Debates of March 7th, 2005

This is page numbers 1797 - 1856 of the Hansard for the 15th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was chairman .

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Social Workers Week

Premier Absent From The House

Closure Of The South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Remand Unit

Affirmative Action Policy And Human Rights Act Inconsistencies

Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office In Hay River

New Swimming Pool For Fort Simpson

Flight Of Dreams For The Children's Wish Foundation

Affirmative Action Policy Application To The Management Assignment Program

Muskrat Trapping Season

Condolences On The Recent Passing Of Tuktoyaktuk Elders

Breast Cancer "run For Our Lives" Fundraising Event

Hockey Night In Deline

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Federal University And College Entrance Program

GNWT Position Reductions

Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Income Support For Disabled Persons

GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

University And College Entrance Funding For Metis Students

GNWT Casual And Term Employees

NWT Affirmative Action Advisory Committee

Taxation Of Grants To Aboriginal Students

Item 8: Returns To Written Questions

Return To Written Question 72-15(3): Long-term Care Facilities In Nahendeh

Tabled Document 120-15(3): Public Service Growth - 1999 To 2004

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

Committee Motion 27-15(3) Recommendation To Develop Plan To Address Absence Of Policing Services In Small Communities

Committee Motion 28-15(3) Recommendation That Funding For Remand Unit For South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Be Reinstated

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Members Present

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

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---Prayer

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 1797

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. I trust you all had an enjoyable weekend. Welcome back for another week of work. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Minister's Statement 104-15(3): Social Workers Week

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1797

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the week of March 6th to 12th is National Social Work Week in the NWT. This year's theme is Social Work: Fairness and Wellness. I would like to take a moment to recognize the valuable work of approximately 80 social workers across the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, having worked in the social services field, I know how important these people are to the northern communities. Social workers help individuals, families, groups and communities find ways to make positive choices and changes in their lives.

Social workers are strong capable people who often work in crisis situations. Mr. Speaker, our social workers are part of our primary community care team who work together to ensure those who are most vulnerable members of society are helped and protected.

Social work does not provide a quick fix solution. Support is carried out over months and even years. Support is provided to seniors, people with disabilities, people who are hospitalized, people who have problems with addictions, mental health support, child protection, victims of violence and to the general community.

Mr. Speaker, I recently had an opportunity to meet with Esther Doucette, who is the president of the Association of Social Workers in northern Canada. They are also looking at safer working conditions and promoting the profession. I look forward to working with the association on these issues and others.

Social work is demanding yet also very rewarding. To see someone move from a crisis in their lives to making healthy and positive social choices for themselves and their family is wonderful. I would encourage young people to consider the social work courses available at Aurora College.

I would like to ask Members of this House to join me in applauding the efforts and work that NWT social workers do on a daily basis to improve the lives of children, families, adults and communities in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Minister's Statement 104-15(3): Social Workers Week

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1797

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Deputy Premier , Mr. Roland .

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Minister's Statement 105-15(3): Premier Absent From The House

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1797

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Joe Handley will be absent from the House today to speak at the Arctic Gas Symposium in Calgary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 105-15(3): Premier Absent From The House

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1797

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Closure Of The South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Remand Unit

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1797

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let me again, on behalf of my constituents, both inside and outside the system of the community of Hay River and the South Slave region, express concisely why I am asking the Department of Justice, corrections, to leave the operations of the South Mackenzie Correctional Centre as is with respect to staffing our remand unit.

This change in mandate for SMCC will not net the savings projected for the upcoming fiscal year. It will immediately affect nine casual corrections officer positions and ultimately affect 5.5 permanent positions. As for the Audit Bureau findings, "There was a lack of rigor and in-depth analysis to support the projected savings of $400,000" and furthermore with respect to travel and escorting services, the report says, "the estimated incremental cost of $18,000 was not supported by any historical data. Our review indicated that "there are too many variables and too little information to form a reasonable estimate.

While there will likely be additional costs, they will have to be identified at a later point."

Mr. Speaker, I would rather know these costs and projections sooner than later; before we make operational changes, not after. Mr. Speaker, I don't think it's any coincidence that an additional 5.5 PYs were recommended as the result of a human resources and operations review in 1997, after the tragedy of a suicide in SMCC cells. The report recommended that the six-bed remand unit be manned 24/7, 365 days a year, even though this unit will continue to accommodate inmates on administrative and disciplinary isolation and those waiting on medical clearance on intake.

Even though it has been utilized at the rate of 100 percent over the past year for remand inmates and even though everyone, except the

Department of Justice, is projecting an increase in crime related to resource development, the direction of this department is to reduce the current supervision in this area of the facility.

The department thinks that they can assess risk with a high level of accuracy. I don't agree, especially since we are going to be seeing more transient people we'll know less about in the future.

What I am requesting is fairly simple. I would like the government to respond favourably to the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Social Programs to reinstate the funding for SMCC for the remand unit. If you need more reasons than the recommendation itself, leave things status quo until the Department of Justice has had the opportunity to apply a more rigorous and in-depth analysis to the costs of the changes being proposed. The Premier has publicly stated that we are not broke, our fiscal picture has improved, so let's keep justice services close to the people they serve...

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Closure Of The South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Remand Unit

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1798

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Mrs. Groenewegen , your time for your Member's statement has expired.

