Debates of June 6th, 2019

This is page numbers 5839 - 16 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was work . View the webstream of the day's session.

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Supporting the Northern Aviation Industry

Health and Wellness Enhancements in Schools

Government of the Northwest Territories Disability Action Plan Updates

The De Beers/Yellowknife Women's Society Partnership

Addressing the Caribou Crisis

Elders Forced Into Long-Term Care

D-Day Commemoration

Recognition of William Alger

National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Outstanding Volunteer Award Nominee

Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Deh Cho Health Care Service Issues

Tuktoyaktuk Visitors Centre

Mining Week

Protected Areas Act

Brenda Johnson - NWT Education Hall of Fame Inductee

Sheila Cook - NWT Education Hall of Fame Inductee

Return to Oral Question 675-18(3): Northwest Territories Power Corporation Generator Procurement Costs

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Marine Transportation Services and Fuel Delivery

Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Plan

2019 Marine Transportation Services Shipping Season

Bellanca Building

Mining Activities in the Northwest Territories

Elder Forced Out of Home into Facility

Health Services Issues in the Deh Cho

Ability to Enforce Fire Bans

Standards for Children or Youth in Care Who Go Missing

Permanent Housing for Residents Displaced by Rockhill Fire

Written Question 9-18(3): Strategic Oil and Gas Ltd. Holdings in the NWT

Written Question 10-18(3): Giant Mine Long-Term Funding Study

Written Question 11-18(3): Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission Fees and Compensation

Mr. Thompson's Reply

Tabled Document 460-18(3): Using the Tax System to Encourage Healthy Choices: Implementing a Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax in the Northwest Territories - What We Heard Report Tabled Document 461-18(3): Inter-Activity Transfers Exceeding $250,000 (April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019)

Tabled Document 462-18(3): NWT On the Land Collaborative 2019 Report

Tabled Document 463-18(3): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 654-18(3): Living Wage and Northwest Territories' Child Benefit

Tabled Document 464-18(3): Giant Mine Perpetual Care Funding Options Tabled Document 465-18(3): Draft Report, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) - Development of Options for Consideration for Long Term Funding for Giant Mine

Tabled Document 466-18(3): MTS Non-Delivery 2018 Shipping Season Tabled Document 467-18(3): Recommendations of the Native Women's Association of the NWT Regarding Housing - June 3, 2019

Extended Adjournment of the House to August 12, 2019

Bill 58: Justice Administration Statutes Amendment Act

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2017-2018 Public Accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories - Consolidated Budget

Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2017-2018 Public Accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories - Best Practices for Public Financial Reporting

Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2017-2018 Public Accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories - Public Disclosure of Contaminated Sites

Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2017-2018 Public Accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories - Response within 120 Days

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Bill 38: Protected Areas Act

Recorded Vote

Assent to Bills

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy , Mr. Beaulieu , Mr. Blake , Hon. Caroline Cochrane , Ms. Green , Hon. Robert McLeod , Mr. McNeely , Hon. Alfred Moses , Mr. Nadli , Mr. Nakimayak , Mr. O'Reilly , Hon. Wally Schumann , Hon. Louis Sebert , Mr. Simpson , Mr. Testart , Mr. Thompson , Mr. Vanthuyne

The House met at 1:31 p.m.

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 5839

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

O God, may your spirit and guidance be in us as we work for the benefit of all our people for peace and justice in our land and for the constant recognition of the dignity and aspirations of those whom we serve.

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 5839

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Members, I would ask that you remain standing and join me in observing a moment of silence in recognition of the 75 th anniversary of D-Day. Thank you. Please be seated. Ministers' statements. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment .

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Minister's Statement 207-18(3): Supporting the Northern Aviation Industry

Ministers' Statements

Page 5839

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is following through on its mandate commitment to strengthen connections with public and private sector partners in transportation infrastructure.

Given our vast geography and harsh climate, Northwest Territories communities and businesses rely on the aviation industry for the safe and reliable delivery of people, goods, and services. That is why the Government of the Northwest Territories has made supporting the northern aviation industry a priority. Our work includes focusing efforts on maintaining and improving aviation infrastructure; exploring ways to increase economic benefits in this industry; and working with our partners to take action to fill the aviation skills shortage.

Mr. Speaker, we have 27 public airports in the Northwest Territories, all of which are critical to the economic and social well-being of our residents. They provide essential services, including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue, forest fire response, and much more. Ongoing improvements to our airports allow for safe and efficient movement of these and other essential goods and services.

When it comes to investing in aviation infrastructure, some of the improvements our airports have received, or will be receiving soon, include:

airfield sweepers for the Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Hay River, Inuvik, and Fort Simpson airports;

runway rehabilitation at the Hay River, Inuvik, and Yellowknife airports;

dust suppressant applications on gravel runways;

replacement of the Inuvik air terminal building; and

continued investment in improvements to maintain safe, secure, and prosperous airports.

The Government of the Northwest Territories also works closely with our federal counterparts and has received additional support to invest in our airport infrastructure, including:

airfield lighting in Fort Smith, Tuktoyaktuk, Aklavik, and Norman Wells;

surface overlays in Tulita, Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Norman Wells;

drainage improvements in Yellowknife and Sachs Harbour; and

emergency response and mobile heavy equipment at the Yellowknife, Hay River, and Norman Wells airports.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is also seeking federal funding to continue improving our airports, including funding from the Airport Capital Assistance Program for snow blowers for Fort Smith and Inuvik, new airfield lighting in Fort Simpson, and an overlay of the Hay River runway. We have also submitted applications to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund for projects to make our airport infrastructure more resilient to climate change.

Mr. Speaker, our government is always looking for ways to increase the economic benefits the aviation industry brings to our communities. We continue to reach out to our potential partners and customers to ensure the longevity of the aviation industry in the North and to maintain its growth and success.

I have previously spoken in this House about the Yellowknife Airport Cold Weather Testing Group, who are working to capture economic opportunities and benefits for the local economy through cold weather testing partnerships. This past winter, the group partnered with Bell Helicopters to host 30 engineers and pilots for approximately 90 days in Yellowknife, infusing an estimated $2.3 million into the local economy.

In recent months, the Cold Weather Testing Group has also had discussions with Mitsubishi to test their medium-sized jets, and Korean Aerospace Industries has inquired about testing their helicopters here. Further planning efforts are under way to develop a preliminary competitor analysis, a marketing framework, and the decision to link the Cold Weather Testing Marketing Strategy to Destination Canada's Business Events Canada Marketing Program for the Aerospace Industry.

We know that our success depends on strong partnerships. The Government of the Northwest Territories is pleased to continue our collaboration with partners such as the Northern Air Transport Association. NATA is an organization that has worked for many years to ensure Northern Canada is well-represented in the decisions made about the industry. I would like to thank the NATA leadership for the opportunity to speak at their recent AGM and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure the safe, secure, accessible, and reliable movement of people and goods throughout the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, one of the issues discussed at the recent NATA AGM that is of great importance to supporting the aviation industry in the North was addressing the skills shortage the aviation industry is currently facing.

In the Northwest Territories and all across Canada, there is a shortage of pilots and aircraft maintenance workers, and we expect this shortage to continue to increase. Addressing this gap in the Northwest Territories will require support from government, opportunities for local training, and industry champions.

Mr. Speaker, this past month, Transport Canada certified the Terry Harrold School of Aviation as an approved flying school. The school is located in Fort Smith and was created by Northwestern Air Lease, Ltd. to help northern residents achieve their pilot licence.

We know from experience that many Northerners want the option to train at home, and this will give them that option. We also know that flying in the North is unlike anywhere else. This flying school will give students a true sense of what it's like to fly in our northern skies. I want to congratulate Northwestern on their new school and wish them all the success.

