves to get a roof over their heads. Fortunately there are committed NGOs who try to help. Unfortunately, they can only go so far with limited funds. My question for the Minister is: What is being done to address this gap in these services? What is being done to support these youth?

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Question 402-16(3): Youth Homelessness

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 402-16(3): Youth Homelessness

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are a number of things that the government does do to provide support to these youth. I’ve visited the NGOs that the Member referred to. The Department of Health and Social Services funds a lot of their funding.

I think it’s important to know that those older youth between 16 and 19, if they do work with social workers, they have the option of continuing on with the plan that they might have had in foster care. A lot of it involves independent living. They can choose a family that they would like to live with, especially if they want to continue to live with the family that they had before. They can also choose to speak with social workers about getting access to treatment.

As the Member knows, the government has made a number of steps over the last couple of years to expand our youth shelter programs outside of Yellowknife because…and we are providing youth cafes and all kinds of gathering opportunities in communities like Providence, Behchoko...I can’t remember all the names. I think we’ve announced that. We are expanding those programs.

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Question 402-16(3): Youth Homelessness

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

I’d really like to thank the Minister for that response. I know there is an awful

lot going on and I’m happy to see that. With respect to my question I was talking more about the non-voluntary support. Those individuals who, for any number of reasons, don’t feel comfortable, are still out there on the streets. Yes, there are NGOs that are doing an awful lot of work. I still think there is room for this government to try and fill those gaps for those non-voluntary people a bit more. I don’t think it’s just a Department of Health and Social Services’ issue. I think it does need to be a partnership between Education and Health and Social Services.

My question to the Minister is: Can the Minister give me a bit of an outline of the types of things that the two departments are doing in cooperation and collaboration to fill this gap?

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Question 402-16(3): Youth Homelessness

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

I do agree with the Member that this is a gap that needs to be addressed. This is something that has been under discussion in this House, as well as the fact that it is a national issue, because nationally it is recognized as a gap that needs to be addressed.

I can advise the Member that in the Minister’s Action Plan for Health and Social Services, which we are consulting with the committee and outside, we are looking at coming out with transition measures where we can strengthen mentoring and more support work to work with these older youth, understanding that youth between the age of 16 and 19 we need to be giving them options and have them have more say about their environment and living arrangements. But we do recognize that there is more the government can do to support that. We’ll be working to strengthen that program and probably do additional funding.

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Question 402-16(3): Youth Homelessness

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Once again thanks to the Minister for that. I’m very pleased to hear all the types of things that the Department of Health and Social Services is doing with respect to this issue. Going back to my question, this government from time to time creates silos and we work within those silos. This particular issue I think there would be a lot of advantage for education and health to work together to try and address these problems because they’d both have a role. Could the Minister tell me what types of things the departments are doing in collaboration with each other to break down those silos in the best interest of youth 16 to 19?

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Question 402-16(3): Youth Homelessness

Oral Questions

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

The action plan understands, and the work of the Department of Health and Social Services involves often working with other departments. Aurora Oxford House, for example, having the women stay there, that’s in collaboration with income security. So wherever we can use the assistance of other government to help, I mean, other departments to help these older youth, make choices for them, their living arrangements, whether it’s housing or income security or mentoring. We are looking at strengthening programs to increase programs to teach them life skills. What we want to

do is help them make independent choices as they work toward being 19. I can commit to working with other departments as we move forward on this plan.

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Question 402-16(3): Youth Homelessness

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . The honourable Member for Nunakput , Mr. Jacobson .

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Question 403-16(3): Evaluation Of Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Going back to my Member’s statement today regarding income support in the communities in all of the Territory, will the government re-evaluate the way income support cheques and amounts are evaluated and distributed and how various government departments deal with the high cost of living in the small and remote communities?

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Question 403-16(3): Evaluation Of Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson . The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Lafferty .