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Closure Of The South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Remand Unit

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1798

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

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Closure Of The South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Remand Unit

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1798

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Closure Of The South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Remand Unit

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1798

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. As I said, the Premier has publicly stated that we are not broke and our fiscal situation has improved, so let's keep the justice services close to the people they serve and let's affirm our government's support for the regions and say no to the centralization of programs and services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Closure Of The South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Remand Unit

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1798

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Affirmative Action Policy And Human Rights Act Inconsistencies

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1798

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories established the affirmative action policy in 1989 to "achieve equality and employment and career development for qualified, suitable and eligible target group persons." The principles of affirmative action have long been recognized, Mr. Speaker, as a legitimate, indeed, responsible thing as they balance their workforce among the people they serve or rely on for their business.

Here in the NWT, our policy is met with mixed results and many Members, over time, have addressed the policy shortfalls. The Minister responsible has pledged it is about to undergo a major review to modernize it and to bring in methods that will help us do a better job.

Today I bring to the Assembly an aspect of this policy that warrants a very high priority. I specifically refer to two categories requiring that people who have not lived half their lives in the NWT cannot have equal opportunity of employment in our government.

Let me set the context, Mr. Speaker. A constituent, now middle-aged, came to the NWT when she was in her early twenties. She found that she had to wait until she was twice that age, in her mid-forties, before our government would give her equal opportunity for a job. Mr. Speaker, each of us has only one lifetime. In Canada, we can choose to live where we want and where we think we can make a contribution. It does not seem right that our government should deny anyone the chance to work for us on the grounds of where they were born or how old they are.

Yet, our Human Rights Act, passed in this Assembly in the year 2002, protects this affirmative action policy, Mr. Speaker, because it was in place of the coming into force of the Human Rights Act. Mr. Speaker, in any such important policy, it's crucial that we consider who we are protecting and why. This must form the foundation of any workable affirmative action policy and we must do so having in mind the fundamental rights that are also set out in our own Human Rights Act. Were it not for the grandfathering of the old affirmative action policy, Mr.

Speaker, it would almost undoubtedly be in contravention of the Human Rights Act. Therefore, we must ensure that this policy is now consistent with the important values, spirit and intent of our Human Rights Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Affirmative Action Policy And Human Rights Act Inconsistencies

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1798

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office In Hay River

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1798

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak today about an issue that I previously brought up in this House on numerous occasions. Mr. Speaker, the issue is the new Mackenzie Valley pipeline office, which is to be located in Hay River. Last May, a supplementary appropriation of $850,000 came forward for the start-up of this much needed office. Today is March 7th; nine months later and still no office. The government, in my mind, is lacking some foresight, leadership and seems to be letting bureaucracy get in the way of finally opening up this office.

As Regular Members, we have still not heard specifically which positions, government-wide, are dedicated to the pipeline project. To me, Mr. Speaker, it seems like they are asleep at the switch. This office should have been opened two years ago. Here we are, scrambling around, trying to piece together an effective office. This project, and its importance to the territory, cannot and should not be comprised by the slow pace of government. It is an $8 million project and I have to wonder if we are doing enough as a government to address this.

Getting back to the supplementary appropriation for $850,000 that was approved last May, Regular Members who approved that supplementary appropriation were under the impression that the office would be opened and the bulk of the $850,000 would go towards salaries. Here we are, again today, with no office and if the department did not have the positions, what was the $850,000 spent on?

I have some obvious concerns about how information is currently being shared amongst departments with regard to the pipeline development and its potential impact on communities throughout the Northwest Territories. Where is the government-wide coordination amongst departments to see this project along? Coordination was a catch phrase one year ago while Members were here and, as politicians, we addressed that concern immediately with the formation of a joint committee on the Mackenzie Valley pipeline. However, the coordination from a bureaucratic level is still light years behind where it needs to be. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office In Hay River

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1799

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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New Swimming Pool For Fort Simpson

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1799

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to discuss the aboveground pool program in the Northwest Territories and make some comments about the swimming pool in Fort Simpson and the poor condition it is in. Mr. Speaker, a new recreational facility such as an aboveground swimming pool could contribute to the overall health of the community. Entire families could enjoy what a swimming pool has to offer, be it from swimming lessons, competitive sports or leisurely activities. Mr. Speaker, I couldn't have said it any better myself.

If these words sound familiar, it is because they should, especially to the Minister of MACA who, when he sat on this side of the fence in the 14th Assembly, said these words about the need for a new pool, except, of course, he was arguing the case for Fort Providence.

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New Swimming Pool For Fort Simpson

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1799

Some Hon. Members

Hear! Hear!

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New Swimming Pool For Fort Simpson

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1799

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

The only difference now is he has a new pool and we don't.

---Laughter

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New Swimming Pool For Fort Simpson

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1799

Some Hon. Members

Hey!

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New Swimming Pool For Fort Simpson

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1799

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, you can understand me when I say that I expect the Minister of MACA to have a lot of sympathy for me when I say Fort Simpson needs a new pool too. All kidding aside, Mr. Speaker, the pool in Fort Simpson is in about the same shape as the pool in Fort Providence was. It's only three feet deep, has paint chips falling in it and all the wood is rotting. In my own words, Mr. Speaker, I realize that tax-based communities are supposed to pay for their own infrastructure, but let's be honest here. How is a town of just over 1,000 supposed to pay for a new pool out of their property taxes when they already have such a huge infrastructure deficit? It's just not going to happen.

