Debates of Feb. 20th, 2018

This is page numbers 3261 – 3304 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 funding .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Waste Resource Management Strategy

Canada's Outstanding Principals Award

Update On The Northwest Territories Disability Framework And Action Plan

Family Planning Support And Benefits

National Indigenous Cultural Expo

Cannabis Legislation

Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Funding For The Northwest Territories Arts Strategy

Knowledge-Based Economy

Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant

Amendments To The Cities, Towns And Villages Act For A Hotel Tax Levy

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Cannabis Distribution And Legislation

National Indigenous Cultural Expo

Functioning Of The Jury System In The Northwest Territories

Gaps In Family Planning Support Coverage

Arts Economy In The Northwest Territories

Federal Cannabis Legislation

Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant

Knowledge-Based Economy

Amendments To The Cities, Towns And Villages Act For A Hotel Tax Levy

Federal Land Transfer Tax Proposal

Chemotherapy Services At Stanton Hospital

Mr. Beaulieu's Reply

Ms. Green's Reply

Mr. Thompson's Reply

Tabled Document 86-18(3): GNWT Programs And Services For Persons With Disabilities Inventory

Tabled Document 88-18(3):

Summary Of Members' Absences For The Period October 17, 2017 To February 6, 2018

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Report of Committee of the Whole

Orders of the Day

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy , Mr. Beaulieu , Hon. Caroline Cochrane , Ms. Green , Hon. Jackson Lafferty , Hon. Bob McLeod , 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.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

---Prayer

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Prayer

Prayer

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Good afternoon, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Finance .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 30-18(3): Waste Resource Management Strategy

Prayer

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories committed in its mandate to develop a strategy to manage the resources and potential economic and environmental benefits derived from household, commercial, and industrial garbage from private sector sources in our municipalities.

As part of fulfilling this commitment, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is currently engaging residents of the Northwest Territories on the development of a Waste Resource Management Strategy. We have already seen success with removing recyclables and electronics from our landfills. More than 24 million beverage containers were returned for recycling across the NWT in 2016-2017, and more than 112 tonnes of electronics were collected through the Electronics Recycling Program. On top of that, an estimated 6.6 million single-use retail bags were kept out of landfills and off the land.

A Waste Resource Management Strategy for the NWT will continue the work that we and our partners have accomplished together to protect our environment. Meetings have been taking place in communities across the territory over the past several weeks to hear from Indigenous governments and organizations, community governments, residents, and businesses on how we can best manage waste in the NWT. Residents can also provide feedback through an online survey until February 28 by visiting the ENR website.

The Waste Resource Management Strategy will serve as our 10-year roadmap to reduce waste generated and disposed of in the NWT, extend the

life of our landfills, and help to prevent waste from contaminating our environment. It will also set the stage to reduce our government's long-term liabilities and the costs associated with the clean-up of hazardous waste. In addition, Mr. Speaker, good recycling programs reduce the energy needed to make new products, and proper composting reduces the emission of methane, both of which will help us in the reduction of greenhouse gases for the NWT.

The strategy will guide us toward building a greener economy by exploring opportunities for businesses to specialize in waste management. Throughout this process, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will continue to work with our partners and NWT residents to identify potential areas of economic benefit and demonstrate how sound waste diversion programs can contribute to a sustainable NWT economy.

Mr. Speaker, a Waste Resource Management Strategy for the Northwest Territories has the potential to benefit our economy while improving the lives of residents by keeping communities and the environment safe and healthy. Our government greatly appreciates the input of our residents and stakeholders to help shape the future of sustainable waste management in the Northwest Territories. The strategy and its implementation plan are expected to be completed by spring 2019. I look forward to sharing the outcomes of our public engagements once they are finalized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 30-18(3): Waste Resource Management Strategy

Prayer

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 31-18(3): Canada's Outstanding Principals Award

Prayer

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Kate Powell, principal of Deninu School in Fort Resolution, on being recognized as one of Canada's Outstanding Principals for 2018. Principals who receive this award are nominated by their colleagues, school staff, and community members. She is the 14th principal in the Northwest Territories to receive this honour.

Ms. Powell is a committed educator who is always searching for new educational experiences for the students and staff of her school. In the past, Deninu School has had attendance issues, students were alienated and disengaged, and there was high staff turnover. Her collaborative approach to education and ability to lead by example has changed the school into a vibrant hub of activity, learning, and interaction.