The government also has a role to play, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleague, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , on implementing the Skills 4 Success initiative to improve employment success for NWT residents, close skill gaps for in-demand jobs, and more effectively respond to employer and industry needs.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories will continue with the efforts I have described today and continue to work with our public and private aviation industry partners to strengthen and support the aviation industry in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 207-18(3): Supporting the Northern Aviation Industry

Ministers' Statements

Page 5840

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Minister's Statement 208-18(3): Health and Wellness Enhancements in Schools

Ministers' Statements

Page 5840

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, a high-quality education system is one that ensures that student wellness and the development of a positive sense of identity are promoted and embedded in school experiences, programming, and environment.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment values diversity in our school communities. We recognize the unique challenges experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and two-spirited, or LGBTQ2S+ people, including being possible targets for discrimination and bullying.

In support of these students, staff, and families, the Department, as part of its Safe and Caring Schools model, has developed Guidelines for Ensuring LGBTQ2S+ Safety and Inclusion in Northwest Territories schools.

Mr. Speaker, according to studies from Canada, the United States, and New Zealand, LGBTQ2S+ youth are three to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Those who have been rejected by their families are more than eight times more likely. The rates of LGBTQ2S+ youth reporting harassment, in general, ranges between 57 and 92 percent.

These rates are unacceptable. We have a duty to do everything we can to provide a safe environment and defend the well-being of these students, so that experiences during their formative years help them develop a positive sense of identity.

The new guidelines provide educators in the Northwest Territories with 13 promising practices that can be incorporated into school environments of every size. These practices are evidence-based, tangible calls to action developed in collaboration with members of the Rainbow Coalition of Yellowknife and the youth sexual health programs, Fostering Open eXpression among Youth, and Strength, Masculinities, and Sexual Health, better known as FOXY and SMASH.

The work was also guided by feedback from youth who attended the inaugural NWT Youth Rainbow Conference held in March 2017 and feedback from board and education council superintendents. All agree these are necessary guidelines that will be welcome when they are introduced in schools in September 2019.

In addition to these guidelines, planning is under way for the second Northwest Territories Youth Rainbow Conference in the upcoming school year. We will also be supporting NWT participation in Canada's second annual survey to measure discrimination toward LGBTQ2S+ students. These statistics will inform future development in this area.

Mr. Speaker, the LGBTQ2S+ Guidelines are a part of the Education Renewal initiative and the Safe Schools Regulations that require every school to have a Safe School Plan. Safe school planning is more than having procedures for emergency evacuations and lockdowns; it includes protecting our school communities with policies in place on bullying and discrimination.

We have also developed a new health and wellness curriculum that is being integrated into grades four to nine. We are changing our focus from simply delivering health information to providing students with the tools, knowledge, and ability to gather and evaluate health information themselves. In that way, we are contributing to their well-being, and we are equipping them to contribute to the well-being of their community throughout their lives.

The new curriculum is flexible and gives teachers the opportunity to engage with crucial topics immediately, as they arise, while engaging local expertise and knowledge.

Mr. Speaker, the new LGBTQ2S+ Guidelines and the new health and wellness curriculum are some of the building blocks of the high-quality education system we all want. They will help ensure our schools are safe places for all students, places where all students can develop a positive sense of identity and skills to improve their physical and mental wellness, today and in the future. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 208-18(3): Health and Wellness Enhancements in Schools

Ministers' Statements

Page 5841

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

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

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Minister's Statement 209-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Disability Action Plan Updates

Ministers' Statements

Page 5841

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Work is under way across multiple GNWT departments on the five key objectives in our action plan to increase income security and reduce poverty; build awareness and knowledge through education and training; improve transition planning and options; encourage universal design and living options; and improve access and quality of caregiver supports.

Mr. Speaker, we are accountable to persons with disabilities and all residents on the progress on this action plan. While the first update on our actions is anticipated later this summer, I can speak to some initiatives currently under way:

Our government has made investments in increasing rehabilitation supports for children, and is establishing a territorial FASD Adult Diagnosis and Support Program in partnership with the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority.

The NWT Housing Corporation has begun its Housing Support Worker pilot in the community of Behchoko. This strengths-based and trauma-informed initiative includes supporting adults with disabilities to maintain stable housing.

The Department of Health and Social Services is reviewing supplementary health benefits programs, as the current program structures do not cover all disabilities. We are also planning for a review of supported living services.

As you can see, this action plan is broad-reaching, reflecting our shared commitment across government to fully address disabilities. I appreciate how each department is taking on implementation and evaluation of their respective action areas and collaborating with disability partners in this important work.

Mr. Speaker, Disability Identity in the North was chosen as the theme of this year's Disability Awareness Week, and it is fitting to recognize and thank our disability NGO partners, including the NWT Disabilities Council, Yellowknife Association for Community Living, NWT Seniors' Society, Hay River Committee for Persons with Disabilities, and the NWT Foster Family Coalition, for their ongoing input and participation. We continue to work with our partners as we implement the action plan to make meaningful and measurable change that will reduce barriers for persons with disabilities.

While we work hard on making change, we can also celebrate what is already happening to encourage more inclusive communities across the Northwest Territories. On May 31st, I hosted the annual Disability Awareness Minister's Tea and was pleased to announce the winner of the 2019 Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities Award, Mr. Dean McLeod of Aklavik. Dean has been a committed resident of Aklavik for 47 years and a strong advocate for persons with disabilities in order to ensure inclusive participation in his community. Mr.

Speaker, his dedication and his passion as the community recreation coordinator and as an active community volunteer have made a significant difference in the lives of Northerners.

We also recognized Tina McNeil of Fort Smith as this year's NWT Disability Council Community Champion, and the Hamlet of Aklavik as this year's Human Rights Commission Corporate Champion.

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Minister's Statement 209-18(3): Government of the Northwest Territories Disability Action Plan Updates

Ministers' Statements

Page 5842

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation .

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Minister's Statement 210-18(3): The De Beers/Yellowknife Women's Society Partnership

Ministers' Statements

Page 5842

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about a new partnership between the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and the De Beers Group, a partnership that will help house some of our most vulnerable citizens.

De Beers Group has invested heavily in the Northwest Territories over the years through the development of its two mines. These investments have provided numerous gains for the residents of the Northwest Territories in terms of jobs and procurement. In addition to the economic benefits, De Beers Group has indicated that they want to support lasting social improvements to communities.

The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and the De Beers Group have discussed potential legacy housing projects, consistent with the De Beers Group's commitment to supporting Northwest Territories communities involved in diamond mining. The De Beers Group is especially interested in projects that address the long-term needs of vulnerable people in their operating region.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the De Beers Group, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, and the Yellowknife Women's Society have agreed to improve shelter housing for women who are homeless.

The Yellowknife Women's Society shelter on Franklin Avenue will be reconfigured to provide 16 single-room suites for homeless women. The De Beers Group is making a generous contribution of $250,000 to the project. The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation will provide the project management expertise and a $350,000 contribution under the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation's Community Housing Support Initiative. The Yellowknife Women's Society will administer a smaller emergency shelter

section of the building. They will continue to provide supportive services to residents in the new suites.

These new spaces will provide better privacy, safety, and security for women. The shared living arrangement offers the safety of living with others, as opposed to being isolated in a rental unit on the private market. Residents will have a safe, stable home where they can start to address some of the other challenges in their lives, without having to worry about housing.

