Debates of Dec. 15th, 2011

This is page numbers 217 - 240 of the Hansard for the 17th Assembly, 1st 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 territories .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Mackenzie Gas Project

Office Of The Children's Lawyer

My Voice, My Choice

Distracted Driving

Member's Statement On Reflections On The First Session Of The 17th Legislative Assembly

Member's Statement On Christmas Verse - Twas The Night Before Christmas In The Northwest Territories

Member's Statement On State Of The Economy In The Northwest Territories

Member's Statement On My Voice, My Choice Youth Anti-drug Campaign

Member's Statement On Prospectors Grubstake Program

Member's Statement On Expanding Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Member's Statement On Sport And Recreation Council

Member's Statement On Congratulations To 2011 Northern Entrepreneur Of The Year, Mr. Jeffrey Philipp Of Ssi Group Of Companies

Member's Statement On Condolences To The Family And Friends Of The Late Mrs. Bertha Mcbryan

Member's Statement On Recognition Of Thebacha Pages And Seasons Greetings

Member's Statement On Recognition Of Yellowknife South Pages And Seasons Greetings

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

3-17(1): The Honourable Judge Shannon Smallwood - Appointment To The Supreme Court

Distracted Driving Legislation

Dental Services In The Sahtu

Prospectors Grubstake Program

Expansion Of Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Sport And Recreation Council

Response To National Energy Board Report On Arctic Exploration

Patterson Sawmill In Hay River

Expansion Of Agricultural Sector

Health Care Assessment In Sahtu Communities

Nominee Program

Status Of Devolution Negotiations

Seasons Greetings

Tabled Document 15-17(1): Public Accounts Of The Government Of The Northwest Territories Interim Report For The Year Ended March 31, 2011

Tabled Document 16-17(1): Northwest Territories Power Corporation Annual Report 2010-2011 TABLED DOCUMENT 17-17(1): NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HYDRO CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011 TABLED DOCUMENT 18-17(1): northwest territories power corporation strategic plan 2012-2014

TABLED DOCUMENT 19-17(1):

summary of members' absences for the period October 27, 2011, to December 6, 2011

Tabled Document 20-17(1): Statutory Declarations Of Residency

Tabled Document 21-17(1): Information And Privacy Commissioner Of The Northwest Territories 2010-2011 Annual Report

Bill 1: Appropriation Act (infrastructure Expenditures), 2012-2013

Speaker's Ruling

Prorogation

Assent To Bills

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy , Hon. Tom Beaulieu , Ms. Bisaro , Mr. Blake , Mr. Bouchard , Mr. Bromley , Mr. Dolynny , Mrs. Groenewegen , Mr. Hawkins , Hon. Jackie Jacobson , Hon. Jackson Lafferty , Hon. Bob McLeod , Hon. Robert McLeod , Mr. Menicoche , Hon. Michael Miltenberger , Mr. Moses , Mr. Nadli , Hon. David Ramsay , Mr. Yakeleya

The House met at 1:31 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 217

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Good afternoon, colleagues. Before we get started I'd like to welcome Mr. Tony Whitford, former Commissioner, Speaker, Minister, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Honourary Table Clerk here in the House. Welcome back, Tony.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier , Mr. McLeod.

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Minister's Statement 24-17(1): Mackenzie Gas Project

Ministers' Statements

Page 217

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, Members of this Assembly set out a vision of strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories. Strengthening and diversifying our economy is one of the ways we can help to realize that vision, and Members noted the need for strategic infrastructure investments and for support in the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline as part of this.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has long supported the Mackenzie Gas Project. In 2004 Members of the 15 th Legislative Assembly passed a motion in support of the project and our support continues to this day. It is our position that a well-managed project can create substantial benefits for the people of the Northwest Territories while ensuring any potential impacts are mitigated.

The pipeline will create unprecedented economic activity during the construction and operation phases, lead to an immediate doubling of the Northwest Territories gross domestic product for up to 25 years, and provide over 208,000 person years of employment. In addition, this will be a basin-opening project that would provide a $100 billion increase in Canada's gross domestic product. With the implementation of a final Devolution Agreement, the Government of the Northwest Territories will secure a share of the resource royalties from this

and other resource development projects in the Northwest Territories.

The benefits of the Mackenzie Gas Project will not only be economic. The Mackenzie Gas Project will also offer the opportunity for some communities in the Northwest Territories to convert to natural gas for heating and power generation. Usage of natural gas means displacement of dirtier coal- and diesel-powered electricity generation. Converting to natural gas in the Northwest Territories will be more economical. Perhaps more important, we anticipate that conversion to natural gas will mean a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The project proponents - Imperial Oil, the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, ConocoPhillips, Shell Canada and ExxonMobil Canada - have the necessary authorization to start construction of the pipeline. They have until December 2013 to provide updated cost estimates and a decision to proceed with the Mackenzie Gas Project. The next step is for the federal government and the project proponents to negotiate a fiscal package. The Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to urge the federal government to come up with a fiscal package to support the Mackenzie Gas Project.

We have confirmed that discussions on a fiscal framework are underway between project leader, Imperial Oil, and the Canadian government.

The Aboriginal Pipeline Group is a business created and owned by Aboriginal groups in the Northwest Territories and has secured a right to own one-third of the Mackenzie Valley Natural Gas Pipeline. This is the first time that Aboriginal groups in Canada will participate as an owner in a major multi-billion dollar project. By being part of the Mackenzie Gas Project the Aboriginal Pipeline Group is making history. The path blazed by the Aboriginal Pipeline Group has set the bar for a new model of Aboriginal participation in the economy through its shared ownership in the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline.

The project is expected to pay out millions of dollars in dividends to the Aboriginal Pipeline Group and Aboriginal owners in the Northwest Territories over the lifetime of the project.

We waited for six years for the Mackenzie Gas Project to work its way through the environmental and regulatory review process and it has now been approved by the federal government. In those six years there were investments made by this government, business owners and individuals to prepare for the pipeline. I believe those investments will see a significant return.

We are closer now than we have ever been to finalizing this basin-opening project. In its recent report on Canada's Energy Future, the National Energy Board stated that by 2020 the price of natural gas will be high enough to make the project economically feasible. With the cooperation of the proponents and the federal government, we expect to see construction of the pipeline start in 2015. The Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to support the Mackenzie Gas Project and looks forward to the benefits that will accrue to our residents from its development. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 24-17(1): Mackenzie Gas Project

Ministers' Statements

Page 217

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Justice , Mr. Abernethy .

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Minister's Statement 25-17(1): Office Of The Children's Lawyer

Ministers' Statements

Page 217

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to update Members about the new office within the Department of Justice: the office of the children's lawyer.

Under the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, which Canada ratified in 1991, children have the right to be heard in proceedings affecting them. Canada has a legal obligation to ensure the provisions of the convention are met, yet very few jurisdictions in Canada have a system to offer independent counsel to children in legal proceedings affecting them to ensure that their voices are heard.

In October of this year the Department of Justice opened the first office of the children's lawyer, working under the public trustee. The office delivers quality legal services for children in child protection proceedings, custody and access disputes. These legal services will provide support to children in emotionally stressful and intimidating settings.

The office of the children's lawyer is establishing a roster of family lawyers who will represent children. The office is coordinating training for these lawyers to ensure children are receiving the specialized quality representation that they deserve. Last month the office received its first clients, and by month's end 10 children were being represented in situations ranging from custody disputes to permanent custody applications by the director of child and family services.

In the new fiscal year we will be evaluating the possibility of providing professional assessments for children and families to assist the courts in making decisions about the best interests of children.

The children's lawyer will be travelling to the NWT communities to meet with children, attend court and make communities aware of these new services.