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Question 403-16(3): Evaluation Of Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Within the income security area we have made some changes in the past to meet the standards of the high cost of living in the communities. We continue to make changes to meet the needs of the communities. At the same time, we continue to work with the committee that’s been established to reduce the cost of living. It’s under the leadership of Ms. Lee . Certainly we can continue to work in that area and have a clear dialogue about how to reduce the high cost of living specifically in the Member’s riding. We’re fully aware of that and within our income security area, as I stated earlier, we make changes every now and then based on the evaluation of the program itself.

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Question 403-16(3): Evaluation Of Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Will this government commit to assisting community governments, organizations, and residents in the communities with no food bank or support services so no child or family goes hungry in this Territory?

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Question 403-16(3): Evaluation Of Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

I certainly appreciate the Member giving us some feedback from the communities’ perspectives because those are important discussions we are having within the committee that I’ve just highlighted, the committee that’s responsible for reducing the cost of living. Those are the discussions that we’re having. Whether it be reducing the cost of living in communities, how can we go about that area? Not only that, but the food basket area and various other programs that we deliver at the community level. I appreciate Members giving us input into certain areas that we need to improve on. We’re clearly working on those areas.

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Question 403-16(3): Evaluation Of Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

I may not agree with that, but recognize that this government reviews the cost of

healthy living in the small, remote communities periodically, but I don’t agree with how the costs are reviewed. Will this government revise measures on how the cost of living in small, remote communities can be recalculated?

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Question 403-16(3): Evaluation Of Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

The last time we made changes to our income security area was recommendations that came down from community representatives that deal with communities that are in a high cost of living. Not only that, but the input from the Members, due to the fact that we made changes to our program, but there’s always room for improvement as well. We’re always constantly making changes to our policies and certainly there is, Members are involved with the isolation costs, the committee itself. So certainly they would like to hear their input and Members around the table as well. We continue to strive for the betterment of the community programming.

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Question 403-16(3): Evaluation Of Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Final supplementary, Mr. Jacobson .

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Question 403-16(3): Evaluation Of Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Jackie Jacobson

Nunakput

I really hope this committee that the Minister’s speaking about could meet sooner than later, because we have people in our communities who are going hungry. It’s not right. Will the Minister commit to do a community tour of my Nunakput communities?

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Question 403-16(3): Evaluation Of Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Yes, certainly we’ll take those into consideration. There have been Ministers going into Members’ ridings. The committee I was referring to is, of course, reducing cost of living and also the rural communities, the small communities that Members are involved with. Certainly there’s been a lot of discussion in that area. We’re certainly looking forward to the input of those Members and how we can change our program that will reflect on the high cost of living along with working with the committee that’s leading the task as well. Certainly those are important discussions that we’re having today and certainly take those forward with our consultation.

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Question 403-16(3): Evaluation Of Income Support Programs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Ms. Bisaro .

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Question 404-16(3): NWT Association Of Communities Resolutions

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I mentioned in one of my Member’s statements earlier this week that I was privileged to attend the NWT Association of Communities annual general meeting and conference in Inuvik. At that meeting, during the business part of their meeting, the association passed some 20 resolutions; 19, actually, I think. My questions today are addressed to Premier Roland and I’d like to first ask the Premier , because I know he has received a copy of these resolutions as have I, I’d like to ask the

Premier what action will be taken by this government or by himself in regards to the NWT Association of Communities resolutions.

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Question 404-16(3): NWT Association Of Communities Resolutions

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . The honourable Premier , Mr. Roland .

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Question 404-16(3): NWT Association Of Communities Resolutions

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did indeed receive correspondence from the president of the Association of Communities. I have forwarded that to all departments so that we can come back with a joint response to the letter that I received.

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Question 404-16(3): NWT Association Of Communities Resolutions

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thanks to Premier Roland for that comment. I guess I would hope for a little bit more specifics, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Many of these, I shouldn’t say many; some of these resolutions include funding requests. I’d like to know from the Premier whether or not the funding requests that are contained in the resolutions that do have a funding request, will those requests be considered in the development of business plans for the 2010-2011 budget?

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Question 404-16(3): NWT Association Of Communities Resolutions

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

There are a number of different levels; the Member is correct. Some do require some commitment towards funding. Others are just the way we do business, carry out. So we’ll have to look at what we can’t do in the short term in the sense of implementing some of the change. Others, when it comes to actual business plan, the timing of that we would work with Municipal and Community Affairs, who would submit their budget requests in areas whether it’s new initiatives or forced growth areas for communities. Work on that basis to see what comes forward.