This initiative supports the mandate commitment of the 18 th Legislative Assembly on increasing the availability of safe, affordable housing and creating solutions for addressing homelessness. It is also consistent with long-term planning to address homelessness in Yellowknife. This project is one step towards what our communities, this government, and all of our partners want; healthy, sustainable communities with safe, adequate, and affordable housing.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation's partnership with the De Beers Group and the Yellowknife Women's Society is an exciting opportunity. It is a great example of how a corporate citizen can work with governments and other partners to create tangible outcomes and make our communities better places for all of our residents. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 210-18(3): The De Beers/Yellowknife Women's Society Partnership

Ministers' Statements

Page 5843

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources .

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Minister's Statement 210-18(3): The De Beers/Yellowknife Women's Society Partnership

Ministers' Statements

Page 5843

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 34(6) so that all Ministers' statements filed with the clerk can be delivered today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Minister's Statement 211-18(3): Addressing the Caribou Crisis

Ministers' Statements

Page 5843

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, this Assembly made a mandate commitment to improve food security in the Northwest Territories through the effective co-management of wildlife, including caribou. Our government is therefore taking significant steps with our co-management partners to support the recovery of our struggling barren-ground herds, including investing an additional $6.8 million over five years for conservation and recovery efforts.

The Bathurst and Bluenose-East herds have traditionally been an important food source for a number of our communities, and are central to the culture, identity, and way of life of many Indigenous Northerners. Despite extensive actions by the Government of the Northwest Territories and our co-management partners to support caribou conservation and promote herd recovery, both herds continue to decline, and in just the last three years they have been reduced by half.

Mr. Speaker, since receiving the latest population results last fall, our government has moved quickly to put a number of initiatives into place in an effort to slow the decline.

Environment and Natural Resources has worked closely with the Tlicho Government to submit two joint management proposals to the Wek'eezhii Renewable Resources Board, one for each herd. These management actions are being reviewed by the board, and we expect to receive their decisions in the coming weeks. We continue to work with the community of Deline to support their community-based caribou plan for the Bluenose-East herd, and are supporting other communities interested in forming their own conservation plans for barren-ground caribou.

Some of the conservation and recovery efforts led by the department include doing population surveys every two years instead of three, so we can detect changes sooner and, if necessary, adjust our management approach. We are increasing the number of satellite collars we use to give us better information about how caribou use their range.

We are also keeping a close eye on the health of the herds through regular composition surveys and by providing financial support for on-the-land caribou monitoring programs, such as the Tlicho Government's Boots on the Ground program and the Ni Hat'ni Dene Rangers run by the Lutselke Dene First Nation. In addition, the Government of the Northwest Territories continues to support community-based harvest monitoring programs in a number of communities across the Northwest Territories.

This winter we also introduced a new incentive program targeting wolves on the winter range of the Bathurst and Bluenose-East herds. A total of 57 wolves have been harvested under this program to date, Mr. Speaker. That is an increase over the average of 40 wolves per year harvested in the North Slave Region since 2010. It is also important to note that all of the wolves caught under this program were in the area where barren-ground caribou wintered this year, rather than around communities and landfills, which was the case in the previous eight winters.

Mr. Speaker, the pressures facing caribou also include habitat loss in critical areas on their winter range, mostly due to wildfire. The department plans to establish a new fire crew in Wekweeti to allow us to detect and respond to fires more quickly in the heart of the Bathurst caribou herd's traditional range. We are working closely with elders and land-users in the North Slave region to help us identify key caribou habitat and corridors that we will aim to protect as values-at-risk during the upcoming fire season.

As you know, Mr. Speaker, we are very close to approving a range plan for the Bathurst herd. This plan was developed together with 21 organizations and agencies, including Indigenous governments, industry, and wildlife management boards from across the Bathurst range, in response to community concerns about the impact of development on caribou. Through this range plan, we are working together to support the Bathurst herd in a way that recognizes the importance of conservation and economic opportunities for Northerners.

Mr. Speaker, as I have said many times, protecting caribou is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment and action of multiple partners, across multiple jurisdictions. Our co-management system here in the Northwest Territories is strong, but caribou are not confined to our borders. We need to work with our neighbours in Nunavut, as well. That is why I travelled to Kugluktuk in April and met with the Honourable Joe Savikataaq, who is both the territory's Environment Minister and Premier .

Our governments discussed the Bathurst and Bluenose-East herds, which calve every year north of our border in Nunavut, as well as the Beverly herd, which was also surveyed in 2018. Premier Savikataaq agrees the current declines in these populations are alarming, and that immediate and strong action to support herd recovery is needed.

As a result, our governments have agreed to host a meeting of key co-management partners from both jurisdictions to discuss how we can work together to support the recovery of these herds. We will work together on wolf harvest incentive programs in both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut and continue to support each other's research and monitoring activities, including on-the-land and community-based programs to improve our understanding and management of caribou.

Mr. Speaker, the last few months have seen a lot of positive work to support our caribou, but this is just the beginning. It will take a commitment from each and every one of us to do our part to give caribou the support they need to survive and thrive. In the next few months, engagement will begin on the development of a recovery strategy for barren-ground caribou. This strategy will bring together the efforts of all management authorities across the Northwest Territories to protect barren-ground caribou under territorial Species at Risk legislation, and will guide our actions going forward.

I would like to thank all of our co-management partners for their dedication and hard work, and for helping to make what have been some very difficult decisions in order to support our caribou herds. The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to continuing this work with our partners to ensure that, together, we make effective decisions about managing wildlife so our communities can continue to enjoy harvesting opportunities now and into the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 211-18(3): Addressing the Caribou Crisis

Ministers' Statements

Page 5844

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Member for Frame Lake .

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Minister's Statement 211-18(3): Addressing the Caribou Crisis

Ministers' Statements

Page 5844

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake , that Minister's Statement 210-18(3) addressing the caribou crisis be moved into Committee of the Whole for discussion later today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 211-18(3): Addressing the Caribou Crisis

Ministers' Statements

Page 5844

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. There is a motion on the floor. The motion is in order and non-debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed?

---Carried.

The Minister's statement will be moved into Committee of the Whole. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta .

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Elders Forced Into Long-Term Care

Members' Statements

Page 5844

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is from one of my constituents in the Mackenzie Delta. One of the elders was asked to move out of public housing and into the elders home. I agree that we lobby to keep our elders in the community. We have the Joe Greenland Centre in Aklavik. We have the newly constructed elders home in Fort McPherson, as well as an elders homes in Tsiigehtchic. However, if our elders are comfortable where they are now, why should they be asked to move into the homes?

Mr. Speaker, this elder can do daily living activities on her own. She has family members who check on her to make sure she is okay and to make sure that she gets out on daily outings. She wants to reside where she is now without having to relocate to the Joe Greenland Centre in the community. Let's keep our elders in their units where they are happy without forcing them to move out.

The majority of the elders in the NWT are independent. They keep themselves busy with daily chores. If we want our elders to be self-sufficient, we should be encouraging and supporting them to live independently.

Mr. Speaker, I know for a fact that our elders live longer lives because they do things on their own. They enjoy getting out and about, eating healthy, traditional foods provided by family members, and being able to cook for themselves. We should be respecting our elders' decisions to live independently and not forcing them against their will. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions for the Minister later today.

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Elders Forced Into Long-Term Care

Members' Statements

Page 5845

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake .

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D-Day Commemoration

Members' Statements

Page 5845

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I rise to commemorate the sacrifices made by Allied soldiers on the shores of Normandy, France, 75 years ago today. Canadian soldiers, along with their Commonwealth and American allies, took

part in the largest seaborne invasion in human history. This landing opened a western front on mainland Europe, and over roughly the next year, along with Soviet forces in the east, the Third Reich was besieged from all sides and ultimately surrendered in May 1945.

The task our forces had before them in the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, a task which had never been successfully done before, embarking from landing craft and by parachute while under fire in hopes to create a safe landing and port for resupply as part of a bigger effort to push back entrenched enemy forces.