Kate Powell began working as a literacy coach at Deninu School 10 years ago. In 2012, Ms. Powell was part of the Deninu School team who received the Premier 's Award for Excellence. She herself received the Ministerial Literacy Award in the educator category, jointly with a colleague. That year, she became the principal of Deninu School.

In 2014, under her leadership, the students of her school were awarded the Ministerial Literacy Award for their efforts in revitalizing the Chipewyan language in their community. While she was doing all of this, she also earned her Master's degree in Education in 2015, specializing in curriculum and instruction.

Most of the students at Deninu School are Indigenous. Ms. Powell has worked tirelessly to include art, sports, language, and activities reflecting the culture and traditions of the community. Dene elders are honoured and welcomed into the school, and the new Government of the Northwest Territories Our Languages curriculum is being implemented.

Mr. Speaker, as Deninu School moves towards fully Indigenizing education, Ms. Powell actively promotes the Dene laws and established the Dene Peacekeepers, a group of staff and community partners who encourage young people to take responsibility for their behaviour through justice circles and restitution. She encourages all her staff to learn the Chipewyan language, facilitates the community Interagency Committee, supports the Deninu Jiggers club, and established an annual Dene Hand Games Tournament.

Ms. Powell promotes heritage fairs and brought the annual Canada-Wide Science Fair to the South Slave. Her students have consistently won awards at this fair. At the national level, her students were recognized for their research project on the impact of alcohol in the community. Participation in these fairs has resulted in Deninu students bringing home national medals and university scholarships two years in a row.

Ms. Powell secured funding to construct a welding shop in the school, expanded elective courses, and encouraged exchange visits from students in other parts of the country. She promotes courses available to her students through the Northern Distance Learning program. One recent Indigenous graduate of this program is now transitioning into medical school. Kate Powell has worked very hard to build a strong and dedicated team focused on student success.

She has welcomed the District Education Authority, Deninu Kue First Nation, partner agencies, and parents to Community Education Planning days to provide input into priorities for school improvement. Student achievement has improved significantly.

Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to review the award nomination documents. Words like fearless, strategic, committed, inclusive, innovation, warmth, and leadership were threaded through all of these documents. An excerpt from one of them reads, "Kate is an example to our children, a mentor to our teachers, a champion for our traditional medicines and healing, and a friend to everyone. I am merely one of the lives that she has influenced throughout her daily efforts. She is an inspiration and continues to succeed in spite of considerable odds."

Ms. Powell was a member of the Northwest Territories Education Renewal and Innovation Committee. She has truly embraced the principles behind education renewal. Her ground-breaking approaches to teaching and learning, and her commitment to her students, community, and excellence in education, make Ms. Powell a shining example of the impact one educator can have on the lives of others. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Education Week in the Northwest Territories, please join me in congratulating Ms. Kate Powell on her well-deserved award as one of Canada's Outstanding Principals. Mahsi cho.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 31-18(3): Canada's Outstanding Principals Award

Prayer

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Health and Social Services .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 32-18(3): Update On The Northwest Territories Disability Framework And Action Plan

Prayer

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its mandate to ensure that effective supports and programs are available for persons with disabilities. In March 2016, our government initiated the Disability Program Review and Renewal Project to identify the status of current services, gaps in services, and opportunities for improvements through the development of a new strategic framework and five-year action plan.

The development of this framework has been the product of a partnership between the Government of the NWT and our disability partners from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind Alberta – NWT Office; the Hay River Persons with Disabilities Committee; the NWT Disabilities Council; the Yellowknife Association of Community Living; the NWT Seniors Society; the Foster Family Coalition of the NWT; and the NWT Association of Communities. The perspectives, knowledge, and commitment of these organizations were instrumental in the creation of the framework, which we are publicly releasing today.

The framework is based on the fundamental belief that every person with a disability has the right to full citizenship and opportunity. It outlines our shared vision, values, principles, and goals, and sets direction for our future actions.