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Question 404-16(3): NWT Association Of Communities Resolutions

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

I want to highlight a couple of resolutions. One of them, actually two resolutions reference the Mackenzie Valley Highway. Basically the resolution stated that we need to get on with it, so to speak. I’d like to know from the Premier whether or not he thinks the power and the urgency behind these two resolutions from the NWTAC, whether or not this government can use it as some leverage or some push to get the federal government to move on the Mackenzie Valley Highway file.

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Question 404-16(3): NWT Association Of Communities Resolutions

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

That motion, I believe it’s the 20th motion from the organization, is indeed

helpful for us. The more people we have saying the same things, the better for us when we build our business case. I know that the regional leadership as well have spoken to that and support this initiative. We’ve just received correspondence from the Gwich’in Tribal Council president as well that flows along with this to see how we can work together to come forward with the business case, I would say. So a motion like this is supportive and we hope to include more like this as we build our business case.

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Question 404-16(3): NWT Association Of Communities Resolutions

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 404-16(3): NWT Association Of Communities Resolutions

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Premier , thank you for that explanation. I think he knows I am totally in support of a Mackenzie Valley Highway project. The more we can get it going, the sooner the better.

One other resolution I wanted to mention is the resolution that talks about the protection of NWT waters from oil sands developments. It asks the GNWT to ask the Government of Alberta to halt new oil sands approval until it negotiates an enforceable transboundary water agreement with the NWT. My question to the Premier is whether or not he will commit to forward that message on behalf of the NWTAC to the Government of Alberta.

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Question 404-16(3): NWT Association Of Communities Resolutions

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

We’re already engaged in a process with Alberta, with B.C., Saskatchewan, our neighbours in this area, and Minister Miltenberger is also involved and engaged in this area when it comes to the water issues with regional leadership here in the Territories, trying to secure that new agreement and have the federal government step up their mandate in this area. So we’re engaged in this area and we’ll continue to pursue an agreement from my level with the Premier of Alberta. We’ll engage at that level to work out a solution that works for us in the sense of having that agreement move forward.

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Question 404-16(3): NWT Association Of Communities Resolutions

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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Question 405-16(3): Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Premier and is in regard to my Member’s statement. I think it’s so important that this government realizes it’s probably more urgent that the government involves itself in the communities that basically are struggling to deliver programs and services, from policing programs to health care services, and also in regard to being able to recruit and retain professionals in our community from lack of staff housing. The challenges are big and bad in a lot of our communities. A lot of times we approve budgets in this House.

Great intentions, a lot of money goes out the door. At the end of the day those services are not delivered in our communities because we either don’t have a police officer, a nurse, lack of teachers.

I’d like to ask the Premier , in light of the challenges we face in our smaller communities, if the government could very seriously consider looking at reframing some of these dollars so that they do go into the communities and expend it where they’re

supposed to and not get bottlenecked at the regional hospital or regional education system and not being able to deliver because of these capacity issues we’re facing from housing to a lack of police services or nursing services or professionals being able to deliver these programs. I’d like to ask the Premier if he would consider looking at that type of gesture in regard to assisting our communities to deliver programs and services.

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Question 405-16(3): Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . The honourable Premier , Mr. Roland .

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Question 405-16(3): Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The area of transfers of authorities, programs, devolving responsibilities is something that we’re definitely engaged in. We have many examples of where we’ve tried to do it. Some programs have been handed back to the Government of the Northwest Territories, because communities could not, for their own capacity issues, take on the additional programs or attract professionals to take certain positions. We find that even from within the Government of the Northwest Territories, difficulty in finding the right solution for our communities. We are engaged. We do look at that.

It is part of, for example, as well, the negotiations around self-government, depending on what the authorities are and programs that region and the self-government are looking to take over. There are a number of fronts where we are involved looking at trying to make the best use of the dollars and trying to get the programs to the communities in those cases.