Mr. Speaker, 75 years ago this morning, our Armed Forces set out to do the impossible, and they were victorious. It is only fitting that we pay homage to the 45,000 Canadians who lost their lives during the Second World War, of whom 5,500 were killed during the Battle of Normandy and 359 lost their lives on D-Day.

Mr. Speaker, I hope that all Members of this House and all members of the public will take a moment today to reflect upon this momentous anniversary, to reflect upon the sacrifices made by those who left their homes behind, too many never returning to their families. Many who served on that day are no longer with us today. In my opinion, it is our duty to not let them or their actions be forgotten. We must do our part to honour their service and pass on to the next generations their stories. We will remember them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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D-Day Commemoration

Members' Statements

Page 5845

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh .

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Recognition of William Alger

Members' Statements

Page 5845

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had the pleasure of meeting William Alger, a young, 20-year-old man who was born and raised in Fort Simpson. He shared with me his journey as he discovered his goals and objectives, embracing his passion of his vision of developing a positive impact on the community of Fort Simpson and the North as a whole.

William graduated from Thomas Simpson School in June of 2016. Upon graduation, William was employed in the community in various positions. It was not until June of 2018 that he had the realization he would like to focus on a career in agriculture and what academic programs could afford him the ability to realize his dreams.

William, this past year, attended Vancouver Island University. He was enrolled in upgrading with the vision to register and complete the four-year tourism management program. Upon completion of this program, William plans to move back to Fort Simpson to pursue agriculture and business through online courses. William appraises to start a homestead in Fort Simpson to grow fresh and affordable produce. William's futuristic goals are to begin raising cattle and other livestock. William researched and explored possible funding opportunities through federal funded government programs and to begin such a venture.

William expressed how his initial movement for these initiative ideas were created by witnessing the hardship faced in the community with the cost of living, transportation costs, all part of the high cost of living. William began working on a farm, where he realized creating these same services and opportunities up North are doable. While William was working on the farm, he met his academic responsibilities with an attempt to continue educating himself while gaining knowledge regarding the farming industry.

William's motivation to establish on the premises that nutritional food is an actual necessity, regardless of the location. William recognizes unnecessary struggles Northerners face in attending nutritional food. William feels it is extremely unfair to charge northern people extremely high amounts for food, which is a basic human need. William's vision is positive, comes back to the community, and makes a positive impact, witnessed its flourishing growth through agriculture, which is an untapped resource.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend William Alger for his visionary approach to our community and look forward to witness this positive and innovative changes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition of William Alger

Members' Statements

Page 5845

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North .

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National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Members' Statements

Page 5846

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this week, the report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was released. It arrives at some sobering conclusions that, as Canadian leaders, we must take seriously. The term "Canadian genocide" has raised some controversy, Mr. Speaker, but I think it just shows how deeply serious this discussion is.

Many hundreds of Indigenous women have been assaulted, murdered, or simply disappear, Mr. Speaker. That is not just a crime. It isn't just unusual. This isn't a somewhere-else problem, Mr. Speaker. Our very own mothers, daughters, sisters, and neighbours are among the victims of this genocide. Women from our communities have similar experiences to those elsewhere in Canada. The support services they need are equally lacking. It is a problem right here at home, and we are not offering meaningful solutions.

What can we do, Mr. Speaker? The word "genocide" may make us uncomfortable, but that word's gravity must force us to confront reality. We need to achieve a new understanding of the experiences of Indigenous women, girls, and families, and take concrete steps to improve those experiences. Women in all our communities need support.

Our programs should offer women access to health and wellness services wherever they live. Our government should prioritize women's equity and equality and encourage women to step forward into leadership roles. We must move forward on the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Let's make self-government and self-determination a basic right for Indigenous peoples. Our land rights agreements should promote justice and opportunity by creating certainty on land ownership.

Our systems of policing and corrections need vigilance, and principles of restorative justice should be incorporated into our legal system. In schools and workplaces, we should emphasize knowledge and fluency in northern studies, Indigenous history, and the legacy of residential schools. Indigenous wellness and traditional healing should be fully incorporated in our health delivery systems, which should focus on preventative as well as treatment aspects of health.

Mr. Speaker, the report states that "insufficient political will is a roadblock" to progress. I challenge my friends and colleagues across the NWT: let us find the political will to start making a difference. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Members' Statements

Page 5846

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

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

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Outstanding Volunteer Award Nominee

Members' Statements

Page 5846

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. [Translation] Today, my Member's statement will concern residents of the riding of Frame Lake who were named in the category through volunteer pride for young people. For three years, Vivianne Pauze has been carrying out volunteer work in her school theatre. Last year, she dedicated 77 hours as her role as script register. Over the past three years, she also officiated 20 times on events at the Northern Arts and Culture.

In the summer 2017, she did volunteer work as a soccer coach for a young team who were eight years old. In the school where she attends, she works on recycling programs and composting programs within the francophone community.

Ms. Pauze has been a volunteer at the (inaudible) daycare and during the annual meeting of the franco-tenoise federation in 2019.

In 2017-2018, Vivianne gave her time to the Foundation of Stanton Territorial Hospital by taking part and organize that's held, the so-called Mud Run. She also takes part actively by collecting food for the Salvation Army. She has gathered, raised funds during the Coldest Night to sensitive the people of the Northwest Territories about homelessness. She has collected 700 pieces of clothing for the Stanton Territorial Hospital for the YMCA. She has positive exercise bringing change for Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, I would like unanimous consent to conclude my statement. [Translation ends.]

---Unanimous consent granted

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Outstanding Volunteer Award Nominee

Members' Statements

Page 5846

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

[Translation] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Colleagues. She wrote herself to the culture, recycling and composting. Francophone, sports and, of course, intended for the people who are need. Vivian trying to be, have a better world, a more humane role that can exist in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Translation ends.]

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Outstanding Volunteer Award Nominee

Members' Statements

Page 5846

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Members' Statements

Page 5847

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to offer my thanks to the Minister of Health and Social Services and his staff for completing the long-awaited mental health and addictions action plan. The plan's strengths include flexibility for clients seeking services and an ambitious timeline for implementation.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the work I did with my colleagues on the Standing Committee on Social Development to report on the treatment centres we toured 18 months ago and to make recommendations for this action plan. For example, we recommended that the department provide more information about how to access addictions treatment. We said, specifically that the department should provide plain-language documents describing what treatment facilities have to offer and the steps required to get in. I have spoken to many people who are unaware of how to begin this stage of their healing journey. I wish the department had included this recommendation in their plan.

I am happy to see our recommendation on enhanced aftercare has been partially adopted. We wanted to see stronger after care connections with the southern facilities and to help communities that want to develop peer support groups like AA. We want to ensure home communities are part of the plan.

When we did our tour, the committee and the Minister repeatedly heard facility staff and residents emphasize the importance of safe, secure, and sober housing after leaving treatment. We heard about the threats to mental and physical wellbeing posed by homelessness or the return to the site of one's addiction because of a lack of housing.

The reality is that many Northerners exiting treatment centres are in fact discharged into homelessness. I recently met a man in Behchoko who completed the program at Fresh Start in Calgary two years ago. He lives with his daughter in a house with 16 people. He is doing his best to stay sober but his housing situation is not helping. It makes no sense to me that we invest millions of dollars in treatment for Northerners but we do not assist them with the most basic means of maintaining their sobriety. It's worth mentioning as well that providing housing is cheaper than providing a return trip to treatment.

Mr. Speaker, the action plan says the department will "pursue basic solutions for basic needs such as safe housing." Mr. Speaker, I see unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Members' Statements

Page 5847

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you. I will begin the quote again. "Pursue basic solutions for basic needs such as safe housing for individuals returning from addictions treatment programs." Mr. Speaker, this is just not good enough.