We are pleased with the progress of this office and support taking concrete steps to ensure the children's best interest will be properly represented. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 25-17(1): Office Of The Children's Lawyer

Ministers' Statements

Page 218

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Minister's Statement 26-17(1): My Voice, My Choice

Ministers' Statements

Page 218

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. In setting the priorities for this new government, we have placed an emphasis on education and prevention, and on mental health and addictions. I am pleased to report that we are already moving forward with a new campaign in this area.

This morning we launched the My Voice, My Choice campaign to help young people and those who support them to speak up about addictions in the Northwest Territories. We all know addictions are a destructive force in our territory that reaches beyond the individuals who are struggling with this problem. We see the effects in our communities, in increased strain on our health and social services and justice systems, and through lost opportunities at work and at home. The legacy of addiction is not something that we want to leave with our future generations.

This campaign is about empowering young people to speak up about how addictions in their homes and their communities affect them. It is about providing them with healthy choices and information about where to go for help. It is also about messages of hope and working to inspire each other so we can stop the cycle of addiction.

The My Voice, My Choice campaign is a part of the Healthy Choices framework and our government's Choose brand, and builds on the community-based Not Us! campaign. Where Not Us! funds community-led projects, this new campaign facilitates discussion and messages at a personal level.

This project was developed through research about how to prevent addictions in youth, and reflects current best practices. Part of our launch celebration was the release of a number of strong videos that are already being created through workshops in Deline and Fort Simpson. At the launch we were joined by some of the youth who have bravely offered their perspective, as well as Godson, who has taken on an existing role to spread the My Voice, My Choice message.

As leaders in our communities we have an important role to play in speaking up about addictions and promoting healthier choices. I thank the youth that added their voices to My Voice, My Choice. Their messages are important for all NWT residents to hear. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 26-17(1): My Voice, My Choice

Ministers' Statements

Page 218

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu . The honourable Minister of Transportation , Mr. Ramsay

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Minister's Statement 27-17(1): Distracted Driving

Ministers' Statements

Page 218

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As 2011, the Year of Road Safety, comes to a close, I would like to highlight our continuing success in improving road safety in the Northwest Territories. We have made improvements in our laws and regulations that should help reduce distracted driving, a key factor in preventable vehicle collisions.

Beginning January 1 st , the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving will be banned in the Northwest Territories. Drivers will face fines and demerit points if they use hand-held electronic devices such as cell phones, music players and Global Positioning System devices while driving.

Many drivers tend to view operating a vehicle, especially in a familiar environment, as a simple everyday task requiring minimal attention. In fact, driving is complex and requires full attention at all times. When behind the wheel, you are operating a heavy piece of machinery at high speed. At the same time you are navigating changing terrain, checking your speed, glancing at road signs, watching for obstacles ahead and responding to other drivers.

If you take two or three seconds to read a text message, dial a cell phone or find your favourite music, you are basically driving blind for the period your eyes are not on the road. A one-second distraction at 45 kilometres per hour leaves you driving blind for 12 meters, about the length of an intersection where pedestrians could be crossing.

We know that young people are most vulnerable to making errors that lead to collisions. I would like to applaud Top of the World Travel and Students Against Drunk Driving for partnering with the Drive Alive Program. They are encouraging young drivers in Northwest Territories high schools to pledge to leave the phone and other hand-held electronic devices alone while driving. The young people who take this pledge are to be commended for taking a positive step that will reduce their own risk of collision, injury and death.

The Drive Alive Program is a made-in-the-NWT education and public awareness program that promotes road safety. This is the third full year this program has been in place, and we have seen a consistent decrease in the number of collisions, injuries and fatalities on our roads. Mr. Speaker, I hope this trend continues.

As we approach the holiday season, I encourage each of you - my colleagues, as well as our residents and visitors - to have a safe holiday. When you are driving, put your cell phone and other electronic devices away. Drive at a safe speed, drive alert, drive sober, use your seatbelt and be prepared for the unexpected. Let's drive alive, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Minister's Statement 27-17(1): Distracted Driving

Ministers' Statements

Page 219

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Blake .

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Member's Statement On Reflections On The First Session Of The 17th Legislative Assembly

Members' Statements

Page 219

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to thank the Members, Ministers and you, Mr. Speaker, for time spent on important issues. Sitting in session so close to the holidays enables us to focus on 2012 and to better serve the people of the Northwest Territories.

We have so much business to tend to. We as a government need to humble ourselves when we are faced with challenges. We need to stay positive and work directly with and for a stronger territory. As we break for the holiday season and go back to our ridings, keep in mind the day-to-day business we still have to resolve when we come back in the new year.

All of our ideas, suggestions and comments will come together and we will agree on important issues we are dealt with. I want to remind the Members that many of our traditional communities in the past were people who would gather in the nearest village, and feast and dance to celebrate the holidays. Children would receive clothing as gifts and treasured memories were shared.

Today I would like to acknowledge the people of Fort McPherson. They continue the tradition. The chief and his wife on New Year's morning will gather as many people as they can and welcome the New Year by walking door to door and shaking hands and best wishes for 2012.

I want to wish my colleagues a safe and happy holiday season. To spend time with families is so precious. Take time to visit the elders, say hello to everyone and keep in mind the less fortunate. I pray that everyone in the territory will have a joyful and spiritual Christmas. All the best for 2012. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement On Reflections On The First Session Of The 17th Legislative Assembly

Members' Statements

Page 219

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Blake . The Member for Hay River North , Mr. Bouchard .

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Member's Statement On Reflections On The First Session Of The 17th Legislative Assembly

Members' Statements

Page 219

Robert Bouchard

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My Member's statement today is meant to provide an update, as a new Member, on what has happened in the last few days and few months in this Assembly.

I'd like to thank all my colleagues in the Legislative Assembly for the first couple of months. It has been an exciting experience so far. I look forward to the New Year and the rest of our term.

As all of us came here as 19 Members, we came to the 17 th Assembly as community leaders. Now we have become Speaker, Premier , Cabinet Ministers, chairpersons, assistant chairpersons and committee members. With all these roles we have begun to work for the people of the Northwest Territories.

I look forward to continuing to work for the people of Hay River as one of their MLAs. I have begun to work on many of the issues that have come forward from the election. In the New Year I will work on issues for Hay River: the need for permanent doctors, the improvement of the economy for Hay River, look to get dredging of the Hay River. To improve and to continue Hay River as a major shipping area in the North, dredging will also help the safety of the Hay River during the spring break-up and will also help access to the local fishing industry.

In the coming years I want to continue to work with my community and such groups as the town council, chamber, DEA, community groups and all residents of Hay River.

I would like to commend the Speaker, Mr. Premier , the Cabinet Ministers and all Members for taking on a great start to the 17 th Assembly.

As the Christmas season is now here, we need to be thankful for what we have. I want to wish all the people in the Northwest Territories a happy holiday and I hope to have a great year. Thank you.

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Member's Statement On Reflections On The First Session Of The 17th Legislative Assembly

Members' Statements

Page 219

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bouchard . The Member for the Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Member's Statement On Christmas Verse - Twas The Night Before Christmas In The Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 219

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm going to do my best with a verse here that we worked out this morning.

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through this House

Not a Member was stirring, not even a mouse.

The coffers were built in warehouses with care,

In hopes the Finance Minister soon would be there.

The Members were comfy, all snug in their chairs,

While visions of schoolhouses danced in their heads.

And I in my moose hide, and Jane in her wrap,

Had just steadied our brains, for a whole new load...

Oh, and just a moment, Mr. Speaker. That's a whole new load of promises, Mr. Speaker.

---Laughter

I'll go on.

While outside the Assembly there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my seat to see what was the matter.

Away to the foyer I flew like a flash,

Not even a pause for a snack or some mash.

Then what to my wandering eyes should construe

But a tiny little sled, and eight frisky caribou.