Mr. Speaker, it is time this government recognized the fact that communities in Nahendeh are long overdue for some new recreational facilities. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

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New Swimming Pool For Fort Simpson

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1799

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Flight Of Dreams For The Children's Wish Foundation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1799

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member's statement will be used to acknowledge the Children's Wish Foundation and the great job they are doing to fulfil dreams of children throughout our North.

Mr. Speaker, this organization provides children with the chance to experience something special in their lives while they are bravely dealing with serious illnesses and life-threatening diseases. Mr. Speaker, this organization has been fulfilling dreams for young Canadians since 1983 and directly for young northerners since 1987.

The Alberta/NWT

chapter of this organization has an office here in Yellowknife and it is administered by Teri Arychuk. This charity started as a personal quest with Mrs. Arychuk and her family's struggle. Her son was diagnosed with AML Leukemia cancer. However, today, eight years later, he is cancer free and doing great.

Mr. Speaker, Flight of Dreams has more than just taken off. At this past year's event, the charity raised nearly $80,000. The money raised will help approximately seven dreams to be fulfilled this year in the North. To date, nearly 30 dreams have been fulfilled in the NWT because of the strides and the dedication of our community.

The Flight of Dreams, as the organization is known here in the NWT, is committed to a vision of providing children with the opportunity to fulfil their wishes, from experiencing foreign locations, meeting celebrity role models or something as simple as visiting a distant family member. The Flight of Dreams is only able to fulfill its mission through the charity of local people and companies. This event wouldn't be possible, Mr. Speaker, without the great support of Great Slave Helicopters and the donation of their hangar each year leading up to this charitable event.

They remove every piece of their equipment and helicopters so the hangar can be cleaned up and dressed up for the charity ball.

The work of Flight for Dreams provides joy and happiness of a fulfilled wish of a child and also to a child's family. Mr. Speaker, I don't have to go on at length of the effects a child, the parents, the siblings, and all family members are forced to go through when affected by such terrible burdens. These dreams help lift the weight of this burden. These dreams help provide a happy and unique experience during a trying and painful time and allow the pain to go easier.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate the individual donors...

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Flight Of Dreams For The Children's Wish Foundation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1799

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Your time for your Member's statement has expired. Mr. Hawkins .

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Flight Of Dreams For The Children's Wish Foundation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1799

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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Flight Of Dreams For The Children's Wish Foundation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1799

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Flight Of Dreams For The Children's Wish Foundation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1799

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I will read the last paragraph from the top.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to individually congratulate the donors, corporations, as well as a personal thanks to Mrs. Arychuk and all the people involved in the Flight of Dreams and this organization that has helped every year to bring a little silver lining to so many young clouds out there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Flight Of Dreams For The Children's Wish Foundation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1800

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Affirmative Action Policy Application To The Management Assignment Program

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1800

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today my statement is about the status of affirmative action with the GNWT. Mr. Speaker, you will recall last week, I raised concerns about the future of the affirmative action policy in this government, especially with the centralization of human resources.

Mr. Speaker, I think there is a reason for all of us to be concerned about the future of our affirmative action policy. Last week when I questioned Minister Roland about the affirmative action, he assured me that his department is doing all they can at all levels to ensure affirmative action is applied as it should be. Mr. Speaker, I wonder if the Minister is aware that there are things happening that might suggest otherwise. For instance, Mr. Speaker, I have a newspaper

article here dated March 27, 2002. It quotes an official from his department stating, "I expect that the affirmative action policy will be here for another two years at least." Mr. Speaker, I know that things can be taken out of context, and I am willing to allow for that. However, when I am advised that the affirmative action does not apply to one of our most important programs in the GNWT, which the GNWT has to advance its employees, I think there is reason for concern.

Mr. Speaker, the Management Assignment Program, which is believed by many to be an opportunity for northerners to advance in a management position in the GNWT, is also believed that the affirmative action policies apply to this program. Mr. Speaker, officials from the MAP program are quite open about how it does not apply to their program. Looking at those in the program and some of the candidates who have applied and were not accepted, it is obvious that the affirmative action policy does not apply to the Management Assignment Program. Mr. Speaker, how can this be justified?

Last week when I questioned about the number of aboriginal people in management positions, the Minister said that people have to be willing to get an education. Mr. Speaker, many of the people who have been turned down for the MAP program have an education and are willing to learn, but, apparently, that is not enough. We have heard, Mr. Speaker, that affirmative action employees in the GNWT have been advised that employees in the MAP program have first choice for management positions. Is the department saying that affirmative action does not account for advancements into management?

If a P1 employee is not able to apply for a management position because a MAP person gets first dibs at it, and if none of the MAP employees are affirmative action, how do we...

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Affirmative Action Policy Application To The Management Assignment Program

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1800

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Affirmative Action Policy Application To The Management Assignment Program

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1800

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my Member's statement.