That leaves how many of the 181 people who completed treatment last year without safe housing? My answer is, even if it's one, that's too many. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services . Thank you.

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Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Members' Statements

Page 5847

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

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

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Deh Cho Health Care Service Issues

Members' Statements

Page 5847

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] The government has done many things to improve the healthcare system for the residents of the Northwest Territories. [Translation ends]

In recent years, the management regime for our healthcare system was restructured in the NWT Health and Social Services Authority. This structure includes regional wellness councils that provide advice and support for the delivery of programs and services by listening to community residents and bringing forward ideas, suggestions, and concerns to a leadership council for the territory. Only time will tell if this new structure will result in better healthcare for residents in small communities, but my hope is that it will.

When it comes to health, the focus of the Department of Health and Social Services is on prevention, including the promotion of healthy living as a lifestyle. There are high rates of diabetes and smoking across the NWT, and we know that our dietary habits are not changing for the better. Further, we have high rates of alcohol and drug abuse, a well-known legacy of residential schools. Experience tells me that small communities are disproportionately affected by these issues.

In small communities like in my riding, we have health centres providing health and mental wellness programs, and services to help our residents heal and stay healthy. More specialized treatments like surgery and chemotherapy are delivered elsewhere, including at a brand new territorial hospital in Yellowknife. Other positive initiatives worth noting include screenings for colorectal cancers, immunization programs, and mental health counselling services.

Despite these positive developments for the NWT, healthcare services continue to be a concern in my riding. I continually hear concerns from my constituents about how they are treated at the local health centres. On occasion, people experiencing health issues do not even want to go to these facilities for help. Unfortunately, I regularly have to encourage my constituents to be persistent in their quest for proper medical treatment, and even to seek a second opinion elsewhere.

Constituents want to be treated with care and understanding. They want to work alongside healthcare professionals to get their health concerns addressed early, not later, when timing may be critical.

Mr. Speaker, a person experiencing health ailments knows their body, and if they feel something is wrong, they should have somewhere to turn to ask for medical assistance. It is important that a resident's concerns are heard and taken seriously by the professionals we entrust and pay to help them. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Deh Cho Health Care Service Issues

Members' Statements

Page 5848

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Members' statements. Member for Nunakput .

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Tuktoyaktuk Visitors Centre

Members' Statements

Page 5848

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last summer saw an unprecedented number of tourists taking advantage of the new Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway to drive all the way to the Arctic Ocean. It was estimated that over 5,000 people travelled to Tuktoyaktuk, or five times the population of the community. Mr. Speaker, that's equivalent to over 100,000 people coming to Yellowknife.

There are no campgrounds or RV parks at the end of the highway, so most of those tourists had no choice but to turn back around and return to Inuvik after dipping their toes in the Arctic Ocean. A small visitor's information centre opened in mid-July with funding from the Department of ITI, and I am pleased to note that we recently passed additional funds for a larger tourism facility which will include washroom facilities.

When I raised questions to the Minister last fall, he indicated that he would be continuing to have discussions with the community leadership on areas to be addressed, and on how to build capacity for the community to take advantage of this tourism boom. I look forward to hearing from the Minister on the results of those discussions this summer.

Mr. Speaker, the ferries are now crossing the Mackenzie and Peel rivers and this year's tourist season has started. I hope that the Department of ITI is planning to run tourism workshops in the community and in the region, so that this season sees only positive impacts and long-lasting benefits to the community of Tuktoyaktuk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Tuktoyaktuk Visitors Centre

Members' Statements

Page 5848

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu .

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Mining Week

Members' Statements

Page 5848

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. June the 1 st to the 8 th is NWT Mining Week, an industry that is vibrant and a provider of benefits to many NWT residents, community donation recipients, workers, trainees, the business community, and government.

Mr. Speaker, mining is still key to the northern economy. In the earlier days, mineral potential began in the Sahtu along the shores of Great Bear Lake. Today's signs and exploration preliminary results show evidence of that continued potential in the region. There is a possibility this area can become a major player in contributions to the post-devolution GDP.

Through the mineral, oil, and gas strategies, it's comfortable to share by attendance of the annual AME Vancouver mining roundup conference and many other events that stakeholders of the North are open for business. Additional continued support I can see is our post-devolution legislation reviews and modernization. When witnessing this, I feel comfortable our government is taking our inherited devolution responsibilities seriously.

Advancing forward, Mr. Speaker, a recent report by the Fraser Institute ranked the Northwest Territories as the 10 th most attractive global jurisdiction for mining investment. Allow us not to lose focus on government responsibilities such as building schools, hospitals, infrastructure, and designing supporting an economy for diversification. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Later, I will have questions for the Minister of ITI .

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Mining Week

Members' Statements

Page 5848

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

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

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Protected Areas Act

Members' Statements

Page 5848

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, we will read the Protected Areas Act for the third time. Should this bill pass, it will undoubtedly be a huge step towards creating a conservation economy unlike anything we have seen before.

The federal government over the last several years has budgeted large amounts of money for the conservation economy across Canada. This decision by the federal government demonstrates a desire to expand the amount of protected areas in our country. In fact, the federal government hopes to protect at least 17 percent of all lands and waters in Canada over the next few years. Our Protected Areas Act will give the NWT the ability to substantially participate in this initiative.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to see all communities in the riding of Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh develop plans for protection of traditional and culturally significant areas. Lutselk'e has Thaidene Nene, YK Dene may want to protect the shoreline from Detah to Francois Bay, and Fort Resolution may want to protect the lower Taltson River and the lower Slave River. Furthermore, each community should have an option to employ their own people as guardians of the land and water.

For example, in Lutselk'e, there already exists an established group of guardians called Ni hat'ni Dene, which means "watchers of the land." These guardians are out on the land and ready to engage environmental organizations and industry alike.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to the environmental benefits of protecting land and water, the protection of land and water will provide many social benefits that come along with protecting those lands. This includes employment for local people, and I have said many times in the House there are plenty of good socio-economic impacts that come with employing people. I will say it again. For every dollar spent on employing guardians of the land, you will see returns of $2.50 in social spending reductions.

Mr. Speaker, people who are employed are better equipped to support their school-age children both financially and as positive role models for giving them a better chance in life and a more employable future. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Protected Areas Act

Members' Statements

Page 5849

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Mr. Speaker, in our small communities, our graduation rates are low. There are too many youth unemployed and uneducated. We need to employ more youth, and the Protected Areas Act has the potential to provide more opportunities in the area of a conservation economy.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the day of seeing our guardians protecting our cultural and traditional areas in all communities of the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Protected Areas Act

Members' Statements

Page 5849

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

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

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Brenda Johnson - NWT Education Hall of Fame Inductee

Members' Statements

Page 5849

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate my constituent Brenda Johnson who was indicated into the 2019 Education Hall of Fame yesterday morning. Brenda spent 31 years working at Mildred Hall School as a program support teacher, eventually moving into coaching roles at Range Lake North as well as NJ McPherson schools. She is currently the curriculum coordinator at the district level and continues to be a role model for others on how to work with diverse groups and students.

Her priority has always been building an inclusive environment for students. She develops and supports teaching practices that create an optimal environment for success for all of her students, but most importantly, Mr. Speaker, for those with diverse learning needs. Brenda is an extraordinary teacher, an excellent mentor, and a curriculum and assessment expert. Her true passion is making a difference not only in the learning experiences of the students she teaches, but in their lives, as well.

Brenda's education career demonstrates integrity, compassion, enthusiasm, and commitment. The only thing that surpasses her education philosophy is her passion for all the students and staff who she loves to work with. Thousands of children and youth have benefitted from her work over the years, and she is well-known throughout the city of Yellowknife, having taught many people as well as their children, even their grandchildren.