Along with the framework, we are releasing a companion document, Disability Matters, which provides a short

summary of the direction we will be undertaking. Mr. Speaker, disability influences all of us, directly or indirectly. Programs and services for persons with disabilities mean many different things to many different people. Each individual accesses different services based on their wants and needs. Sometimes, the largest barrier is knowing where to start when trying to access disability programming and supports. This is why we are also releasing today the GNWT Programs and Services for Persons with Disabilities Inventory.

The inventory is a resource that outlines programs and services that are available to persons with disabilities through GNWT departments, agencies, and those delivered through non-government organizations throughout the Northwest Territories. The inventory will be updated on an ongoing basis to ensure that it is current and responsive.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 32-18(3): Update On The Northwest Territories Disability Framework And Action Plan

Prayer

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 32-18(3): Update On The Northwest Territories Disability Framework And Action Plan

Prayer

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I move, pursuant to rule 36(3), seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake , that the Minister's statement just delivered be moved into the Committee of the Whole for discussion. Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Minister's Statement 32-18(3): Update On The Northwest Territories Disability Framework And Action Plan

Prayer

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

The Minister's statement on NWT Disability Framework and Action Plan has been moved to Committee of the Whole for further discussion. Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Family Planning Support And Benefits

Members' Statements

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Masi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about a situation in which universal health coverage is not universal in the NWT. This government perpetuates a two-tier service for family planning. The women who are losing out on birth control and medical abortion live on low income or have no income of their own. This vulnerable group is non-Indigenous and they are often new Canadians. Our health system is failing them.

The Non-Insured Health Benefits program gives Indigenous women access to birth control of all kinds and pregnancy termination services at no charge, but women who don't have work-related health benefits of their own or through their partner are not covered. In fact, Extended Health Benefits specifically excludes these costs. A non-Indigenous woman with no benefits has to cover the cost of birth control at her own expense, and it is expensive. For example, an IUD is about $400. The new abortion pill is about $425.

This two-tier approach came to my attention last month when I read that the abortion pill, Mifegymiso, is part of the suite of reproductive health choices offered on a universal basis in five provinces. The drug has been available in the NWT since last spring. Doctors at the Yellowknife-based Northern Options for Women program may prescribe the pill to a woman who wants to terminate a very early-stage pregnancy. A doctor or midwife supervises the use of the medication. This pill has become a preferred alternative for women rather than invasive surgical terminations.

The medication also provides women with a choice of treatment in a regional center, provided that there is a doctor or midwife present. Treatment closer to home is obviously preferred by women and is less expensive for the health authority to provide.

Mr. Speaker, this situation is unacceptable, inconsistent, and it does not make sense. Women have universal access to surgical termination of pregnancies, but there is no universal access to pregnancy prevention or the less expensive and invasive medical forms of pregnancy termination. Canadians pride themselves on having access to universal health care, but what we are offering in the NWT is not universal. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Family Planning Support And Benefits

Members' Statements

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi. What we're offering in the NWT is not universal. It leaves a group of vulnerable, low, and no-income women without birth control and without reproduction choice. I will have questions for the Minister of Health . Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Family Planning Support And Benefits

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

National Indigenous Cultural Expo

Members' Statements

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to call attention to a national event that will take place in Edmonton, Alberta, this fall from September 28th to the 30th. It's called the National Indigenous Cultural Expo, or NICE for short.

Mr. Speaker, the event is a spin-off from last year's National Gathering of Elders. About 5,000 people attended this as elders discussed reconciliation, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, climate change, and then many other topics important to Indigenous people. A special aspect of the gathering is that they've included First Nations, Metis, and Inuit elders.

This year's gathering is not so heavy. It's more a celebration of the culture and arts, with a national fashion show, a pow-wow, fiddling, jigging, throat singing, Arctic sports, hand games, and drum competitions. There will also be a national dialogue on child and family aspects between First Nation, Metis, and Inuit participants, a youth and elder's forum, as well as a trade show. Organizers are anticipating attendance of about 10,000 people. They are planning "the biggest and most dynamic cultural expo that Canada has ever seen."

Mr. Speaker, many national elders will be invited, from the National Inuit leader, the National Metis leader, and also the event chief, as well as the Prime Minister. Mr. Speaker, the cost of such a gathering is substantial and the budget for the event is about $1.7 million. Fundraising is expected to supply about 40 per cent of the amount, with the rest coming from sponsors.