They'd escaped from their herd, so lively and quick,

Enlisted by Milty for a capital flick.

The crafty old driver was a man in his prime,

I knew then it was Bob, turning on a dime.

More rapid than bison his Ministers they came,

And he whistled and shouted, and called them by name.

Now Robert! Now Glen! Now Jackson and Milty!

On Tom! On Dave! And don't look so guilty!

---Laughter

Pass Committee Room A! And the Caucus Room too!

Now dash away! Dash away! Don't leave ‘em a sou!

The Members were reeling, their jaws had gone slack,

The outrageous slight was a downright attack.

What about Colville, and toilets that flush?

And more cops, and houses - Clearly, no rush!

The potholes still deep on old Highway 7,

And the dollars were building a bridge close to heaven.

The chipseal still crumbling, the fracking went on,

And Members were rumbling, “This is just not on!”

But Bob was so wily, and his Ministers too,

They had a few goodies, and a little good news.

Here, a health centre, there, bits of gravel,

A highway to Tuk for year-round travel.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof,

Guffawing and laughing, “Oh! What a spoof!”

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Out of the chimney our Premier did bound.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled our coffers, then turned with a jerk.

He sprang to his sled, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew, like the down on a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, as he dashed out of sight,

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker and colleagues, for your patience with my humble verse.

---Applause

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Member's Statement On Christmas Verse - Twas The Night Before Christmas In The Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 220

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Member for Weledeh , Mr. Bromley .

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Member's Statement On State Of The Economy In The Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 220

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not even going to try to match that. I'd like to follow up on recent statements regarding the state of the mineral industry and our economy. A message of hope, I think fitting with the season.

Recent numbers and figures are used to compare NWT mineral activity to our sister territories, often painting a dim picture of prosperity. All troubles are laid at the feet of a supposedly dysfunctional regulatory regime. I offer a different viewpoint.

First, our economy is booming and growing. NWT rates of GDP growth in the past decade have consistently been among the highest in Canada. The Conference Board of Canada predicts a sizzling 51 percent growth from 2010-2020 compared to 32 percent and 23 percent in Yukon and Nunavut.

In 1999 we exported about $700 million in goods to other countries; in 2009 about $2.4 billion. Between 2001 and 2009, with a stable population, the number of employed grew by 700. Territorial GDP is twice that of Yukon and three times that of Nunavut. Our economy, our ability to train capable workers, our ability to provide housing, infrastructure and social services all are tasked to the max.

What about the regulatory regime? Critics repeatedly point to cumbersome processes, uncertainty and delays, all scaring away development. In reality, we have a regulatory regime designed for residents to control the pace and scale of development but unable to meet demands due to inconsistent underfunding.

On Tuesday the federal Environment Commissioner warned that Environment Canada is short dollars to meet its responsibilities and the same is obviously true of AANDC. Board appointments languish unfilled and land use plans critical to planned development and regulatory certainty are chronically uncompleted. Endless McCrank, Pollard and other reports simply duplicate the environmental audits yet yield no action on basic necessities. Despite that, we see Gahcho Kue, Prairie Creek, Avalon, Tyhee, Nico, Tamerlane and other developments in the wings. The highest average income, lower unemployment rates, the highest GDP growth, new mines lining up... How economically deprived are we?

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Member's Statement On State Of The Economy In The Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 221

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

What are in fact our real economic challenges? Employment remains disproportionately higher in major centres. Diversification of small community economies remains stalled. We accept unreasonable environmental costs for ever more of the almighty dollars. We underappreciate our domestic economy.

However, opportunities abound for development of our forests, fisheries, agriculture, arts and renewable energy resources that will lower operating and living costs. They await our focus.

There is work to be done, but a roaring economy is not a healthy economy. Merry Christmas to all.

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Member's Statement On State Of The Economy In The Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 221

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake , Mr. Moses .

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Member's Statement On My Voice, My Choice Youth Anti-drug Campaign

Members' Statements

Page 221

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We were fortunate enough and very privileged enough to see the launch of a new campaign, a unique campaign to combat the alcohol and drug problems that we have in our communities. The My Voice, My Choice campaign that was launched today in the Great Hall was something that was very interesting, and I was really happy to see that launch and be part of something in the whole scope of things that the departments and government have been working on for years, and that's in the area of prevention and working to educate our youth and our community members on making healthy choices.

One of my programs, when I first got into the workforce, I was asked to do a keynote address to a bunch of youth. I was only about 23 at the time. My keynote address was on the power of choice. I was speaking to about 300 youth and I told them the best choices that they can make are their own. Everybody has a very unique power and that power is the power of choice. Don't ever let anybody make those choices for you. Stand up and make your own decisions and make sure that they're positive, healthy choices. Today in the Great Hall I was really fortunate and very happy to see that the youth across the NWT stood up and are making the choices on their own merits.

Earlier this week I made a Member's statement reassuring the youth that the government has not given up on them. Today the youth reassured me that they're working in the best interest for themselves and the future of the Northwest Territories and becoming leaders of tomorrow today. That's one of the statements that one of them said, was we have to start today and not tomorrow. Very strong words coming from youth and something that this government should follow in the next four years so that we can move forward for the people of the Northwest Territories.

At this time I would like to thank and commend all the departments that had something to do with this, all the hardworking staff that you guys oversee and support, and all the hard work that they have been doing over the last few years to make sure the government runs very smoothly and works for the best interest of the people of the Northwest Territories; more importantly, the hardworking staff and volunteers and community members that implement these programs. Just as importantly, the youth for embracing these programs and moving forward with it.

Speaking of youth, I'd like to commend all the hard work of our Pages from Inuvik Boot Lake: Vanessa Lennie and Karly King Simpson.

I, too, would like to wish the people of the Northwest Territories a safe and very happy and merry Christmas.

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Member's Statement On My Voice, My Choice Youth Anti-drug Campaign

Members' Statements

Page 221

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

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

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Member's Statement On Prospectors Grubstake Program

Members' Statements

Page 221

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I'd like to use my Member's statement to talk about the Prospectors Grubstake Program. Decades ago, as many of us will know, there were hundreds of little-known prospectors wandering through the Northwest Territories looking for that special find. Some of those prospectors used every single resource that they could scrounge together and find their special stake that would strike them rich.

In the ‘30s we remember Gilbert Labine and C.E. St. Paul who discovered uranium in the Great Bear Lake area, as well as in 1934 many of us have heard of the name of Johnny Baker and Herb Dixon who discovered gold in the Yellowknife area. Even as recently as 1991 when Charles Fipke and Stewart Blusson discovered diamonds in Lac de Gras which has forever changed the North and the course that we've been travelling in the mineral history before us.

Prospectors make a significant contribution to the Northwest Territories, and with that said, they also make a contribution to the world. They create jobs and help stimulate our local economy, but it also reminds us how the Northwest Territories is an element and key player in the world economy.

Today's economy has been built on mining and we can't forget that at any chance we can, to pause and recognize that. At one time northern maps were dotted everywhere with little stakes and claims. That's starting to fall by the wayside and many people have called for the re-establishment of the Prospectors Grubstake Program. I think this is something in one small way that the Department of ITI can get behind and help stimulate the economy. As we know, these are small businesspeople who are out there making a difference and certainly helping keep people employed.

The program was cancelled in 2008-2009 and at the time of its cancellation it was worth about $50,000. It may seem small, but it made a great difference to those folks prospecting. At the same time there were contributions to the NWT Geoscience Office that helped administer the program and training. At one time they even trained up to 30 courses within a year to ensure that people were out there learning how to get out and prospect.

In closing, the diamond rush may not be a thing of the past yet. A gold rush is certainly something that we have seen gone by. There are many yet untold stories before us and I think that ITI needs to start playing a significant role here to help our depressed economy when it comes to mineral exploration.