We are challenged across the Territory. There are a number of fronts we are involved with and will continue to be involved with to try to make sure we get the programs out to communities and best results for people in those communities. Thank you.

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Question 405-16(3): Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest challenges is strictly with infrastructure, not having adequate staff housing in our communities, not having the office space in our communities to accommodate mental health workers, alcohol and drug workers and even doctors, in some cases, because they have no place to stay. I think the big issue is something that the Minister of Justice has been trying to deal with, is policing in small communities that don’t have policing because they don’t have a police station or they don’t have a building to work out of.

I would like to ask the Premier again, realizing that these infrastructure challenges are in our communities, I think that this government should do everything it can to ensure that the resources are there, to ensure those infrastructures are on the ground so we can deliver programs and services and not continue to use that as an excuse why we can’t deliver in our communities.

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Question 405-16(3): Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Mr. Speaker, we don’t come up with excuses why we can’t do things. We are trying to do things. Our attitude of can-do is

sometimes inhibited by the availability of programs, who is in control of the dollars. For example, we have started to expand our policing services in the communities, working with the federal government in establishing two-man facilities, but some of their criteria is also putting some pressure on us on our existing operations. We continue to work on expansion, for example of policing services which then as well allows us to look at increased nursing in some of our other communities as well.

There are a number of fronts where we are trying to expand our services into the communities, around infrastructure, around programming, but we are also hit up against the wall on what types of requirements are placed on us as to the level of service we can produce. But we have engaged in, for example, the policing end and will continue to do so to try to expand those services in working with the federal government in that key area. Thank you.

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Question 405-16(3): Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Mr. Speaker, again, this government approves dollars so we can approve programs and services for us in the Northwest Territories. As mentioned, the shop program in trying to expand that into our schools. We have K to 12 in the majority of our communities now. A lot of our schools don’t have the capacity to deliver that program. We can give them the money but they don’t have a shop. Again, that is the type of thing I am talking about by ensuring that they have the physical ability to deliver, not just the financial ability. Again, that is one of the areas I think we have to seriously look at.

We talk about physical education and other things, putting more money into the Department of Education, giving them more resources and try to improve the quality of services in our communities. I want to ask the Premier again, in regards to realizing that we are looking at trying to improve programs and services but yet we do not have the physical structures to deliver shop programs and other programs in our communities because our schools were not designed that way. There is going to have to be some investment.

I would like to ask the Premier if he would seriously look at the possibility of putting shop programs in our communities by way of additional expansion of our schools.

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Question 405-16(3): Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Mr. Speaker, I think the Member has used another example of where as governments were previous to ourselves and as we as the 16th Assembly have been working to expand

our services in the communities. Grade extensions is an example of that where we used to have the regional schools and the facilities of that nature. We have now reached back in the communities and that is one of the areas where parents have not even asked to send their students back to a regional facility because they feel that there are more opportunities at those facilities. The Member is right; schools were designed in a certain way because they didn’t have that level of programming.

Our challenge is, as we extend the grades, there is more demand for more of the courses and then to try to come up with the resources to do that. It would be an Assembly decision to expand to that level of programming in the communities. It means taking some dollars from another area of expenditures we are making now and reinvesting it. If that is the will of the Members of this Assembly, that is something we would have to look at and take up seriously. Thank you.

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Question 405-16(3): Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Your final, short supplementary, Mr. Krutko .

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Question 405-16(3): Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Oral Questions

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it is the will of this House, but also the government has to. Where there is a will, there is a way. I believe there is a way if we can get the government on board. You guys are the ones that basically have the pen in hand. I think it is important that you find ways of ensuring these programs and services can be delivered and have the financial and physical capacity to do it. I would like to ask the Premier to seriously consider any financial decisions we make in this House.

At the end of the day, it has to be able to be delivered in all communities in the Northwest Territories physically and practically. More importantly, the will has to be there for this government. Thank you.