Mr. Speaker, the event is being planned by a committee of the representatives from Treaty 6, 7, and 9 First Nations, as well as Metis and Inuit of Canada. Mr. Speaker, gatherings like this signal that reconciliation is happening in Canada despite the extremely disheartening events that justifiably become big news. In my grandparents' time, an event like the National Indigenous Cultural Expo would simply be a dream. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

National Indigenous Cultural Expo

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Cannabis Legislation

Members' Statements

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Canada's legislation is moving forward in almost every other jurisdiction, and even though we are moving slower than some, we finally have a "way forward." Public engagement was an important step in understanding the concerns of residents before developing legislation for the Northwest Territories. I don't take issue with that, but it would seem that it was less about engaging our constituents on their opinions and more about legitimizing the government-administered framework for cannabis regulation and retail operation instead of a true, grassroots-based consultation.

Cannabis should still be legal by June, but with retailed purchasing still being pushed back to at least August, there is still time to get this right, Mr. Speaker. With the cannabis legislation in the Northwest Territories "what we heard" report clearly indicating a split down the middle on how cannabis should be sold, we can all agree that we must provide a safe and secure retail regime for the adult purchase of cannabis in principle, even if we are somewhat split on how that rolls out operationally.

If we intend to provide for real, true, local options to establish cannabis distribution, a private sector solution must be considered. Either that or a real partnership with local people. This framework will benefit Northerners, and not just enrich the government's coffers. Directly south of us, Albertans have two options for purchasing retail recreational cannabis; privately run retail stores, and government-operated online sales.

Mr. Speaker, this model has the best of both worlds, establishing a whole new private industry while also allowing the government to still directly benefit from a retail operation. More, too, it will ensure that all sales remain local, and the current model will have a large amount of mail order sales being made outside our jurisdiction and possibly allow us the ability to tax those purchases.

Cannabis cafes and lounges in Alberta will not be permitted until July 1st, but the legislation does give the authority to regulate these forms of establishments should the government decide to bring them forward at a later date. This is something we should consider. As well, Mr. Speaker, the federal government has agreed to give the provinces and territories a 75 per cent share of tax revenues on the sale of legalized marijuana, but we have yet to come to a revenue sharing agreement with either Indigenous governments or municipal governments.

I look forward to seeing this long-promised legislation shortly in this sitting of the House and the work with committees to improve upon this legislation and establish clear rules of the retail of cannabis. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Cannabis Legislation

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Members' Statements

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, without question, non-governmental organization, or NGOs, provide essential and cost-effective services to the people of the Northwest Territories. These NGOs are sometimes a product of community-minded individuals who care about giving back to their fellow citizens, while other NGOs are creations of specialized services. What these NGOs contribute in taxpayer savings is hard to qualify, but it's sufficient to say that they can do much more with less than the GNWT can on any given day.

Mr. Speaker, last week in the House there was a heated exchange of questions around the GNWT procurement practices and the Business Incentive Policy. What was not mentioned, but is equally important, is the growing concern NGOs have with the current procurement policies and our BIP process. Touted as a "grey area" in the 17th Assembly, questions brought up went unanswered. Today, years later, the concept that NGOs are unable to apply for BIP status, thus excluding them from competitively applying in the GNWT procurement process, has gone unresolved.

Mr. Speaker, the government of the day claimed publicly that, because NGOs don't pay taxes and because some receive funding or non-cash incentives, NGOs are excluded from registering for BIP. They were told then, as they are today, that in order to survive in this competitive world they would have to create a commercial business arm of their mandate; incorporate; keep a separate set of books; and essentially, Mr. Speaker, forgo potential contribution programs or other governmental-based incentives. Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable.

Mr. Speaker, the Business Incentive Policy was on political shaky ground back in 2008 and for almost 10 years now has not been fully reviewed to keep up with the times. Furthermore, this policy is now in contravention of the Societies Act, where

section 4 of this act clearly states the registrar can issue a certificate stating that the society is incorporated. Mr. Speaker, this act clearly demonstrates that a society or NGO can be deemed incorporated, yet our rigid and unfair Business Incentive Policy registration procedures doesn't recognize this law.

At the end of the day, Mr. Speaker, the NGOs are not looking for exclusivity in our procurement BIP policy process. They are merely looking for fair and competitive opportunity.