Congratulations, Brenda. We all value your hard work and dedication. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Brenda Johnson - NWT Education Hall of Fame Inductee

Members' Statements

Page 5849

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Members' statements. Member for Hay River South .

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Sheila Cook - NWT Education Hall of Fame Inductee

Members' Statements

Page 5849

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

[Microphone turned off] to speak today about Sheila Cook, who got inducted into the Education Hall of Fame yesterday. Sheila Cook was born in the nursing station on the K'atlodeeche First Nation outside Hay River. She attended the Hay River Federal Day School, followed by Sir John Franklin High School for grades 10 and 11, and then completed her high school diploma at Victoria Composite in Edmonton.

She realized that she wanted to become a teacher when she was working as a tutorial assistant for speech and language therapy with children and working as a classroom assistant. She began her studies in Fort Smith in the teacher education program, with two children and her husband at home. She graduated in 1985, while expecting her third child. Teaching young students at Princess Alexandra and Harry Camsell schools became the focus for Sheila, focusing on providing a safe and caring learning environment for all her students every day.

After 10 years of teaching, she headed to Saskatoon, where she graduated with distinction with her Bachelor of Education degree. Her northern values continued to mould and shape her teaching for two more decades until she retired in 2010.

Sheila continues serving others through her volunteer work preserving Hay River's rich history as a director at the Hay River Museum, where she continues to promote and educate visitors on the northern heritage and culture in the Hay River area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Sheila Cook - NWT Education Hall of Fame Inductee

Members' Statements

Page 5850

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation .

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Return to Oral Question 675-18(3): Northwest Territories Power Corporation Generator Procurement Costs

Returns To Oral Questions

Page 5850

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Testart on March, 11, 2019, regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation generator procurement cost.

NTPC recognized that Members have been interested in this project. The corporation is pleased to report that the project is nearing completion, with final commissioning under way for the last two generators. It was necessary to switch vendors for the final two units because the original vendor was unable to meet the required delivery schedule, even after multiple renegotiations. This vendor's bid was originally selected because it provided the lowest cost overall and met all other project requirements. The cancelled contract resulted in approximately $750,000 in additional costs.

Included in this total are additional costs to mobilize contractors, install the units from a new vendor, interest associated with the

schedule delays, as well as some additional designing and engineering. By changing vendors, the corporation was able to install larger units with better insulation and saving $170,000 of depreciation, partially offsetting these costs.

As a result of the challenges associated with this project, NTPC has strengthened its project management practices and procedures to be more industry standard, including adjustments to procurement practices. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return to Oral Question 675-18(3): Northwest Territories Power Corporation Generator Procurement Costs

Returns To Oral Questions

Page 5850

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Members, I am pleased to draw Members' attention to the presence of Mr. David Jones, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner for the Northwest Territories, who has once again joined us in the gallery today. Welcome. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5850

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today in the Great Hall, volunteers with St. John Ambulance in Yellowknife were recognized for their volunteer contributions with first aid training and the therapy dog program. In the gallery today, we have Phillip Clarke from Nova Scotia, the past chancellor of St. John Ambulance Canada; Brent Fowler, the CEO of St. John Ambulance NWT and Nunavut; and Teresa Toutant, the Director of Community Services for St. John Ambulance NWT and Nunavut. I would like to welcome them all to the House. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5850

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Recognition of the visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River South .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5850

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize this hardy bunch of young fellows up here who are sitting here today and look a little haggard. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize in the House today a group of men who have biked 10 days, 200,200 kilometres, from Whistler, British Columbia, to Yellowknife, in an effort to raise money to help support the Yellowknife Mountain Bike Park.

I would like to recognize Alex Conlon, Jamie Blades, Mark Taylor, Matt Tirrell, Will Cadham, Quinn Lanzon, Huw Thomas, Dave Kenworthy, and Braedyn Kozman, and congratulations to all of you on your amazing accomplishment. I know how tough that is, because I have tried to do 200 clicks in two days, and ooh!

---Laughter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5850

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Recognition of the visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5850

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The other day I recognized the Pages from Range Lake, but I hear we have a new Page from Range Lake. I want to recognize Lacey Lewis. Congratulations for being here, and I also recognize all of the Pages. Thank you for your work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5850

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Yes, thank you very much to the Pages. I know that they have had at least one late night this week. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5850

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing me a second time. I neglected to introduce Mark Heyck, former mayor of Yellowknife Centre, and Ms. Amy Lee. They are residents of Yellowknife Centre, and they are here to support their sons, Alex and Sam Heyck, who have been Pages in this House. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5851

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Member, and thank you for pointing out that I was bending the rules for you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Nahendeh .

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Question 774-18(3): Marine Transportation Services and Fuel Delivery

Oral Questions

Page 5851

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have heard the barge scheduled to go to the Kitikmeot last year was cancelled in May. Can the Minister explain the rationale for the barge being cancelled? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 774-18(3): Marine Transportation Services and Fuel Delivery

Oral Questions

Page 5851

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure .

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Question 774-18(3): Marine Transportation Services and Fuel Delivery

Oral Questions

Page 5851

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thought he was going to ask me about May of this year, but nothing has been cancelled, of course. I have explained the cancellation last year of the barge delivery to the Kitikmeot a number of times in this House. I have done a briefing on it. The public information is out there. It is clearly laid out, and it was due to environmental weather conditions that were out of our control. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 774-18(3): Marine Transportation Services and Fuel Delivery

Oral Questions

Page 5851

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

As part of the MTS business plan 2008, did MTS take on more private contractors than they did in 2017?

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Question 774-18(3): Marine Transportation Services and Fuel Delivery

Oral Questions

Page 5851

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

MTS's objective right from day one was to grow this business, and we continue to do that. We will continue to satisfy all customers that we have in the system.

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Question 774-18(3): Marine Transportation Services and Fuel Delivery

Oral Questions

Page 5851

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

With the challenges that we saw last year, can the Minister advise us what MTS is doing to ensure that this doesn't happen in the future and whether MTS has a risk management plan in place?

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Question 774-18(3): Marine Transportation Services and Fuel Delivery

Oral Questions

Page 5851

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

As I have updated the House here recently on what was going on around the fuel haul, we are managing our risk accordingly. We are working with the fuel supplier, particularly for this particular season because of the fires in Alberta. We are working with our partners, as I have said before, with Transport Canada and the Coast Guard, and particularly to have icebreaker access up in the Beaufort when we are ready to go. We are currently loading our first sets of barges. As I said the other day, even with the rail line out, we are trucking fuel to Hay River, and we will continue to monitor the water and ice conditions throughout this season and adjust our plans as we see accordingly.

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Question 774-18(3): Marine Transportation Services and Fuel Delivery

Oral Questions

Page 5851

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Final oral question. Member for Nahendeh .

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Question 774-18(3): Marine Transportation Services and Fuel Delivery

Oral Questions

Page 5851

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for his clarification, and I agree that this has been asked a lot, but these are questions that people keep on asking, so we need to get this information out better, or more, I guess.

With the MTS having to store materials last year that did not make it to the Kitikmeot, will MTS be taking responsibility for any damaged material that occurred over these winter months? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 774-18(3): Marine Transportation Services and Fuel Delivery

Oral Questions

Page 5851

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Customers ship goods at their own expense and their own risk. MTS offers and encourages customers to take out insurance on their shipments, and we encourage that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 774-18(3): Marine Transportation Services and Fuel Delivery

Oral Questions

Page 5851

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 775-18(3): Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5851

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services . I would like to repeat my congratulations for getting the action plan done on mental health and addictions. I am curious about a couple of things that the plan is not doing. There is nothing in the plan about providing plain language material to people who are considering going south for treatment. My question to the Minister is: is the Minister planning to address this need? Thank you.