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Question 405-16(3): Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Oral Questions

Inuvik Boot Lake

Floyd Roland

Premier

Mr. Speaker, as we begin our next round of planning for business plans, all Members of this Assembly are involved in that planning and give direction to Ministers and departments as to what areas we should put more priority on. What it will come down to is, do we have the dollars to expand all of our services at a level that is expected in every one of our communities? For example, we have differences between our communities that are tax-based and some that are in the general taxation area. They have a level of services that are higher than some communities, because the individuals who choose to live in those communities pay a higher level of taxes so they can get that level of service.

We have started the work along the way with our general taxation area, giving them more authority and taxation authority so that they can, as well, go into that area. The problem is they stay in much smaller communities and they don’t have the population to support some of these bigger areas.

Our challenge overall, as Members are aware, is we have had to tighten our belts as a government. The future isn’t any different. We are going to have to continue to manage the growth of government and come up with the best value of investment we can. We are trying to do that even though we have had to tighten our belts as we invest some dollars. That is the challenge to this Assembly as a whole, not just as Cabinet. If we want to change that, then, as the Member said, if there is a will, there is a way.

The will has to come from this Assembly. Thank you.

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Question 405-16(3): Responsibility For Community Infrastructure

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Question 406-16(3): Recreation Facilities For Tu Nedhe Youth

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I talked about the need for a youth centre in Lutselk’e. The youth have spoken. Now we have to listen. I have questions for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs .

Mr. Speaker, I understand the youth centre movement has acquired an old house and will receive financial assistance from the band to do some minor renovations. The youth, this place is too small for their needs. Can the Minister advise me what the current MACA policy is with respect to youth centres in those communities which do not have municipal governments and has a First Nation government only? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 406-16(3): Recreation Facilities For Tu Nedhe Youth

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu . The honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs , Mr. Robert McLeod .

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Question 406-16(3): Recreation Facilities For Tu Nedhe Youth

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hope the youth of Tu Nedhe can appreciate the persistence their MLA has shown with bringing their youth issues forward all the time. As far as the policy goes, Mr. Speaker, I am not quite sure if we have a policy in place. What I do know, Mr. Speaker, is that a lot of the communities with the community capacity building money that was allocated to them a few years ago, have begun to invest that into youth centres, youth programs. A lot of the money went to the youth.

As far as if we have a policy and doing the youth centres in the community, again I will go back to an argument that I continue to make that it is a community decision with the capital infrastructure dollars that we allocate to them. Thank you.

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Question 406-16(3): Recreation Facilities For Tu Nedhe Youth

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister for that response. The youth and the community need this government to support the initiative. There is not enough money in the capacity building for them to divert to build a full functioning youth centre for the community. Will the Minister commit to working with me and the community of Lutselk’e, getting the wheels in motion for a proper, adequate youth centre for the community? Thank you.

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Question 406-16(3): Recreation Facilities For Tu Nedhe Youth

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, yes, I will commit to working with the Member but I will also commit that the department will work with the community to identify their capital needs to see where they could fit the youth centre into their capital infrastructure program. Thank you.

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Question 406-16(3): Recreation Facilities For Tu Nedhe Youth

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Mr. Speaker, as mentioned, the youth are able to acquire a facility to have a makeshift youth centre and you got some assistance from the band. Will the Minister commit to providing some funding from the department to assist the youth in getting the current and temporary youth centre up and running? Thank you.

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Question 406-16(3): Recreation Facilities For Tu Nedhe Youth

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, the money that is allocated for youth centres across the Northwest Territories has doubled in this current budget to $500,000 from $250,000 last year. If the community of Lutselk’e requires funding for their community, like all of the communities, they would have to put in an application and then the money is divvied up by the number of applications they got. Last year, for example, all of the youth centres got exactly the same amount of funding. I am sure that is the way the program will work again this year.

I would encourage the community of Lutselk’e to put an application in for the youth centre funding, and then the department will look at it from there. Thank you very much.

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Question 406-16(3): Recreation Facilities For Tu Nedhe Youth

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 406-16(3): Recreation Facilities For Tu Nedhe Youth

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a proposal from the youth worker in Lutselk’e. I am pleased to hear the Minister would be looking at the possibility of looking at some capital for the upcoming business plan review. Will the Minister use that proposal once we have the numbers in place, during the business plan review? Thank you.