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Affirmative Action Policy Application To The Management Assignment Program

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1800

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Affirmative Action Policy Application To The Management Assignment Program

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1800

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, if a P1 employee is not able to apply for a management position because a MAP person gets first dibs at it, and if none of the MAP employees are affirmative action, how will we ever change the face of the GNWT so that it is representative of the population that it serves in the NWT? Mr. Speaker, this practice is unacceptable and, in my mind, cannot and should not be defended by the Minister responsible for the program. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Affirmative Action Policy Application To The Management Assignment Program

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1800

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes , Mr. McLeod.

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Muskrat Trapping Season

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1800

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on March 1st, the muskrat trapping season opened in the Mackenzie Delta. For years, families from the Beaufort-Delta travelled to their camps and continued to harvest muskrats. Many of us who grew up in the Delta always looked forward to ratting season so we could spend time out on the land. Mr. Speaker, schools in the Delta have elders who take students to the camp and teach them the traditional ways. With all the resource development that is going on in the Northwest Territories, it is good to see so many people still engaged in the pursuit of traditional activities.

We must remember that, unlike oil and gas, the fur trade is a renewable resource and that the fur trade is what the Northwest Territories was built on. I am pleased that the Government of the Northwest Territories has programs like the Fur Marketing Program that help those residents who choose to continue with the traditional activity of trapping. I know many people who take advantage of the incentives and still enjoy the way of life that being on the land can provide.

Mr. Speaker, I have always admired and envied those who still go out on the land and make a living. Whenever we can, we try to get out and do some hunting and trapping because being out on the land is a part of us, and we will continue to go out no matter what we do for a living. I encourage the government to continue programs to allow people to continue with the traditional activity of fur harvesting. It is an investment of a healthy lifestyle that results in healthy people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Muskrat Trapping Season

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1800

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput , Mr. Pokiak .

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Condolences On The Recent Passing Of Tuktoyaktuk Elders

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1800

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to send condolences to families and friends in

Tuktoyaktuk. Since December 2004, families and friends in Tuktoyaktuk have lost two elders.

I am sorry to report, Mr. Speaker, on Saturday night, I received word that another prominent elder, Mr. Edgar Kotokak passed away peacefully at the Inuvik General Hospital. Mr. Kotokak was surrounded by family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, last night around 11:00 p.m., I received another call about another prominent elder, Martha Kikoak, who passed away at the Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife. Mrs. Kikoak was the wife of my late uncle Roy Kikoak.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like, on behalf of my family and the residents of Tuktoyaktuk, to extend our deepest sympathy to families and friends of the late Edgar Kotokak and to the families of the late Martha Kikoak of Tuktoyaktuk. I cannot be there this week; however, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Condolences On The Recent Passing Of Tuktoyaktuk Elders

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1801

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak . I am sure I can speak on behalf of all Members here in passing on our condolences, as well, on the elders who have passed away. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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Breast Cancer "run For Our Lives" Fundraising Event

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1801

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at 11:00 a.m. this morning, I had the honour of attending the launch of our very own fundraising initiative in the name of breast cancer, Run for Our Lives. Mr. Speaker, Run for Our Lives will replace the Run for the Cure in 2005 and will make it possible to use 100 percent of the funds raised by the people of the NWT in support of national research, programs, services, support and equipment purchases for NWT breast cancer patients and survivors. Mr. Speaker, I have been a supporter of this move, because I believe this is about taking an ownership of this beloved project to make it for the NWT people by the NWT people and of the NWT people.

Mr. Speaker, to symbolize the inclusiveness and the unique northern culture and heritage, the new ribbon designed for this event shows our very unique and very well-known Delta braid, which I see that all the Members are wearing. Mr. Speaker, I can also tell you that all things made and purchased for this event will be by the northerners and from the northern businesses and artists.

Mr. Speaker, when the Run for the Cure first came to Yellowknife in 1996, one of the main incentives for northerners to participate was to raise funds for a new mammography machine for the Stanton Territorial Hospital. At the time, the NWT run was considered a satellite of the national run and, therefore, 75 percent of the funds were eligible to come back to the NWT. Approximately $100,000 was granted to purchase a new mammography unit through this fundraising.

Since 1996, the NWT has raised almost $1.2 million for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation; more than any other region in the country on a per capita basis, but we have only been able to get about $265,000 back to the NWT. In 2002, new guidelines were developed by the national organization that really makes it impossible or very difficult for any of the projects for northern needs and northern research to be approved. Mr.

Speaker, the people of the NWT are recognized as being among the most generous, and this new Run for Our Lives will give the owners and sponsors assurance that the money they donate will come back to the NWT. Any research being sponsored will be for the people of the NWT who have direct benefit.

Mr. Speaker, the new run will join forces with the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation...Mr. Speaker, may I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement?

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Breast Cancer "run For Our Lives" Fundraising Event

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1801

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Ms. Lee .

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Breast Cancer "run For Our Lives" Fundraising Event

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1801

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to just state that the new run will join force with the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation which will be able to provide the much needed and important administrative structure and support. I am also happy to see that one of the main corporate sponsors, CIBC, will stay with the run. I have no doubt that when the first Run for Our Lives is held on October 2nd of this year, the northern people will be out in full force as they always have done, especially now knowing that we are doing it all northern communities and literally all of the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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Breast Cancer "run For Our Lives" Fundraising Event

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1801

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Hockey Night In Deline

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1801

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise slowly. For the past 24 hours, I have played some dynamite hockey in the birthplace of Canada: in Deline.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, today I want to acknowledge the hard work that people in Deline did. The volunteers organized a successful event. The hand games were enjoyed by many people. There were many people from the Sahtu communities, Yellowknife and Tli Cho communities. They were there participating. They had family events. It showed by the volunteers being there, their dedicated time and determination, made it a successful event. It was a huge success in Deline.