Mr. Speaker I will have questions later today for the Minister responsible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Members' statements. Member for Sahtu .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Funding For The Northwest Territories Arts Strategy

Members' Statements

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like other Dene communities in the Northwest Territories, the Sahtu Dene display great artistic abilities and traditionally created sewn items from tanned hides.

Mr. Speaker, supports for arts in general can be seen throughout the Northwest Territories. The 2014-2015 fiscal year was a very busy one. ITI contributed through the SEED program to the Sahtu and to the NWT Arts registered database seen 84 local artists. Examples of displayed art can be seen at every Sahtu Air terminal building in the region. The art products are unique and attractive.

Mr. Speaker, Northwest Territories Arts Strategy is a joint initiative of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and the Department of lndustry, Tourism and Investment. This initiative is producing authentic arts and crafts. Examples can be displayed and sold at the Inuvik Great Northern Arts Festival.

Arts and crafts are a vibrant part of our Northwest Territories economy, and advertising our northern image and cultural heritage must be built on. What we have, restructuring through changes to the Western Lottery reviews would only rearrange capital. It should be viewed as maximum program returns and preservation of the unique industry. Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the appropriate Minister. Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Funding For The Northwest Territories Arts Strategy

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Knowledge-Based Economy

Members' Statements

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, imagine a young woman in a small community who takes an online code-writing program and then develops an app to teach people her traditional language. That app may cost $5 to download on any smartphone, tablet, or computer around the world.

Mr. Speaker, here is a number that will boggle your mind. The total number of app downloads in 2017 was 197 billion. So, let's say a traditional language app could get a thousand downloads. Mr. Speaker, at $5 per download, that young woman's creative idea has earned her $5,000.

Now, imagine a young man who learns from the traditional knowledge of the elders about how to build a teepee. From that knowledge, he is inspired to help his community overcome housing challenges. Eventually, he dreams of becoming an architect. Maybe through online education and mentoring from a northern engineer he goes on to develop housing that satisfies modern housing needs and also allows Indigenous people to live a more traditional lifestyle.

Mr. Speaker, innovation and technology does not discriminate against industry. The NWT is unique. In this uniqueness, we have opportunities to develop innovation. Climate change is impacting our people, our communities, and our infrastructure more than most jurisdictions on earth. We need to be at the centre of solutions that mitigate these impacts. We need to develop creative and environmentally safe ways to extract our world-class resources. Agriculture is now a science. Milder temperatures will allow new seeds and soil conditions to be developed, extending our growing seasons here in the North.

Mr. Speaker, these are home-grown challenges. They can be met by exposing Northerners of all ages to information, knowledge, and tools that will build creative minds and skills needed to overcome them. Let's look for ways to build our people's knowledge and creativity and the tools that the modern world offers. Future generations and our growing diversified economy stand to benefit greatly from the business of knowledge. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Knowledge-Based Economy

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant

Members' Statements

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The term "aging infrastructure" is one we hear a lot in this Assembly, but very rarely is it linked to the needs of small communities. Most do not have a lot of infrastructure. Much of what small communities do have is aging and will need to be replaced.

Exhibit A today is the water intake and treatment plant in Fort Providence, operated and maintained by the Hamlet of Fort Providence. The plant was built in the 1970s. It is located at the end of the Providence Narrows, where the current of the Mackenzie is fastest and strongest. The water line into the treatment plant has caused problems for some time. It was installed in 1976 and is still in use after a replacement intake in 2004 failed and had to be abandoned. Low water levels and ice have both caused problems.

From the treatment plant, water is trucked to households and businesses. Of course, the size of each water tank limits water use, especially for doing laundry and taking showers or baths. It is far from a modern system. The water system is frustrating for the hamlet. The study was done and a decision was made to replace the intake. Further studies are ongoing to assess river hydrology and geotechnical issues. This work is partially funded by the community's infrastructure fund.

The intake project is likely to be the first step in a long process of bringing the water and sewer systems to current standards and improve its reliability. There is a great deal of work to be done, and I am concerned about how long it might take. Alternative sites for a water treatment plant are being considered, as is a reservoir system. There are many demands on the Community Infrastructure Fund, and water projects may tax its capacity.