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Question 406-16(3): Recreation Facilities For Tu Nedhe Youth

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, in response to the question yesterday, I quoted the amount of money that a community was getting for capital infrastructure. Lutselk’e is another prime example of a band community that, once they form a corporation, will be able to get two years’ worth of capital funding. As soon as that is done and I think it works out to $1.6 million for the community. As far as the proposal goes, I would be willing to take that proposal, bring it to the department so when they go to work with the community of Lutselk’e to decide on how they are going to spend that $1.6 million, they can look at the proposal that the community brought forward. Thank you.

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Question 406-16(3): Recreation Facilities For Tu Nedhe Youth

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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Question 407-16(3): Deh Cho Bridge Project

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have some questions today for the Minister of Transportation again pertaining to the Deh Cho Bridge project. Again, I am at a loss as to understand how or why a government could sign a concession agreement on $160 million project without a firm design on that bridge. Even though --

and I mentioned in my Member’s statement numerous times over the past five years and questions to the former Premier and former Ministers and many other Cabinet Ministers over the years -- all have said the design was coming, it was being finalized, here we are $40 million into the project. There are piers in the water and there is still no design, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister how it is that the government could sign onto a $160 million project without a firm design on a bridge like this? Thank you.

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Question 407-16(3): Deh Cho Bridge Project

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The honourable Minister of Transportation , Mr. Michael McLeod .

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Question 407-16(3): Deh Cho Bridge Project

Oral Questions

Deh Cho

Michael McLeod

Minister of Transportation

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This question was raised yesterday. At the time I indicated that we would all agree that the best case scenario would have the project sign off the design right up front. That was not the situation. Time and capacity didn’t allow the final design as it requires very rigorous testing to be done on it. So all parties agreed that that would be done as we move forward. That is currently the situation. There has been, up to now, two reviews on the design completed. This is the final review. It is going to be done by a very competent firm that the Bridge Corporation has hired. We expect them to have the results by sometime this summer or in the fall.

Mr. Speaker, the Member is right. We have spent close to $40 million which represents just about 25 percent of the project. We are 25 percent completed. As we move forward, we expect to spend another 25 percent of the budget this coming summer. By the end of December, we expect to have 50 percent of the project done. Thank you.

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Question 407-16(3): Deh Cho Bridge Project

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, going forward, I am just wondering, because there is no firm design today, what our financial liability and risk exposure is in this project going forward without a design, Mr. Speaker, whether the Minister could comment on that. Thank you.

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Question 407-16(3): Deh Cho Bridge Project

Oral Questions

Deh Cho

Michael McLeod

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, the Member keeps indicating there is no design. There is a design. There has been a design for a number of months and over the last couple of years it has been worked on. It requires a final sign-off and we are expecting those results to come back. That will indicate whether there requires major or minor changes or everything is fine. Until we see those numbers, it is pretty hard to make the comment. I know the Member is expecting for us to indicate that maybe it would cost more, but we don’t have anything to point to that at this time. Thank you.

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Question 407-16(3): Deh Cho Bridge Project

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, is there anything written in a contract or agreement with the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation that would have seen the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation complete the design work prior to us having already sunk $40 million into the

project, Mr. Speaker? Was there a date assigned to the completion of that design work? Thank you.

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Question 407-16(3): Deh Cho Bridge Project

Oral Questions

Deh Cho

Michael McLeod

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, I would have to go and see if there was an actual date. I don’t believe so. From the top of my head, I don’t believe there is an actual date. I know there was a requirement and an agreement by both parties that this design, a design that is required by the bridge code for all their designs and all the components of a design to pass some very rigorous testing to be done. That is being undertaken right now. We expect to see the results hopefully fairly soon. Thank you.

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Question 407-16(3): Deh Cho Bridge Project

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 407-16(3): Deh Cho Bridge Project

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given the work that is currently underway and I guess the tests that are out there on the design of the bridge, can the Minister again today commit to the fact that this bridge is going to be constructed at a maximum price of $165 million? Thank you.