The hockey games were wonderful. Actually, we had the CBC crew up there filming. They are willing to do a story on the birthplace of hockey and see what can be done about it. I am looking forward to this government seeing if it can help in any way to recognize Deline as the birthplace of Canadian hockey where it should be, up here in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, a couple of the elders were talking about the people who were floating on the ice up in Deline in 1825. So there is history to it. I am waiting for the CBC report to come out. I am really looking forward to this government and to the Minister of MACA to see if he could provide any leadership in terms of putting some tourism attractions to

the birthplace of hockey in the Northwest Territories. Truly, it will be hockey night in Canada up in Deline on Great Bear Lake.

Hockey night in Deline, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to that. I look forward to going back into Deline. I want to thank all the volunteers for their hard work. My heart goes out to them because I have seen the work they have done. I know there are volunteers in all the communities. They do hard work, and they do good work. It makes the event good. Those people work hard. My hat is off to all of the volunteers in the Northwest Territories for making communities successful in these kinds of events. Mahsi.

---Applause

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Hockey Night In Deline

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1802

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for North Slave , Mr. Zoe .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1802

Henry Zoe

North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize one of my constituents from Rae-Edzo, Mr. Peter Husky who is in the gallery. Welcome to the House. Thank you.

---Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1802

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Zoe . Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1802

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Would he inform the House in terms of the University and College Entrance Program? This program provides funding for up to two semesters and prepares aboriginal people to upgrade their education skills to qualify for university or college programs. Mr. Speaker, this program is to assist aboriginal people; however, M‚tis people are not eligible to apply. Can the Minister update as to what the progress is in terms of having M‚tis people eligible for this program? Mahsi.

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Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1802

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Dent .

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Return To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1802

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is right; the program is a program that is offered by the federal government. We administer it on their behalf to make it easier for Northwest Territories residents to access the program, but the rules of the program do not allow M‚tis people to access the program. It is not just the M‚tis people that have had problems with it. We have a waiting list. There are more than 20 status people who, this year, are not getting served by the program because the program ran out of money so early in the year.

Mr. Speaker, I have written to the federal Minister on numerous occasions requesting that they give us some consideration for a change in the program. But to date, the federal government has refused to do that.

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Return To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1802

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya .

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Supplementary To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1802

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in light of the proposed pipeline and other resource development that is happening in the Northwest Territories, we are encouraging our students and young people in communities all over the Northwest Territories to get an education. What plans does he have in terms of getting some extra funding and making sure that all people are eligible to apply for these types of funds that are meant to be? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1802

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1802

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The college offers upgrading programs in almost every community in the Northwest Territories. It is largely through their work that we are able to have our residents upgraded and ready to get into college. So the government does still provide a lot of assistance to that. Also in the Northwest Territories right now, we do have for residents, particularly along the Mackenzie River, access to funding through the ASEP program which will help NWT residents get training to be able to take on jobs in the oil and gas industry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1802

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya .

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Supplementary To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1802

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what is the Minister doing in terms of getting the University and College Entrance Program funding that would include the M‚tis to fit in these criteria in terms of applying for that funding? What are the conditions that we need to hear on this side to get people to be eligible for this funding, especially the M‚tis who are looking for some type of support for that? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1802

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1802

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will continue to pressure the federal government to recognize what they themselves say. They say that aboriginal people include M‚tis people, and yet they are discriminating in this program by not allowing M‚tis people to apply. So I will continue to pressure the federal government and work to try and have them recognize that they must change the rules to allow M‚tis people to also access this money, and that they should put more money in so that all of the status people who are applying to it can be served. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Final short supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya .

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Supplementary To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister is correct. I support it 100 percent in terms of going after the federal government to set the record straight that M‚tis are included as aboriginal people. Can the Minister commit to a time frame to finally let them know that M‚tis people can apply and are eligible for this University and College Entrance Program? Thank you very much.

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Supplementary To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can't commit because it is a federal program. It is not one that we offer. We deliver the program in order to make it easier for people to access it in the Northwest Territories. But I will commit to advising the standing committee, by the time we get into business plans, the results of the latest communication that I have with the federal government. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Question 552-15(3): Federal University And College Entrance Program

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to address my questions today to Floyd Roland as either the Deputy Premier or as the Minister of Finance , because this question could go to either of those. Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about the fairness with which we consider reduction initiatives in our government and how we spread the wealth when it comes to program services and employment opportunities in the Northwest Territories. Information has come to our attention, Mr.

Speaker, indicating that there has been quite a significant growth in the public service in the Northwest Territories in the past five years, from 1999 to 2004. I had a chance to review that in light of tax-based municipalities, because that would be what Hay River would be comparable to. Hay River is the second-largest community in the Northwest Territories. If I could just say, Mr.