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Question 775-18(3): Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5851

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 775-18(3): Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5851

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I answer the question, I just want to correct an unintended oversight from my Minister's statement yesterday. I acknowledged all of the people who have done incredible work to help us with our action plan, but I failed to acknowledge the important work that has been done by the Standing Committee on Social Development. They did their tour of the treatment facilities. They provided a report. We had debate in this House on the report. We agreed with the recommendations. We drafted our draft action plan.

Committee did point out to us that it was a little lacking, that we didn't hit it square on the head. They made a number of recommendations for us for improvement. We took their recommendations and their thoughtful input to develop the plan that is before you today, and it is a better plan as a result of that interaction.

With respect to the Member's questions about how we are trying to ensure that our residents know of the different programs that are out there, we didn't include that in the action plan, because essentially we believed that that was already part of the job that we should be doing, and it was work that actually should have been done. We had relied on our professionals to get that information out there, but we realize that the information wasn't getting out there.

Recently, we updated our website to outline all of the different facilities and supports that we provide, including the different treatment facilities, but we are working more closely with our providers. That is not just staff within the Government of the Northwest Territories counsellors, but it is also counsellors in other organizations, like the Tree of Peace and other organizations, to make sure that they are aware of the different facilities and the strengths and the weaknesses of each of those facilities depending on your particular addiction.

We are also trying to make sure that they are aware of all of the application processes, the ability to expedite referral, all of those things, so that they can share that information with those individuals who are coming to us. That is all on top of us doing the updates on our website. We are going to keep looking at these. We have put together some advisory groups to help us as we move forward.

If we keep hearing that we need to find other ways, we are certainly willing to explore that, but I didn't see that as an action item requirement. I saw that as a requirement of doing business, and after meeting with the MLAs and taking their recommendations, we did provide that direction to the department. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 775-18(3): Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5852

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. I will just remind everyone that we do have a lot of Members to get through today. Member for Yellowknife Centre . Oral questions.

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Question 775-18(3): Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5852

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate the recognition from the Minister in his answer to my question, so this is an area that will be revisited. My next question is about housing. Having a place to live after leaving treatment is a basic need, as the report acknowledges, but the report has no specific actions about how to address this need. Can the Minister confirm that this issue needs to be a priority not just for study but for action and say how he intends to work with his colleague, the housing Minister, to address this need?

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Question 775-18(3): Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5852

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

There are a number of things that we are doing in the plan that tie together. The Member has had an opportunity to read it. Within the plan, we do talk about a seamless care pathway, which is from beginning to end and includes coming back to the communities. There is no question the Member is absolutely right. We do have some transition issues bringing some of these individuals who were homeless before they went for treatment back into homeless situations. We are not just studying, Mr. Speaker.

As part of this plan, we have already reached out to the Housing Corporation and engaged in discussions about how we can do better on transition housing and things we can do to support different organizations within communities, Aboriginal governments, and other bodies to help us put in some supports or support organizations that wanted support to help us address the transitional housing issues that some of our residents may experience when they return from addictions treatment.

I do want to put out there, though, Mr. Speaker, not all residents who are returning from different treatment facilities or treatment options are homeless, but there are certainly some. As the Member said, if there is one, that is too many, so we are reaching out to our partners to start exploring solutions, not just another study.

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Question 775-18(3): Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5852

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

I appreciate the Minister's answer that he is looking for solutions, that he acknowledges the issue. That is very constructive. My concern is, though, that it is discussion, it is not action. Is there any timing he can offer about when solutions might be identified and then implemented, something that moves us further down the road toward meeting this need?

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Question 775-18(3): Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5852

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Fortunately, in the Northwest Territories there are a lot of passionate individuals who are working outside of government to find solutions in these areas, and we are certainly willing and interested in working with them to provide transitional housing options. Recently, the Social Envelope Committee-of-Cabinet had some in-depth conversations about how we can work together as partner departments to support different initiatives that exist not just in Yellowknife but in communities throughout the Northwest Territories.

We have more to learn on what these different organizations are proposing and how they would like to work with us or partner with us, but we are reaching out to them. I cannot tell you when a solution will be finalized, but we are doing the work and developing those relationships that I believe will give us the options we need to support our returning residents who have no housing options previously.

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Question 775-18(3): Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5852

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake . That was three? I apologize. It's been a long few weeks here. Oral questions. Final oral question, Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 775-18(3): Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5853

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I note that the Minister's plan is going to measure a suite of outputs such as wait times, staff training, and hospitalizations, but I do not see anything on the measure of outcomes, such as how many people completed treatment, accessed aftercare, or maintained their sobriety over a period of time. Can the Minister assure me that outcomes will be measured, as well?

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Question 775-18(3): Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5853

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Yes, absolutely. To help us with that, we are actually putting in a new information system. The price tag on that is $1.55 million. It's the community counselling information system. That is going to help us track that information. Until that is fully in place, we will be doing our best to collect that data because we, like the Member, like all Members, we want to make evidence-based decisions in this area, so we will be tracking that information, as well.

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Question 775-18(3): Mental Health and Addictions Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5853

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake .

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Question 776-18(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5853

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. Last week, this Assembly passed the historic changes to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act that had been in the works since 2012. The Minister worked well with standing committee, and we now have very good legislation. The next step is to follow through on some of the other changes recommended during the public consultation as documented in the "what we heard" report. Can the Minister of Justice explain what the next steps are in following up on the November 2016 "what we heard" report from public consultations and flowing from the changes we made to the Access to Information Protection of Privacy Act? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 776-18(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5853

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Member. Minister of Justice .

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Question 776-18(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5853

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The comprehensive review of the ATIPP Act involved extensive consultation with GNWT departments, public bodies, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, as well as the public. Feedback received during the course of these consultations, including the IPC's extensive submission, and recommendations identified by the standing committee were thoroughly considered and informed the development of the bill. The amendments will serve to address a number of concerns raised through the comprehensive review of the act. The focus for the department will now be on implementation.

I agree with the Member opposite that this legislation is excellent legislation, worked on every a very long period of time by Members of this House and the public.

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Question 776-18(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5853

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

A number of areas for further work flow from the public consultation and changes that we made to the legislation, including fee reductions, training, identification of classes of records that do not require an ATIPP application and so on. Can the Minister give us a sense of the priorities and timing of this work?

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Question 776-18(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5853

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Generally speaking, it is expected that the majority of amendments proposed are expected to come into force by April 1, 2020. The department will need to work with other departments and public bodies to prepare for the implementation of the new provisions and provide training as is necessary. Planning for this work has already begun and will remain a priority for the department.

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Question 776-18(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5853

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

One of the major irritants we have heard about the current administration of access to information and protection of privacy are the fees that are charged to applicants. These are set by regulation. Can the Minister tell us what action he is going to take with regard to fee reduction and/or elimination?

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Question 776-18(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5853

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Yes. Based on what we heard, the regulations will be revised to lower the fees related to the processing of access to information requests. The changes being contemplated are: firstly, decreasing the initial fee for general requests from $25 to $10; secondly, providing for 10 free hours of processing for general requests; thirdly, maintaining the charge of $27 an hour for general requests after the initial 10 free hours; decreasing costs of photocopy charges to 10 cents per page; and maintaining personal information charges of $25, but increasing the number of free pages from 100 to 200.

Of course, the ATIPP regulations will continue to allow public bodies the discretion to waive fees where they present financial hardship to the applicant.

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Question 776-18(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5853

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Minister. Final oral question. Member for Frame Lake .

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Question 776-18(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5853

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for those details. I was trying to scribble them all down. Can the Minister give us a sense of timing as to when these fees are going to be reduced and/or eliminated under Access to Information and Protection of Privacy regulations?