Mr. Speaker, we live on one of the greatest rivers in the world, a watershed that serves one fifth of Canada, and yet Fort Providence lacks a reliable system for getting water for the community. There is something wrong with this picture. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Amendments To The Cities, Towns And Villages Act For A Hotel Tax Levy

Members' Statements

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. Last weekend the NWT Association of Communities met in Hay River for its annual general meeting. A resolution calling on the territorial government to pass amendments to the Cities, Towns and Villages Act that would empower tax-based communities to collect a levy was passed in 2010. That is eight years, or two Legislative Assemblies, ago.

The City of Yellowknife has requested this change countless times. In October 2016 council passed a motion calling for the change and wrote the MACA Minister to strongly request action. What we are really talking about here, Mr. Speaker, is a small addition to the list of legislative powers found in

section 70(1) of the act, to give the tax-based communities the ability to bring in a hotel levy and to administer the funding.

The MACA Minister said in this House that a bill to amend the CTV Act is expected in the May-June session. That would put passage of a law down to October at the earliest. The Minister has said that the delay is needed to consult with stakeholders, including the hotel sector. Consultations with the hotel industry have been going on since at least 2010.

With the closure of the Northern Frontier Visitors' Centre last fall, the city stepped up to open a tourism information centre. The city runs this with $161,000 in territorial funding, and they top it up themselves, as well.

That is nowhere near enough to meet the expense of a visitors' centre here in Yellowknife. ITI spends $227,000 a year for three seasonal staff plus operating expenses in Dawson City, Yukon, but the NWT community with the most tourism has to top up revenues itself and would like to top them up even further with a hotel levy, with CTV Act amendments, if that happens soon enough.

We have given authority to our local governments. When they need this authority improved or amended, it is our responsibility to act, and promptly. This responsibility has been made even more acute by our government's withdrawal from tourism visitors' services, downloading the financial burden on the city.

October is too long to wait to create the ability to raise needed funds to respond and promote tourism. We need a bill soon, and hopefully before the end of this sitting, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs later today.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Amendments To The Cities, Towns And Villages Act For A Hotel Tax Levy

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Item 4, reports of standing and special committees. Item 5, returns to oral questions. Item 6, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Great Slave .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, in follow-up to my disability statement, I would like to acknowledge visitors in the gallery who were able to take time out of their busy schedules to be with us here today. First off, I would like to recognize Denise McKee, who is the executive director of the NWT Disabilities Council, as well as members of the board Cornelius Van Dyke, who is vice chair, and Judy Sharp, who is treasurer. I would also like to recognize Ben Russo, who is the vice chairperson of the Yellowknife Association for Community Living, as well as Lynn Elkin from the association.

I would like to recognize Laurie McLean, who is the facilitator with the NWT MS Society; Barb Hood, who is the executive director from the NWT Seniors Society; and Tammy Roberts, who is the executive director of the Foster Family Association. I thank them all for their hard work and commitment to developing the disability framework and other documents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Kate Powell, principal from Deninu School in Fort Resolution. I would also like to recognize my new CA, Pascal Erasmus, who is in the gallery today. I would like to recognize Mero Sundberg, interpreter from Detah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River North .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to recognize one of Hay River's entrepreneurs and a Hay River North constituent, Mr. Jeff Griffiths.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, want to recognize Barb Hood, resident of Yellowknife North and the executive director of the NWT Seniors Society. Welcome.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take the opportunity once again to recognize Kate Powell, principal of Deninu School, and congratulations on being recognized as one of Canada's Outstanding Principals. You are doing a great job for our students and our staff. Thanks for that.

I would also like to take the opportunity to recognize a former resident of Inuvik, Mr. Martin Carroll -- welcome to Yellowknife and to the Legislative Assembly -- and his wife, Ruth Carroll, who is interpreting for us this week. Mahsi cho.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to welcome Lynn Elkin, the executive director of the Yellowknife Association for Community Living, and Ben Russo, the vice chair of the Board, to the House. They are my constituents, and I would like to thank them for the work they do on behalf of disabled clients. Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a couple of Pages here today from Helen Kalvak School in Ulukhaktok, Albert Okheena and Chris Haoga, along with their chaperone, Brandon Okheena. Mr. Speaker, the Helen Kalvak School in the Northwest Territories is very strong culturally, along with their language and on-the-land programs, and I would just like to welcome the students here today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