Speaker, it would appear that, if I could just use Yellowknife as an example, I could choose other communities as well, it looks like between corporate headquarters and operations regional, there has been almost a 50 percent increase growth in the public service in Yellowknife in those two areas. In Hay River, there has actually been a decrease in the public service. This is not taking into account the projected reductions for the 2005-06 fiscal year. I would like to ask, Mr.

Speaker, if the Deputy Premier could let us know, in terms of the reduction initiatives this government undertook, what were the total reduction initiatives? What was the total number of jobs that were eliminated? Thank you.

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Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Minister of Finance , Mr. Roland .

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Return To Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the numbers that Mrs. Groenewegen has used do not include, in some cases, health boards in the calculation of those. For the overall reduction scenarios that we are facing and positions that we are moving from the public service through the reduction exercise are approximately 70.

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Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Okay, 70 reductions planned. I have recited in this House numerous times and I don't need to do it again today. Prior to the reinstatement of the court registry, Hay River was scheduled for 43.5 positions reduced in one community. Out of the 70 government-wide, Hay River was going to have 43.5, until we pulled seven back from the brink. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Finance Minister what kind of reasoning, with regard to fairness and not causing hardship in our community, is applied when these kinds of things are considered. Was it something even discussed in the Cabinet? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Mr. Roland .

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Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, of the 70 positions, 45 are not identified as Hay River. Mrs. Groenewegen is obviously including the casual positions into that equation. What we have counted as 70 positions are full-time positions. Either they have persons working there or vacant positions. In our numbers it is approximately 27 that Hay River is losing out of this scenario.

While I won't go into what discussions Ministers had around the table, the scenarios that were brought forward by each Minister and the department were discussed. Concerns were raised either requesting the Minister to come back with more information or more detail for further consideration. There was no direction given to pinpoint or select one community for taking the majority of reductions.

Unfortunately, in the Department of Justice's case, the facilities that are under that department hit a number of communities, the larger ones, and those reduction scenarios brought forward unfortunately impact the community of Hay River the most. Thank you.

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Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1803

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker it is just a little more than unfortunate, I must say, given the already relatively low number of public service jobs in Hay River; I believe there are only 281, excluding the health board positions. If you look at it on a percentage, in fact, the government was looking at almost

20 percent of the government jobs in Hay River in one fell swoop, in one year.

To keep my supplementary question brief, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Finance Minister , when he laid out the reductions that were going to be attempted to be achieved over the next three years, is it not true in fact that after the first year, given the new fiscal picture, there will not be the depth of cuts anticipated for the next two years, after this first year's exercise because of new fiscal factors? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Mr. Roland .

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Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for the scenario we entered into as Members of the 15th Assembly, with the fiscal forecast as it was, we laid out our fiscal strategy which included three years of reductions. The first budget we brought in had a $10 million capping of government expenditures plus own source revenues of $10 million.

This is our second piece of that. There is a $20 million reduction scenario that we are looking at and year three of the plan would bring another $20 million in reduction. With our fiscal picture changing as it is, we may not need to see any large-scale reductions coming in the third year. This is the second year of our budget, following through with the capping growth of government at about $26 million.

When we first laid out the plan, our fiscal picture was much more difficult than it is now. As we have it now, it is getting somewhat better, but we still have to be prudent in how we manage our programs. Thank you.

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Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, given that the first year was the hard year, and that was the year that Hay River got hit so desperately, and now it looks like the future is a little better; wouldn't it be prudent as a government, to go back and revisit some of those reductions to try to mitigate some of that harm that has been brought to my community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in this second year, or second budget as Members of the 15th Assembly, even though the fiscal picture is somewhat turning around, we still have to manage the government in a way that would see us operating more efficiently with what resources we do have. We are not out of the woods yet, as they say; there is no guarantee that things won't change as quick as they have changed in the last six months.

When we put this plan together, our fiscal picture was still the same, even after the fall meeting with Members. The picture didn't change until late in that process and things can shift quite quickly. We are still going to have to be prudent with what we do and how we expend the dollars. Thank you.

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Question 553-15(3): GNWT Position Reductions

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden .

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Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions this afternoon are for Mr. Roland , as the Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board Secretariat, the workforce of the Government of the Northwest Territories and, further, the affirmative action policy and our human rights policy, Mr. Speaker.

A constituent of mine has brought forward a scenario, whereby her age and her place of birth are apparent barriers to her getting an equal opportunity for a job in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I took this situation to the government some time ago and I am wondering if the Minister could advise at this time whether we have a discriminatory conflict between the Human Rights Act of the Northwest Territories and our affirmative action policy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board Secretariat, Mr. Roland .

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Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the affirmative action policy has been looked at by our government. Mr. Braden has brought his concerns forward and we have looked at them from within FMBS and reviewed that, and we are committed to going forward and hopefully bringing an equal employment equity paper to this Assembly that would see some changes with the way we deal with affirmative action categories. There are some problems with what we have in place now. Thank you.

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Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . I would just like to remind Members not to ask questions that require a legal opinion or legal definition. Mr. Braden , supplementary.