Later today I will have questions for the Minister of ITI regarding the Prospectors Grubstake Program and let's see if we can bring it back to support our mining industry.

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Member's Statement On Prospectors Grubstake Program

Members' Statements

Page 222

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Member for Deh Cho , Mr. Nadli .

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Member's Statement On Expanding Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 222

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. An important decision has been made about phone services in the Northwest Territories. The Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission has decided to allow local competition. I hope this will result in better and more services in our smaller communities.

For example, Fort Providence is in a pivotal location on our highway system but we have no cell phone service. Apparently it would not make a huge investment. A couple of years ago there was an estimate that it would cost $6 million to erect cell towers in all 25 communities lacking cell phone service.

Expanding cell phone service is not just a business opportunity, it is a crucial piece of infrastructure for other businesses and our economy in general. In most of Canada cell service is considered a necessity. At the very least it is a key convenience and a safety feature.

Those of us who live in small communities don't want the future to pass us by. It is high time that companies serving our communities invest in the future. Let's step beyond projects with fast three-year paybacks. This attitude is holding up our growth.

It may be that big companies don't think much about opportunities in our smaller communities, but I hope that this government will help change that and offer some assistance when it is the right thing to do. Competition in the northern telephone business is a step in the right direction.

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Member's Statement On Expanding Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 222

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

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

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Member's Statement On Sport And Recreation Council

Members' Statements

Page 222

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to provide some comments to a Minister's statement made on Monday by the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs . Members probably know that I'm interested in sport - sport in general, sport in the North. I was a founding member of Sport North many years ago and I have followed the ups and downs of the administration of sport in the NWT. I was intrigued and somewhat concerned by some of the comments in the Minister's statement on Monday.

The Sport and Recreation Council of which he spoke was established in 2005 as an umbrella organization for NWT bodies providing sport and recreation to NWT residents. As indicated by the Minister in his statement, there were “some challenges with the process” - I believe those were his words - the last few years have not been smooth sailing. The Minister's statement indicated that he recently met with the Sport and Recreation Council executive. I have to wonder if the SRC executive and the board are adequately representing the views of the five member organizations that make up the NWT Sport and Recreation Council.

The Minister also indicated an upcoming meeting early in 2012 at which he, the Department of MACA and the SRC member organizations will discuss governance; governance, and roles and responsibilities related to the Sport and Recreation Council members as mandated by the Department of MACA. As I heard those words I had to wonder if the member organizations have had input into their mandates and roles.

If the department is setting direction, setting expectations, outlining goals and objectives to Sport and Recreation Council members on behalf of or for the SRC, I have to wonder why we even need the Sport and Recreation Council. Is it a pseudo-government body? A mouthpiece for the government or department, or a stand-alone authority in its own right?

I have no fault with the Assembly's goals related to health and physical activity. I believe, as the government does, that they will improve the well-being of NWT residents. I do wonder if the government and the Minister of MACA are giving the proper due to the five member organizations of the Sport and Recreation Council. Is he asking for and welcoming their input? Is he working with them as opposed to talking at them? I'm not so sure the answers to those questions are yes.

I will have some questions for the Minister of MACA at the appropriate time.

I, too, would like to wish you, Mr. Speaker, and all Members and all staff a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

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Member's Statement On Sport And Recreation Council

Members' Statements

Page 223

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . The honourable Member for Range Lake , Mr. Dolynny .

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Member's Statement On Congratulations To 2011 Northern Entrepreneur Of The Year, Mr. Jeffrey Philipp Of Ssi Group Of Companies

Members' Statements

Page 223

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take a moment to signal and celebrate the accomplishments of one of my Range Lake constituents and whose business is also located in the riding. I'm referring to none other than Mr. Jeffrey Philipp, founder and CEO of SSI Group of Companies.

Some of you have already seen the December issue of Up Here magazine. The cover and main story featured Jeff, who, as the North's rebel tech geek, has been named the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year. This is an accomplishment that is well deserved and that I believe deserves recognition by the Legislative Assembly here today.

SSI's origins are in Jeff's hometown of Fort Providence, where he spent most of his life, where in 1965 his parents opened the Snowshoe Inn. For some 25 years now, Jeff and his wife, Stefanie, have been the second-generation owners of Snowshoe, which has continued to grow and branched into various operations, along the way generating new investment, creating jobs and delivering opportunities for the considerable number of Northerners.

SSI was founded in 1990, providing computer software and training for Fort Providence. Five years later they became an Internet service provider, and in the following decade deployed voice data and Internet systems in Canada but also in Africa, South Pacific and South Asia, including Indonesia, immediately after the 2004 tsunami. Then things started to become really interesting.

In 2004 SSI became the first company to build its own network to compete with NorthwesTel when they launched a high-speed wireless service in Yellowknife. From 2005 the build-out continued with QINIQ and Airware networks that now provide affordable broadband across Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. These networks have improved the lives of residents by providing access to services that did not exist before, including on-line banking, education and health services via broadband. Some $30 million of investment later, SSI has deployed in even the smallest of northern settlements.

The goal is commendable; and that is to give all Northerners equal access to quality communication services regardless of where they live.

Despite certain CRTC restrictions early this year, SSI launched the QINIQ “ChatBox” service to all satellite service communities in Nunavut. With this, consumers have an inexpensive alternative for long distance calling and for placing calls to and from each other. SSI is also putting the finishing touches on Northern Space Link, a space teleport in Ottawa that delivers quality and robust communication services to the North and provides a valuable source of diversity. What is perhaps a lesson for us in the NWT is knowing a key beneficiary of SSI's latest investments...

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

---Unanimous consent granted

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Member's Statement On Congratulations To 2011 Northern Entrepreneur Of The Year, Mr. Jeffrey Philipp Of Ssi Group Of Companies

Members' Statements

Page 223

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

...is a new network built for communications of the Government of Nunavut that is providing increased efficiency while at the same time showing significant cost savings over older legacy systems.

Going forward, SSI already has a new investment worth tens of millions of dollars underway, working on the principle that benefits of innovation and competition should not be denied in the North, and where these investments will allow improvement to current services and introduce innovative new technologies to the North.

Members of the Assembly, thank you, and please join me in congratulating Mr. Philipp, the North's Entrepreneur of the Year.

At this time, I would like to say seasons greetings and healthy holidays to all the residents of Range Lake and to all residents throughout the Northwest Territories. Mahsi.

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Member's Statement On Congratulations To 2011 Northern Entrepreneur Of The Year, Mr. Jeffrey Philipp Of Ssi Group Of Companies

Members' Statements

Page 224

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

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

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Member's Statement On Condolences To The Family And Friends Of The Late Mrs. Bertha Mcbryan

Members' Statements

Page 224

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to share a few reflections of a Hay River elder and matriarch who passed away this week.

Bertha McBryan was very much a part of the fabric of Hay River. She was predeceased by her husband, Red, less than six months ago. I'm told that Red first laid eyes on Bertha when she was a young operator of a water taxi here in Yellowknife. Eight children and a lifetime later, the mark that she left on Hay River, the North and her family is truly amazing.

Bertha was a survivor. It had been about 25 years ago that her heart was failing and a “do not resuscitate” order had been placed on her medical chart at the end of her bed in the Hay River Hospital. In spite of her struggles with diabetes and having had both legs amputated, instead of slowing down it seemed that she became more active. There was not a community event, tradeshow, craft fair, Mother's Day tea, Christmas bazaar, seniors' event or a Saturday at the fisherman's wharf that she did not attend. She kept her driver, Dave Jourdenais, very busy with the handivan.