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Question 776-18(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5854

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

This work will require some time, but it does remain a priority. Understandably, the focus of the department has been on the development of the new act. With the passage of the act, the attention of the department will turn to successfully implementing this work, including the development of new regulations. This work is already under way. Thank you.

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Question 776-18(3): Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Plan

Oral Questions

Page 5854

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

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

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Question 777-18(3): 2019 Marine Transportation Services Shipping Season

Oral Questions

Page 5854

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am going to ask questions to the Minister of Infrastructure on MTS, which I didn't get to ask yesterday. I am wondering if MTS is well-prepared for the 2019 shipping season. I know the previous speaker asked about MTS, but I am just wondering if the Minister could provide a brief update on how things are going with Marine Transportation Services for the 2019 shipping season. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 777-18(3): 2019 Marine Transportation Services Shipping Season

Oral Questions

Page 5854

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister of Infrastructure .

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Question 777-18(3): 2019 Marine Transportation Services Shipping Season

Oral Questions

Page 5854

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am glad that we are getting these questions so we can update the residents of the Northwest Territories. Things are going well in Hay River. This is a busy time of year down at MTS getting everything ready and in the water. It is a highly regulated business. Transport Canada is down there. The insurance companies will be there going through our vessels and through all the inspections.

To update the House with what is going on there, the Kakisa has been inspected. That is the tug that we use around the harbour to move stuff around. That is in the water for the last couple of weeks. The Vic Ingraham is in the water, now going through its annual inspection with Transport Canada.

All six barges for the first northbound tow from Hay River are approved for loading. They have already been inspected and ready to be loaded. As I said, the first load of trucks are coming in with our fuel. They will be loading those up and getting ready for them to be able to leave here in the coming days. That is six barges. They are going to depart on June 14 th . This is the tentative scheduled sailing date of those.

Of the three vessels that were wintered in Inuvik last year, two are up and running. One is already performing services for Imperial Oil in the Delta. Barges in Inuvik have been loaded with southbound freight. The vessel Edgar Kotokak and the Kelly Ovayuak are preparing to leave Inuvik southbound following behind the Canadian Coast Guard, Eckaloo. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 777-18(3): 2019 Marine Transportation Services Shipping Season

Oral Questions

Page 5854

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

I appreciate the update. It is good to know what is going on and how the logistics of preparation for shipping. I understand that our only rail line to the Northwest Territories is interrupted. If the rail line is interrupted, how will fuel come north, and what is the department doing about this?

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Question 777-18(3): 2019 Marine Transportation Services Shipping Season

Oral Questions

Page 5854

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

As we have updated the House last week, we know the rail line is down with the bridge burning down at Steen River and a number of the rails are being warped. That work is being performed. As I have said, we are working with the trucking companies to bring petroleum products to Hay River. The department is in daily communication with our fuel supplier, Imperial Oil, regarding the impact of the recent interruption of rail services to the Northwest Territories. Imperial Oil is working closely with CN, with the trucking companies, and with their customers to maintain the supply of fuel into the territory. This is a priority for them as well as for us.

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Question 777-18(3): 2019 Marine Transportation Services Shipping Season

Oral Questions

Page 5854

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

I recall last year when we were talking about the cancellation and possibly shipping by truck and what the cost would be, definitely more expensive. Will the change from shipping fuel by rail to trucking fuel cause a delay in the barge departures or deliveries in the Nunakput region this year?

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Question 777-18(3): 2019 Marine Transportation Services Shipping Season

Oral Questions

Page 5854

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

At this time, Marine Transportation Services does not foresee any significant delay in the delivery of fuel to Hay River or delay in the sailing schedule. The department is working closely with the fuel supplier, with CN and the truckers, and has an alternate supply of sources and transportation plans in place. However, the situation is fluid and can change very quickly.

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Question 777-18(3): 2019 Marine Transportation Services Shipping Season

Oral Questions

Page 5854

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Final oral question. Member for Nunakput .

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Question 777-18(3): 2019 Marine Transportation Services Shipping Season

Oral Questions

Page 5854

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that. Last year, the ice definitely had a big impact on shipping. I understand that trucking fuel is more costly than transporting by rail. Can the Minister tell me what impacts this will have on fuel prices for the communities of the Northwest Territories? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 777-18(3): 2019 Marine Transportation Services Shipping Season

Oral Questions

Page 5855

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Yes. It does cost more to truck the fuel versus moving it by rail. However, Imperial Oil has stepped up to the plate on this. They have told us that they will pay the extra costs for transporting the fuel. They will also move the fuel by truck and will manage the transportation. The Government of the Northwest Territories will only be paying for the original rail rates for the fuel supplied to the Government of the Northwest Territories for 2019 barge season.

There is no impact on the price of fuel in the communities that are served by the Government of the Northwest Territories through the Petroleum Products Program. We owe a thanks of gratitude to Imperial Oil for stepping up to the plate for the residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 777-18(3): 2019 Marine Transportation Services Shipping Season

Oral Questions

Page 5855

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake .

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Question 778-18(3): Bellanca Building

Oral Questions

Page 5855

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In recent weeks, there has been media reporting about the demolition of the Bellanca Building in downtown Yellowknife. This has been part of our skyline for many years, and many residents have been concerned about tearing down what seems to be a viable asset and whether or not there are options to convert it to, some of the ideas that have been brought forward, student housing, a university campus, or transitional housing or low-income housing. I would like to ask the Minister of Infrastructure if the GNWT has considered the Bellanca Building as an asset for any of its projects. Thank you.

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Question 778-18(3): Bellanca Building

Oral Questions

Page 5855

The Deputy Speaker

R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister of Infrastructure .

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Question 778-18(3): Bellanca Building

Oral Questions

Page 5855

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I knew we would get questions on this one. This was raised in the newspaper with the Bellanca Building coming down. Now, we have to make one thing quite clear: it is a privately owned business. They own this asset. We are actively leasing space off the Bellanca Development Corporation in other buildings that they own in Yellowknife. They have never made anything aware to us as a government about this building. They haven't used it to bid on other projects in the Northwest Territories, or in Yellowknife, I guess.

For us as a government to look at this as an asset to use for something around the polytechnic university or other things in Yellowknife, we haven't had a viable look at this. We have to go through our processes, get money through the House to be able to move on a number of these projects in the Northwest Territories. The short answer is no, we haven't done that. If we were to do that, we would have to have a good, hard look at this because this is an older building.

I suspect there are deferred maintenance issues on this building and hazardous material, depending on what type of renovation a person would have to do on this thing. At this point, we have not clearly had a look at this thing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 778-18(3): Bellanca Building

Oral Questions

Page 5855

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

I do share the Minister's caution. It is not all that appropriate for governments to reach in to private commercial matters, but there is some precedent when it is useful to government such as MTS. We bought those assets, and now we are using it. If there is a real need for a campus, could this be an opportunity to start fresh? I appreciate what the Minister is saying.

Now, there is some concern, as well, that the public has brought forward around demolition and all that material that as the Minister said, may or may not be hazardous going to the Yellowknife landfill and potentially being an environmental concern. Is the Minister aware of any procedures the GNWT has in place to assist in assessing those concerns if they do present a risk to the public?

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Question 778-18(3): Bellanca Building

Oral Questions

Page 5855

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

We have a lot of environmental regulations in place that the developer would have to follow if they were going to dispose of this building. They are going to have to deal with the City of Yellowknife, I suspect, around municipal waste disposal bylaw requirements. There are a number of environmental issues that would have to be taken into consideration on their side as well as probably ours and the City of Yellowknife if this building was to be ripped down.

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Question 778-18(3)