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Supplementary To Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to the review then, can the Minister advise whether steps will be taken to address any new or revised affirmative action or employment equity policies in the review? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1804

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the intention is to go through the whole affirmative action policy and address all the categories

that we have, as well as the policy overall which we, as government, deal with. It has been one, ever since its inception, that has been tagged with some problems. The goal again is to try to have a representative workforce within the Northwest Territories and as we have moved forward, we have begun to review it. There have been a number of reviews, but we feel at this time that we should be able to bring something before the Members of this Assembly, through committees, hopefully by this fall. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Supplementary, Mr. Braden .

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Supplementary To Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like my colleague Mr. Villeneuve , the aspect of age and residency is not the only area of concern. There are aspects here...In fact, I have a recent example from a constituent arguing that she was consistently denied opportunities because she was overqualified for so many jobs. We have many areas of the policy that cause us difficulty. The Minister said a paper by this fall. I am wondering if he could outline any more detail about the process of this and how other committees or employees can take

part in and have input into this review. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Mr. Roland .

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Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are hoping that we can bring something to Members by early fall, so that they could review the work that has been done. As I stated, in the past, there have been a number of reviews done on the affirmative action policy, so our intention is to work with what we have initially, put something together, bring it forward to Members for their input and then move forward on that basis. Thank you.

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Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The specific area of age and place of birth for someone who is living half their life in the NWT will continue to stay high on the radar screen. Can the Minister advise whether this is something that may demand a priority or a quicker response than waiting for this overall review? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the category of P2 is one of concern to us as a government in reviewing the information. We know we are going to have to look at that. It will be one of the areas within the report. We would like to go through this whole process and bring it together as a package. As a government, we also have to be cognizant of the issues that are out there. We will be reviewing this situation. If we decide to make one piece of it and make a number of changes...We will be reviewing the full impact of taking one piece of it on the government staffing situation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 554-15(3): Affirmative Action Barriers To Employment

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development . Last year, when Regular Members were here, we approved a supplementary appropriation in the amount of $850,000 for the start-up of the new Mackenzie Valley pipeline office, which was to be located in Hay River. Here we are, mid-March, and the Mackenzie Valley pipeline office is still not open. I wonder if the Minister can give us a breakdown on exactly what that $850,000, which at the time was supposed to go to salaries, was spent on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First, let me say that Mr. Ramsay asked a very similar question about a week ago in budget deliberations. Certainly I owe Members on that side of the House a full accounting of the supplementary appropriation and where it was proposed to be spent. I will get that detailed accounting to Members as quickly as I can.

Generally, I would say we have about a $2 million a year budget proposed. I know that in 2004-05, the year in question when the supplementary appropriations were approved, we were looking at $925,000 in contributions. That's roughly half the budget. I think that holds as a general rule of thumb. I will get the exact detail on the $850,000. I believe about half of it was for contributions and was laid out that way and the other half was for staffing. We have used some of that staffing money, as the Member knows.

We temporarily had some resources in Yellowknife, a few positions filled, that remain here until we can open the office in Hay River, at which point those positions are transferred there. We are currently embarking on a full hiring process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay .

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Supplementary To Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1805

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for the response. I wonder when Regular Members will know how many positions government-wide are dedicated to working with the pipeline project. That's something, as Regular Members, we still haven't any idea of. I have got a best guess it's over 20, but from a political level when we came here last year, we put together a joint committee of Regular Members and Cabinet Ministers on the pipeline. The coordination was easily attained from a political level. From a bureaucratic level, where is the

coordination and how is the Mackenzie Valley pipeline office going to work with the various departments who are working independently? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mr. Bell .

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Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member mentioned the Joint Cabinet/AOC Pipeline Planning Committee. Underneath that, obviously, is the Deputy Ministers' Planning Committee and that committee will oversee the work of the MVPO, which will coordinate the work of the various departments. I agree with the Member, we are probably talking over 20 positions. I don't have that information handy. I think one of the difficulties is that there may not be dedicated positions in all the departments, but there are portions of positions that are used for this aspect of Mackenzie Valley development, probably development more broadly.

So it's not something as easy as it might seem to get that information and provide that reconciliation, but we will do it for the Member and for Members on that side of the House. I think it's important to understand what our entire governmental response to this project is. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay .

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Supplementary To Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am wondering if the Minister could answer whether or not any thought had gone into developing a pipeline secretariat or something of that nature to give this a bit more ground to stand on instead of a Mackenzie Valley pipeline office. The secretariat could be located in Hay River as well, but with more positions and more dedication to this government to address the impending pipeline. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I didn't have any detailed discussions of a model of that nature. That's not to say that they weren't going on in our department or other departments as this planning was underway. Recommendations came to me for the creation of this Mackenzie Valley pipeline office. Admittedly, I think we have said before, this really comprises our first phase response in terms of resource oil and gas development. This isn't it. We do need to work to ensure that we are adequately resourced up and down the valley.

I guess the real flashpoint of where we need to quickly get some resources is the Mackenzie Delta. All I can say to Members is we are working on a more comprehensive response and I don't remember discussions of a secretariat that would take departmental positions from other departments and pull them under one roof. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I feel strongly that the government is lagging behind. I think this is probably two years overdue. When will the Mackenzie Valley pipeline office in Hay River be up and fully staffed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mr. Bell .

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Further Return To Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's hard for me to disagree that we shouldn't have been able to move on this more quickly. We have seen this development coming for some time. All I can say is that we are responding now. We are moving very quickly to ensure the office in Hay River is up and running by the end of March. We've had a number of stages here in terms of trying to staff. We went northern first. We didn't get the kind of response we thought we might get, but we are looking for some very specific technical positions. We have broadened the search to include southern Canada.