She was outspoken, opinionated and followed politics very closely. Everyone assumed that Red was the only politician in the family, but Bertha followed the goings-on of the community and the territory even at the age of 87, and not much got past her. She would regularly critique the performance of MLAs in this House. Although she was a constituent of Hay River North, I had the benefit of her feedback for many years. My new colleague of Hay River North assures me that he was the recipient of Bertha's feedback as a kid growing up in the same crescent as the McBryans, but of course, I can't imagine Mr. Bouchard was anything but a little angel.

After Red passed, of course she missed him, but she told me that she really missed the evenings at the kitchen table talking over the events and issues of the day. She was never shy or held back her opinion. Red fondly called her Bert - the only one that I ever heard call her Bert - and they supported each other through the trials and triumphs of life and their medical challenges that come with age. She always answered the phone and just when you were expecting the usual exchange of pleasant greetings, “Bertha, how are you doing?” I would be caught off guard with, “No change,” which I always took as a good thing.

She was a very attractive woman with her jet black hair which had never been dyed. She was a proud mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was predeceased by her son Michael in a motor vehicle accident in the early ‘70s. The legacy that she leaves behind is evident in her children: Mary, Joe, Maureen, Pauline, Darlene, Ronnie and Matthew. An amazing lady and an amazing life.

Her funeral will take place at the Hay River Catholic Church on December 21 st at 2:00 p.m. I would ask the Assembly to join me in extending our sincere condolences to the McBryan family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement On Condolences To The Family And Friends Of The Late Mrs. Bertha Mcbryan

Members' Statements

Page 224

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Member for Thebacha , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Member's Statement On Recognition Of Thebacha Pages And Seasons Greetings

Members' Statements

Page 224

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank two of the Pages that have been working with us this week, and waiting on and responding to our every whim, and passing every note and looking after us: Jenni Watts and Katelynn Holtorf, from Fort Smith. Two fine young ladies that are going to be around for a good long time and have been great ambassadors for the community. I'd like to thank them and their mother Rene Watts.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to wish the constituents of Thebacha a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year, as well to the people of the Northwest Territories and to my colleagues present here. As we go home to our families, no matter what happens in this House and the trials and tribulations we have, as you look at what's happening in the world around us, we know we can go home to our families and, hopefully, a very good time enjoying the families and all the good things that our communities have to offer.

It would also be a time I would ask people to count their blessings and think of how many good things we have, especially compared to some of the less fortunate people in the world. Thank you.

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Member's Statement On Recognition Of Thebacha Pages And Seasons Greetings

Members' Statements

Page 224

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . The Member for Yellowknife South , Mr. McLeod.

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Member's Statement On Recognition Of Yellowknife South Pages And Seasons Greetings

Members' Statements

Page 225

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize the good work being done by the Pages here. Also, specifically, two Pages from Yellowknife South: Emma Tutton and Ethan Phypers. They're from Yellowknife South and I want to thank them.

I also want to take this opportunity to wish a merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all the Members here, all the constituents of Yellowknife South and all the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement On Recognition Of Yellowknife South Pages And Seasons Greetings

Members' Statements

Page 225

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 4, reports of standing and special committees. Item 5, returns to oral questions. Item 6, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Abernethy .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 225

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize two people: Wendy Uhlenberg, who is the negotiations advisor for the Alberta and Northwest Territories Aboriginal Policing Directorate; and Harley Crowshoe, who is the regional manager of the Alberta and Northwest Territories Aboriginal Policing Directorate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 225

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . Mr. Abernethy .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 225

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize my wife, Carolyn Smith, in the gallery as well.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 225

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . The honourable Premier , Mr. McLeod.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 225

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize Mr. Scott Messenger from my alma mater, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 225

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Blake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 225

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to also acknowledge a Page originally from Tsiigehtchic in the Mackenzie Delta, Vanessa Blake-Lennie, also my niece. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 225

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Blake . Mr. Bromley .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 225

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's unusual, I know, to recognize a table officer, but I'd like to. I know everybody will join me in recognizing my constituent, the wonderful Mr. Tony Whitford.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 225

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . I'd like to recognize anyone that has not been recognized already. Thank you for joining us today to take in the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly. It's always great to have an audience.

Item 7, acknowledgements. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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3-17(1): The Honourable Judge Shannon Smallwood - Appointment To The Supreme Court

Acknowledgements

Page 225

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the honourable Judge Shannon Smallwood, the first female Aboriginal appointed to the Supreme Court in the Northwest Territories in history.

Judge Smallwood is originally from Fort Good Hope, as an only child of her late mother, Mary Jane Elvey, and father, Ted Elvey, who is currently living in Calgary.

Ms. Smallwood worked previously as the Crown prosecutor where she was admitted to the Bar in 2000. She moved south to get her law degree, but eventually moved back to the North to pursue her career. On behalf of the Sahtu region and the community of Fort Good Hope, I'm proud to acknowledge Judge Shannon Smallwood who is a Sahtu Dene from our spiritual north. Thank you.

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3-17(1): The Honourable Judge Shannon Smallwood - Appointment To The Supreme Court

Acknowledgements

Page 225

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Item 8, oral questions. The Member for Hay River North , Mr. Bouchard .

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Question 75-17(1): Distracted Driving Legislation

Oral Questions

Page 225

Robert Bouchard

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Transportation . In his Minister's statement he talked about distracted driving laws that are being implemented. I'm just wondering if the government is going to continue to promote this new law and make sure that everybody knows about it.

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Question 75-17(1): Distracted Driving Legislation

Oral Questions

Page 225

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bouchard . The honourable Minister of Transportation , Mr. Ramsay .

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Question 75-17(1): Distracted Driving Legislation

Oral Questions

Page 225

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Yes, Mr. Speaker, that is the case. We are going to continue to communicate that message to the public here in the Northwest Territories. Obviously the new law comes into place January 1 st . So again, I'd encourage everybody to adhere to that new law, and over the holiday season especially if you could take the pledge to leave the phone alone, that would also help. Thank you.

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Question 75-17(1): Distracted Driving Legislation

Oral Questions

Page 226

Robert Bouchard

Hay River North

I only have one more question. In the new law will the Minister commit or at least encourage some of the enforcement to be a little bit softened on some of us that are not all trained on the new laws?

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Question 75-17(1): Distracted Driving Legislation

Oral Questions

Page 226

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

I can't speak for my colleague, the Minister of Justice , or the RCMP for that matter, and other enforcement agencies around the territory that would enforce the new law. Being that it's new, though, I would imagine there'd be some period of more or an education type of enforcement that would take place so that people know that the law is in place. Certainly I think working with my colleague, the Minister of Justice , we can ensure that that happens. Thank you.

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Question 75-17(1): Distracted Driving Legislation

Oral Questions

Page 226

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Question 76-17(1): Dental Services In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Page 226

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services on the dental services in the Sahtu region. Last month the dentist was in Tulita. They were booked from morning to nighttime and one person wanted to see the dentist, but because it was so booked they put the person on the cancellation list, and the cancellation list was so long that this person had to wait until 19 people had cancelled their appointment before she could get in and see the dentist.

I want to ask the Minister what type of plans does his department have to see if they can have a full-time dentist in the Sahtu and maybe Norman Wells, that type of service like we have in the other regional centres where dentists are situated permanently in the community? We need dental care in the Sahtu.

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Question 76-17(1): Dental Services In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Page 226

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Minister of Health , Mr. Beaulieu .

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Question 76-17(1): Dental Services In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Page 226

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Finding dentists in the Northwest Territories is a difficult task. We have great dental care in some of the regional centres; that is a fact. It is difficult to get dentists in other areas and that's the reason for the huge backlog, because even offering out tenders... The various authorities at the regional level put out tenders and we're not getting a good response. When we do get a response, people come in. That's exactly the type of work that the dentists are doing. They're trying to play catch-up.

It's very difficult for dentists to put together a good plan with one specific client because they're so busy doing things like fillings and extractions and so on. It's just a game of catch-up at this point; I recognize that. Thank you.