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Question 407-16(3): Deh Cho Bridge Project

Oral Questions

Deh Cho

Michael McLeod

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, that was the agreement that was signed. We still are expecting to meet those overall budget targets, overall budget numbers. We are expecting to see all the final results of the design review. We will have a better, firmer

schedule or work plan if there are any changes to it. But we are targeting and our goal is to meet that. Thank you.

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Question 407-16(3): Deh Cho Bridge Project

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Question 408-16(3): Housing Issues In Nahanni Butte

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister of NWT Housing Corporation some questions with regard to the housing initiative in Nahanni Butte. It seems to have been stalled. Residents have been contacting my office as well as the chief from the community as to what is going to be the next steps to completing and delivering the Housing Repair and Renovation Program for the community of Nahanni Butte. Thank you.

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Question 408-16(3): Housing Issues In Nahanni Butte

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The honourable Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation , Mr. Michael McLeod .

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Question 408-16(3): Housing Issues In Nahanni Butte

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are working with the community. We had six clients last year with a contract for repairs. There were some difficulties and challenges that we weren’t able to fill. There were certain obligations. We have gone back and our district office is in the process of completing the inspections. We will be meeting next week with the contractors. We will be moving forward with the intention of completing all of these units for the end of this summer. Thank you.

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Question 408-16(3): Housing Issues In Nahanni Butte

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

I’m pleased to see that the corporation continues to move forward with the repairs. Just as an illustration, I have one resident willing to move into his incomplete home. He’s saying I know the funding is not done, but I cannot wait any longer, I’m going to move into this unit. To his eyes, Mr. Speaker, the Housing Corporation is moving so slow that he just cannot wait anymore, but if there’s a solution and if the Minister can commit to the residents that certainly this summer those six repairs will be indeed completed. Thank you.

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Question 408-16(3): Housing Issues In Nahanni Butte

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, we certainly don’t want to have, or encourage anybody to, move into a unit that’s not complete. It would put us, or at least the contractor, into a liability situation and it’s not something we want to see. We completely intend to have all the units completed this summer. We are actually moving forward on some of the new infrastructure that will be going into the community. Over the last winter, we did a gravel haul and have the gravel pads ready for some of the units that will be there. So we expect to do a lot better this coming summer as we ran into some challenges last year.

But certainly we’ll commit to the Member that we’ll do everything within our authority and ability to complete all these units. Thank you.

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Question 408-16(3): Housing Issues In Nahanni Butte

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Is it the case where some of the material is not yet in the community and do they have to look at expecting a barge delivery of materials? Thank you.

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Question 408-16(3): Housing Issues In Nahanni Butte

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, the Member is asking me some very detailed questions about delivery of these housing units and I’m not up to the details of what’s happening in every community. I can say to the Member, though, that the house will be started this year. I’m not sure how the materials are getting there. We expect the house to be finished by December of this year and that’s for both units that fall under the new construction. Thank you.

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Question 408-16(3): Housing Issues In Nahanni Butte

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Your final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche .

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Question 408-16(3): Housing Issues In Nahanni Butte

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Just one final note on the delivery of programming in Nahanni Butte, if the Minister’s office can provide an analysis of exactly what happened and advise me and the community of it, just to ensure that this type of thing doesn’t happen again and how they’re willing to mitigate it or take care of an issue like that. Thank you.

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Question 408-16(3): Housing Issues In Nahanni Butte

Oral Questions

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, we know exactly what happened last year. It’s not something I want to share here on the floor of this House, Mr. Speaker, but we can provide that once we have an ability to sit down with the Member and the leadership of his community. Thank you.

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Question 408-16(3): Housing Issues In Nahanni Butte

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 409-16(3): Arctic Energy Alliance

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member’s statement today I talked about turning ideas into action and I was referring to energy efficiency programs out there and the great advice we get over at the Arctic Energy Alliance. We have a great bank of knowledge and the very helpful staff there, but the problem in some cases in even talking to them and even talking to people on the street and what they hear is they get these bright ideas, but they can’t transfer them from ideas into practical use. So, Mr. Speaker, it’s a resource issue about turning these