I understand we have had a very good response now and I look forward to being able to staff up the office by April. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Question 555-15(3): Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today my questions are for the Minister of FMBS, Mr. Floyd Roland , with regard to affirmative action. Some of the few statistics that are out there, Mr. Speaker, are some 53 percent of aboriginal people were employed in January as opposed to 83 percent of non-aboriginals. That means that a heck of a lot of our aboriginals aren't working out there and our government has an affirmative action program that is not working as well. How much of a priority is the affirmative action policy for our government? Thank you.

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Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The honourable Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board Secretariat, Mr. Roland .

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Return To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The percentage in 2003 from our own stats of aboriginal employees would be in the area of 32 percent, an average between all communities. The affirmative action policy is still something that we use on every position out there and it's a consideration on any options we have to do hiring throughout the government. The affirmative action policy is in place and is used for positions that are advertised. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1806

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche .

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Supplementary To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the percentage, it is 32 percent, however, he doesn't note that it has dropped over two percent the last few years. Can the Minister tell us, Mr. Speaker, what kind of targets our government is looking at? What is the target set by this government? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the affirmative action policy, we talk about a representative workforce of the population it serves. We don't have a set percentage that each department has to achieve, but what we do is reference the population that we serve. So in the case of the Northwest Territories, we're hopeful that we can see 50 percent of the workforce being of the aboriginal peoples in the Northwest Territories. In some cases, we are very close to that. Some departments are achieving that; in some areas they are not. The average we see now is at 32 percent. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche .

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Supplementary To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can appreciate that some of the targets the departments are having difficulty matching is because of the recruitment skills or skill level. A lot has to do with education, but just in terms of our business planning, as we're going through the business plans here in the Legislative Assembly this month, what I'm not seeing in our business plans is actual affirmative action targets or recruitment targets for northerners. Apparently it used to be in the business plans, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to ask the Minister why these targets are not in the business plans this year. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the affirmative action statistics information is provided to committee members through the process we go through. We do provide supplemental information. As we've seen, our main estimates documents have grown because we've added additional information in there and I guess the feeling at that time was, as we're going forward, we do supply the information on affirmative action statistics to Members and felt it wasn't necessary in the document itself. But we'll take it under advisement if Members would like to see that changed again. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I guess our discussion here related a lot to hiring outside workers, but in terms of the Management Assignment Program, what are the targets? What is the government doing to increase the visibility of northerners in the management sector of our government? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Mr. Roland .

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Further Return To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the issue around the MAP or the Management Assignment Program is something that we are aware of and I've started to look into that matter as the concern has been raised to me. There are no specific targets at that point. There are avenues for any employee within the government workforce to be nominated and move into that program, then they follow through a pretty rigorous assessment program and out of that we see who we can move up the process through the MAP. So there are no specific targets, but it is an issue that we're aware of and looking to address. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Question 556-15(3): GNWT Affirmative Action Policy

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question today is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment in his capacity as the Minister responsible for income support. Mr. Speaker, recently I have been contacted by a constituent who is suffering from a chronic heart condition and requires a heart transplant. She also has two young children who she has to look after. Because of her condition, she is not able to work. She is highly educated. It's not that she can't get a job; she's just not able to work.

While she's waiting for this transplant, she has to get herself into really good shape, which requires her to have a special diet. She has been running into all sorts of obstacles in terms of getting some government assistance to support herself and her children. I'm told there is really no separate program for persons with disabilities, there is no Income Support Program for people with disabilities.

So there are two things she's running into: that is the lack of separate funding programs for people with permanent disabilities or semi-permanent, and also the fact that while she's waiting for disability payments, there is no transitional assistance available. Could I ask the Minister why it is we don't have that sort of program in place? Thank you.

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Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Dent .

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Return To Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1807

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As far as I'm aware, there is a program or part of the program that supports people with disabilities and kicks in extra payments for those people who have disabilities under the Income Support Program. In terms of a transition, I'm not

sure what we'd be looking for, but I'd be happy to look into the matter and get back to the Member.

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Return To Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1808

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1808

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My understanding is that the GNWT may have some programs for someone with a disability. It's very minimal. It's about $300 a month extra on top of normal income support. But one cannot get that, as they go through the federal process first and make sure they don't qualify for the federal process. The problem is these take a long time. They could take three or four months. For someone who doesn't have work, they have no money, the government does not allow any transition amount between while you're waiting. Could the Minister revisit that issue? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1808

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1808

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not aware of any tie-in to the federal program. I'll have to look into that. The Member asked if I would look into it. The answer is yes, I will.

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Further Return To Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1808

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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Supplementary To Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Question 557-15(3): Income Support For Disabled Persons

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1808

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's commitment and I will be happy to provide him with all the information he might require. But the third thing that I have to ask the Minister is the fact that our income support is really designed for people who are not able to get work for one reason or another, but not necessarily for those with disabilities. This woman who is disabled and can't really function at 100 percent keeps getting asked to take a course on how to get a job and how to lead a productive life. That's very frustrating. Would the Minister consider getting a different program to cater to that? Thank you.

---Applause

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