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Question 76-17(1): Dental Services In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Page 226

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

The Minister has made some very valuable points that are noted here. Finding a dentist can be a very difficult task; however, we're talking about lives that are so important that we need to have the dentists in our community. We're playing with people's lives if we don't have the proper care.

I want to ask the Minister what plans... If during this difficult task of finding great dentists, is he working with some northern dentists where the prices may be somewhat higher but we have the services in the Sahtu?

People need them. It's not like putting a bridge across the Mackenzie River. These are people; these are human beings that need these essential services. What is the Minister doing?

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Question 76-17(1): Dental Services In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Page 226

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

The model that we talked about today, this morning in fact, meeting with the Tlicho Community Services Agency where they have a dental therapist on staff, and the dental therapist works at the school and works in the community, and in that way just a little higher level than just a dental hygienist which will work in advance of the dentist. That dental therapist does do some of the dental work but not the work of a full dentist. The goal would be to move in that direction, try to get dental therapists into the communities and that should alleviate those backlogs at the community level. Thank you.

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Question 76-17(1): Dental Services In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Page 226

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

I want to share with the Minister my written questions here. So that was leading up to my second question. Can the Minister tell me when can the Sahtu see such a program like a dental therapist coming into our communities that can do prevention? Otherwise, we're going to have this come up in the House again in February. So when can the Minister advise me and the people in the Sahtu that there is going to be some plans in place to look at dental therapists in our communities, in our schools? Then I can say, “Good government.”

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Question 76-17(1): Dental Services In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Page 226

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

Although I can't come up with an exact, specific date, I can say that because we are moving into prevention, and one of the keys to health prevention of illnesses is having good teeth to be able to chew your food properly and that is very important. The department sees that as one of the essential services that are needed at the community level. So we're moving onto that as quickly as possible. Thank you.

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Question 76-17(1): Dental Services In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Page 226

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

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

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Question 76-17(1): Dental Services In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Page 226

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to as soon as possible looking at some of the plans that will ensure they increase the services of dentists in the Sahtu, or any type of program that takes care of the peoples' teeth.

I want to ask the Minister what type of support is he giving to people who have emergencies in cases such as the ones we have been dealing with in the past, the ones that we're looking at to support people. If they cannot wait, they need to be flown out to the larger centres to have their teeth fixed. Sometimes it has to come out of their own pocket to pay for the travel, and for the hotels and meals. What type of support is given to people who need to see a dentist as soon as possible on an emergency basis?

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Question 76-17(1): Dental Services In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Page 227

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe

At this point we're using a referral through the health and social services authorities across the regions to have the individual approach them and then them going through the system. In cases where individuals are coming directly to find their own dental services, like driving into a community where there are good dentists or when they arrive in the communities where they know there are good dentists and approach them themselves, they have not sorted that specific issue out at this time, but we're working on sorting out those issues as well.

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Question 76-17(1): Dental Services In The Sahtu

Oral Questions

Page 227

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu . The Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 77-17(1): Prospectors Grubstake Program

Oral Questions

Page 227

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member's statement today I talked about the importance of the Prospectors Grubstake Program and I certainly would like to see it come back. During the Geoscience Forum that happened a number of weeks ago here in Yellowknife, different people talked about how important that contribution to the Grubstake Program was to help stimulate the work out there for prospecting.

Finally, you don't have to look too far; you can look to the left of the NWT or to the right of the NWT to see how important mineral exploration can be to a particular territory's economy. That brings me to my question. Would the Minister of ITI be willing to look at bringing back the Grubstake Program in its old form to help prospectors get out there prospecting, which is really one of the backbones of the economy of the Northwest Territories?

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Question 77-17(1): Prospectors Grubstake Program

Oral Questions

Page 227

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment , Mr. David Ramsay .

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Question 77-17(1): Prospectors Grubstake Program

Oral Questions

Page 227

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Certainly I appreciate the Member's concern over the Prospectors Grubstake Program, a program that was cut loose back in 2009. Today I believe we really need to send a message to folks that are out there prospecting, that the Government of the Northwest Territories is interested in the work that prospectors provide. The program historically was oversubscribed and I would certainly be interested in working with committee. I know the Member chairs the Economic Development and Infrastructure committee.

I would certainly be interested in working with the committee to ensure that a program like the Prospectors Grubstake Program is brought back so that we can keep the momentum going.

We just had an announcement on the additional geoscience money and I agree with the Member that it's the foundation of finding economically viable mineral deposits is through geoscience work and prospecting that that happens. It's an important initiative.

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Question 77-17(1): Prospectors Grubstake Program

Oral Questions

Page 227

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

I appreciate the answer from the Minister. I'd say what better way to show the industry, the prospectors and largely the mining industry that we're committed to a mining future here. This issue is not singularly sung by myself. Is the Minister getting feedback from many of those in the mineral development community saying that this is something that will help kick-start further exploration in the Territories and, if so, what hurdles or challenges does the Minister see in bringing this policy forward so that we can help seed the Grubstake Program again?

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Question 77-17(1): Prospectors Grubstake Program

Oral Questions

Page 227

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

During the recently held Geoscience Conference here in Yellowknife I had the opportunity to speak to a number of folks who attended that conference and this was an issue that was brought to my attention. I have already instructed the department to come up with some ways in which we can bring this program back. When those options do materialize, I will certainly be happy to share them with the Member and the committee so that we can move forward with it.

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Question 77-17(1): Prospectors Grubstake Program

Oral Questions

Page 227

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

As I mentioned in my Member's statement, I mentioned that training is an important component of this. Training isn't just for the prospector, it also works for the communities so that when people do show up on their doorstep and want to do mineral development, people are a little further educated along as to what this will do. The reason I raise this is it has to go hand in hand with the development of the Grubstake Program. Would the Minister be looking at the same time bringing a training component back into the program to ensure that prospectors have training as well as communities have training as to what to expect?

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Question 77-17(1): Prospectors Grubstake Program

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Page 227

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

I believe as we move this forward, we get to the business plans and we get to discuss the priorities of the department and where we are moving forward, I think a training component to this is something that's important to the Members of this House. I believe there's some value to it. We could certainly look at that further down the road.

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Question 77-17(1): Prospectors Grubstake Program

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Page 227

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Short, final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 77-17(1): Prospectors Grubstake Program

Oral Questions

Page 228

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

For my final question, and it's really built around to where do we go next. If we can get this Grubstake Program in place, tie it to a training program and initiative, it only makes sense if it follows suit with a resource development policy. I think that's a critical component to make sure that this three-legged stool stands or else it will tip over. It's all linked together in a broader, longer term vision.

What does the Minister see in tying these three things together to make sure that we do have a future that's open for business, just like our territories to the right and left of us, showing the world that we're ready to do business and we want an economy running on all cylinders because we're excited to do business and keep people employed?

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Question 77-17(1): Prospectors Grubstake Program

Oral Questions

Page 228

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

I share the Member's enthusiasm. We do need to find a way forward. We have to, as I mentioned earlier, keep the momentum going, keep that positive attitude going in the area of looking for mineral development in our territory, both on the mineral side and oil and gas side. Certainly the three things that the Member talks about are interconnected. I have instructed the department to come back with a way and a means in which a program like the Prospector Grubstake Program can be re-established, and I look forward to again working with the Member and working with this committee to move this initiative forward.

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Question 77-17(1): Prospectors Grubstake Program

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Page 228

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The honourable Member for Deh Cho , Mr. Nadli .

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Question 78-17(1): Expansion Of Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 228

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I made a statement on the CRTC loosening up its regulations here in the Northwest Territories to allow more infrastructure communication. My question is directed at the Minister of Finance . As part of the extension of the Mackenzie Highway to the north, is the Minister committed to assist in ways of expanding cell services to Fort Providence and other small communities?

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Question 78-17(1): Expansion Of Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 228

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Nadli . The honourable Minister responsible for Finance , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Question 78-17(1): Expansion Of Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 228

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are two things of interest to the Member, of course: the fibre optic line that's being proposed to go up the valley hooking Inuvik in as a remote sensing site and then coming down the valley, which would allow us to lateral off and hook into all the communities to provide fibre optic services which would include cell phone services. That is a project that is underway.

The other thing of interest in the CRTC ruling is not only that they opened the door to competition but they took NorthwesTel to task for lack of investment in their aging infrastructure, they refused to grant them their request for a $2 per month rate increase, and they also put them on notice that they have two years to come together with a plan that's going to lay out how they're going to invest and modernize what they described as their aging infrastructure.

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Question 78-17(1): Expansion Of Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 228

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

I think the Minister has clearly indicated a clear commitment for ensuring that the fibre optics line is completed and becomes a reality. At the same time we're faced with increasing competition, which is, overall, good for the Northwest Territories. I want to ask the Minister again if there has been any preliminary analysis or any kind of studies to indicate that there is a need for perhaps expansion of cellular service in small communities including Fort Providence for the general public safety.

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Question 78-17(1): Expansion Of Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 228

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

This is a business decision and I can let the Member know that in Fort Smith, for example, it took us years and years of lobbying to convince NorthwesTel to invest, and they brought in an old cell phone tower from somewhere else even though they knew when they asked for a minimum of 250 subscribers. If you went to Fort Smith now, as we told them would happen, they probably have close to 500 or 600 or 700.

Every man, woman and child in the community has a cell phone. This is a business issue. The reason we're looking at the fibre optic line is because it makes good sense for us as a government to provide that infrastructure and allow that business development to occur. NorthwesTel, as I've indicated, has just been taken to task. There are opportunities for them in the communities, and CRTC has told them to go in and modernize and invest in their infrastructure, which to me would mean cell phone service.

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Question 78-17(1): Expansion Of Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 228

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Just a final question to the Minister, perhaps just again to see if there's any formal commitment to consider small communities in terms of their access to cellular service. We all know that once they expand communication infrastructure to all communities, then obviously there's also a business interest for small communities and give them an equal opportunity equal to all communities in the North.

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Question 78-17(1): Expansion Of Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 228

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

That is one of our interests and one of the reasons that we, when we looked at the fibre optic line, rather than going laterally north or west, sorry, to the Yukon, we looked at the plan to run the fibre optic line down the valley to hook in down by Fort Simpson so that we would be able to in fact provide those services and infrastructure improvements to the communities up and down the valley.

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Question 78-17(1): Expansion Of Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 228

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Final supplementary, Mr. Nadli .

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Question 78-17(1): Expansion Of Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 229

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Just a final question. Has the Department of Finance or any other department considered perhaps a report or an analysis of the possibility of expanding cell service to the smaller communities such as Fort Providence? We all know and recognize that the bridge becoming a reality perhaps within a year or so there will be an increase in public traffic and more likely an increased need for public safety to ensure that communication infrastructure is properly set in place, especially for a community like Fort Providence.

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Question 78-17(1): Expansion Of Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 229

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

The fibre optic proposal is at the stage where there's a business case being put together to look at and quantify the business benefits up and down the valley, other than the Inuvik component which is very clearly a business case that has already been made. To put that infrastructure into the communities up and down the valley, that work is being done and we expect that report to be concluded in March of this coming year.

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Question 78-17(1): Expansion Of Telecommunications Services In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 229

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

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

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Question 79-17(1): Sport And Recreation Council

Oral Questions

Page 229

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are addressed to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs . I want to follow up on my statement. I referred to the Minister's statement made on Monday of this week. The Minister, in his statement, said, “We will talk to them about their governance role as mandated by the department.” My first question to the Minister is if he could explain to me and to the public and to this House what is meant by that.

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Question 79-17(1): Sport And Recreation Council

Oral Questions

Page 229

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . The honourable Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs , Mr. Robert McLeod .

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Question 79-17(1): Sport And Recreation Council

Oral Questions

Page 229

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Sport and Recreation Council was formed as a result of a review that they had performed in 2005. It was formed out of the Legislative Assembly, and seeing as we mandate our departments, then we can I think fairly say that their mandate is one that is mandated by the Legislative Assembly.

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Question 79-17(1): Sport And Recreation Council

Oral Questions

Page 229

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you to the Minister, I think; I'm not sure. I'd like to ask the Minister in terms of the Sport and Recreation Council and the member organizations within that council, that organization - there are five of them - and if we are basically telling them their mandate, have those five member organizations had any opportunity to provide input to the Minister and/or to MACA or SRC with regard to their roles and responsibilities?

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Question 79-17(1): Sport And Recreation Council

Oral Questions

Page 229

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

We have had some discussions with the five partner organizations. I've had an opportunity to meet with all of them. I've met with Sport North on a number of occasions and I've met with the Sport and Recreation Council. What we're trying to do is iron out the whole situation here.

Our intent here is to take more of the politics out of the sport and get sport to the front line, on the ground to the people that most need it. I think we're moving in that direction. We've seen a lot of good work done by all the partner organizations and I think in the last Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie we saw a good result of it, having 27 of the 33 communities represented at the Arctic Winter Games.

This is a bit of a learning process. There are high administration fees throughout all the partner organizations that we're trying to bring down and we're trying to use that money and invest it back into sports. Our intention is to try to streamline the whole process. Everyone has a role to play in the delivery of sport across the Northwest Territories. Whether some accept their roles as others do, that remains to be seen, but we have to get the politics out of sports.

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Question 79-17(1): Sport And Recreation Council

Oral Questions

Page 229

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

To the Minister, you mentioned you've consulted with Sport North. I hope you've consulted with the other four member organizations as well. The Minister also stated in his statement that we will outline plans for implementing the SRC's goals and objectives. I struggle to understand the relationship of the Sport and Recreation Council to MACA and the member organizations to the Sport and Recreation Council to MACA. Can the Minister give me a bit of an explanation?

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Question 79-17(1): Sport And Recreation Council

Oral Questions

Page 229

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

The Sport and Recreation Council, as I said, was formed out of a review that was done. They're brand new. They've only been in operation since 2005. It's been within I think the last three years that they've taken on the role of being our funding agent to all partner organizations. We see ourselves as supporting MACA.

The other organization likes to say that they've been in the business for 35 years and they've done a lot of good work in that time. I'm sure 33 years from now the Sport and Rec Council will have that process down to a T, too, but it is early in the process right now.

We see ourselves as supporting the Sport and Rec Council through this situation and then they'd be able to pretty well take care of the rest of it themselves, and I think they're moving in that direction. I've had some positive meetings with them and I think they're moving in that direction. They're starting to understand their role and I think they're going to take it and run with it, and at the end of the day it's the athletes across the Northwest Territories that are going to benefit from this whole set-up. Thank you.

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Question 79-17(1): Sport And Recreation Council

Oral Questions

Page 230

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Your final, short supplementary, Ms. Bisaro .

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Question 79-17(1): Sport And Recreation Council

Oral Questions

Page 230

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thanks, Mr. Speaker. Thanks to the Minister. I don't disagree that I think our youth and our athletes in the NWT are going to benefit at the end of it. It's interesting that the Minister seems to think I'm talking about one organization. But I'm not; I'm talking about all the member organizations of SRC. I guess I am struggling with the paternalistic attitude of MACA that I hear in his statement. Just a comment. Thank you.

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Question 79-17(1): Sport And Recreation Council

Oral Questions

Page 230

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . Mr. Dolynny .

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Question 80-17(1): Response To National Energy Board Report On Arctic Exploration

Oral Questions

Page 230

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The National Energy Board has released today its Arctic review report as well as a National Energy Board filing requirements for offshore drilling in the Canadian Arctic.

I understand with this National Energy Board release, this could fundamentally affect the future requirements for applications to drill and Canadian Arctic offshore developments. My question is for the Minister of ITI . I know this release has just been a couple hours old. Is there any initial response from this government? Thank you.

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Question 80-17(1): Response To National Energy Board Report On Arctic Exploration

Oral Questions

Page 230

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny . The honourable Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment , Mr. Ramsay .

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Question 80-17(1): Response To National Energy Board Report On Arctic Exploration

Oral Questions

Page 230

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Certainly, we're confident with the work that the National Energy Board has been doing and we support the work that they continue to do. The key thing for us is that Northerners want to provide input into decision-making about future offshore drilling and they also want to be prepared in developing plans for future drilling projects. I think those are some things that we can take away from it. We're pleased with the extensive engagement, as well, that Northerners had with the NEB to produce the Arctic review that was released earlier today. Thank you.

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Question 80-17(1): Response To National Energy Board Report On Arctic Exploration

Oral Questions

Page 230

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

Thanks for the Minister's initial response. Even in its early stages we are hearing from certain groups saying they weren't consulted during this Arctic review process. Can I ask the Minister of ITI why that was so? Thank you.

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Question 80-17(1): Response To National Energy Board Report On Arctic Exploration

Oral Questions

Page 230

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

The objective of the Arctic review was to gather information and knowledge through meaningful engagement and dialogue. The NEB did extensive consultation across the three northern territories, including more than 40 meetings in 11 communities, again, across all three territories. The review concluded with a week-long roundtable held in Inuvik during this past September so participants could engage in face-to-face dialogue on offshore drilling. Nearly 200 people attended the meetings that were held in Inuvik. Another 300 people logged onto the session via computer to listen to the live Web broadcast that was played. That was also translated into Inuvialuktun, Inuktitut, Gwich'in and French.

We're pleased with the extensive engagement with Northerners that took place to produce the Arctic review and are confident that everyone had an opportunity to participate in that review.

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Question 80-17(1): Response To National Energy Board Report On Arctic Exploration

Oral Questions

Page 230

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

Thank you to the Minister for going into detail. Fundamentally, we would never want this to happen, but should we have an oil spill in the Arctic offshore similar to what we've experienced and seen that affected the world with the Gulf of Mexico, what does this review today mean to this government and to the people of the Northwest Territories?

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Question 80-17(1): Response To National Energy Board Report On Arctic Exploration

Oral Questions

Page 230

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, the prevention of an oil spill in the Canadian Arctic offshore is the primary goal. We've got to prevent that from happening. Again, we're confident with the NEB's response, that the regulatory regime has the tools needed to protect the safety of northern residents, workers and the environment.

In their application, applicants must submit a contingency plan that outlines what measures they will use to respond to an out-of-control well. A relief well is one contingency measure. Obviously, projects that are occurring in the Beaufort Sea would operate in significantly isolated and under different conditions compared to those in the Gulf of Mexico. Thank you.

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Question 80-17(1): Response To National Energy Board Report On Arctic Exploration

Oral Questions

Page 230

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Question 81-17(1): Patterson Sawmill In Hay River

Oral Questions

Page 230

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to direct my questions to the government today on behalf of the Patterson Sawmill in Hay River. This sawmill has been in existence for a number of years. It is not a huge company. It is a family-based business. They employ six full-time people. They have the ups and downs with issues with the size of the allowable timber cut being reduced, operating costs and, of course, the market price for the product that they harvest.

Pattersons want to stay in business. They're the only business of this type in the Northwest Territories. We're in the middle of a forest here in our part of the North and we would like to keep this business operational in Hay River. It's extremely important to us. There are bright things on the horizon that may improve the fortunes of this company. How much money would we as a government spend to entice and induce a company like this to come and set up in the North, and yet here's a company that's been here many, many years. They are asking for a postponement or abatement of the stumpage fees which they owe this government.

I would like to ask whoever wants to answer the question; I'm not sure if it's the Minister of ENR or if it's the Minister of ITI , but I would like to ask this government today. They're ready to go to work. It's the time of year when they can go out and cut. What is this government prepared to do to allow this company to continue to operate in Hay River? Thank you.

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Question 81-17(1): Patterson Sawmill In Hay River

Oral Questions

Page 231

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen . The honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Question 81-17(1): Patterson Sawmill In Hay River

Oral Questions

Page 231

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have been working closely with the Patterson's operation for the last number of years. We had meetings again yesterday trying to come to some agreement to allow this process to proceed and the operation that the Member talked to about to remain in business. There is still some work to be done, but clearly there are challenges in terms of the revenue that they can generate, the costs that they are incurring and the simple things like stumpage fees and such that they have difficulty generating enough revenue to cover. But we are still at work trying to see if something can be salvaged. Thank you.

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Question 81-17(1): Patterson Sawmill In Hay River

Oral Questions

Page 231

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

The time frame within which this company can go out on roads that are suitable for winter travel to get to the timber that they can harvest is very time sensitive. The clock is ticking. If they do not get in and out and harvest this product within a certain time frame, the option will be to close the sawmill. Tomorrow morning I will be receiving a briefing from a Hay River businessman that hopes to have a business opportunity developed that would make use of waste for biomass for a pellet and briquette mill in Hay River as well. This could potentially enhance the business enterprise of the Pattersons. This is very much on the horizon and very much a possibility to become a reality.

Again, we have written off, forgiven, supported in every kind of way with expensive studies and all kinds of expenditures of this government much more money than this relatively small amount of money that it would take to keep this very long time, established business in operation in Hay River. Time is of the essence. I appreciate the Minister is working on it and I know that his departmental officials did meet with Mr. Patterson yesterday, but I would like to hopefully get some kind of a commitment here on the floor of the House today that would give the Pattersons a signal that they are going to stay in business. Thank you.

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Question 81-17(1): Patterson Sawmill In Hay River

Oral Questions

Page 231

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, the fact that the officials continue to meet to try to find alternatives, there were arrangements made a year or so ago that were not successful, and we have, over the years, written off sums of money as well as deferred payments, reduced payments, any number of things that we could try to think of to allow both interests to have their needs met in terms of the business and the role and responsibility of government and as the administrators of the public purse. So the commitment is that we're still looking at trying to find a way to do this.

I will commit to the Member that when I'm finished in the House today, I've already indicated to the deputy minister that I would be calling him at the rise of the House and this will be one of the things on my list to talk about. Thank you.

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Question 81-17(1): Patterson Sawmill In Hay River

Oral Questions

Page 231

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

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

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Question 81-17(1): Patterson Sawmill In Hay River

Oral Questions

Page 231

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

We do greatly appreciate all of those efforts that the Minister refers to in what they have been able to do. This is not an easy business and strangely, after all these years, it's still in a lot of ways a fledgling business, but we do hope that the other prospects for the waste material will come to fruition, that this will add additional revenue potential to this company and that we can do something in the short term. They're not asking for a handout. They're asking for a postponement or an abatement of the stumpage fees and it is six jobs.

The work that they're involved in in cutting firewood is in keeping with this government's efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption in the North and, Mr. Speaker, it is six jobs that are very important to our community. So I would ask the Minister if he would, I'm going to be heading back to Hay River this afternoon, but if he would keep the Pattersons and myself apprised of the outcome of anything they can do to help resolve this issue. Thank you.

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Question 81-17(1): Patterson Sawmill In Hay River

Oral Questions

Page 231

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

I acknowledge, as well, that the Member has been an impassioned advocate on behalf of the Pattersons over the years and to no small way that's part of the reason that we're still having these discussions. I appreciate that interest, and I've heard h