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

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am going to break protocol for a minute. I want to make a recognition of Ms. Judith Sharpe, who was instrumental in helping me get elected, was on my campaign team, and I owe a great deal of gratitude to her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Frame Lake .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I would like to recognize and welcome three constituents in the gallery today: Judy Sharp, I believe she is with the NWT Council for the Disabled; Romeo Berube, who is with Northland Utilities; and Miles Welsh, who chairs Yellowknife Catholic Schools. I would like to welcome them and thank them for their work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we missed anyone in the gallery, welcome to our Chambers. It is always great to have an audience as part of our proceedings. Masi. Item 7, acknowledgements. Item 8, oral questions. Member for Nahendeh .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 122-18(3): Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a follow-up to my Member's statement, we clearly see a disconnect within our government's mandate in regard to supporting diversity and capacity building in our territory. By preventing NGOs from registering under the Business Incentive Policy, a policy, I must add, that has not been reviewed in over a decade, and as I pointed out in my statement earlier today, Mr. Speaker, the policy is a legal contravention of the Societies Act.

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Infrastructure indicate to the House when and by what process has the Business Incentive Policy ever been reviewed regarding NGOs purposely being excluded from registering under BIP? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 122-18(3): Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 122-18(3): Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Premier stated in this House last week, the BIP policy is probably one of the best policies this government has ever created; so I am going to start there. The thing about BIP is that BIP was created for for-profit business-related activities, and it is there to help entrepreneurial-based businesses.

Competing with NGOs is a tough business, because they do not pay any income tax; they get other sources of government funding, a number of them; they get a lot of stuff in kind for rent and different things as such from various people and stakeholders and Government of the Northwest Territories, in some cases. It makes it tough for an entrepreneurial-based business to compete with this, and that is why it is in the clause. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 122-18(3): Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

I thank the Minister for his answer. I am not arguing that it is the best in the world, but we have some problems with it. Let's be honest here. We heard last week that we had problems, and this week we are bringing problems here again, Mr. Speaker.

To be clear, under our current GNWT procurement process, NGOs are excluded from our BIP process. Mr. Speaker, I can certainly see how this can be seen as a level playing field. Can the Minister indicate by what process or methodology do NGOs compete fairly versus a private business in our RFP procurement process?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 122-18(3): Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

In the procurement process departments, we typically use the standard tender and RFP templates, which would include the clause excluding non-profit entities from the competition. However, in the event departments wish to include non-profit entities in procurement, they must ensure to exclude the clause from the tender and RFP documents and the reason for doing so in the tender and RFP files.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 122-18(3): Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

I thank the Minister for that answer. Mr. Speaker, during the set of procurement policy oral questions with the Premier on February 14, 2018, the Premier stated that concerns around procurement are primarily due to difference of understanding and that, if Members were to provide a list of problems, a review could result. Mr. Speaker, does the Minister agree NGOs being excluded from registering under BIP is an issue, and will he commit with the Premier to finding a workable solution?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 122-18(3): Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

We are continually working on the process to improve it moving forward, but as I have stated in this House last week, I added one more, so we are up to three on the procurement process. If Members have issues with NGOs around the procurement process and the BIP process, they need to come to me. They cannot sit on that side of the House and just say there is a problem with it. Show something to me in writing or bring something to me, but just to sit there and talk about it is not going to prove anything.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 122-18(3): Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 122-18(3): Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Minister for that long-winded answer about working with us on the other side of the table. You know, that hallway works both ways. You can actually walk down to our side, too, and when we bring it up, you can actually talk to us about it. I am a little concerned with your answer there, but I will go on to my next question.

Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss not to point out the NWT Societies Act has provisions that clearly articulate that an NGO can be deemed as a corporation by way of registration, yet the BIP application process does not recognize this law. Can the Minister inform the House why not, and will he investigate and fix this BIP registration oversight once and for all? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 122-18(3): Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Here is a tangible question. I will look into it and get back to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 122-18(3): Procurement Policies And Impacts On Non-Governmental Organizations

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 123-18(3): Cannabis Distribution And Legislation

Oral Questions

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Finance about what is being contemplated for the rollout and regulation of our cannabis products. How is our mail order system going to work? Is this something that is going to be licensed and regulated in the Northwest Territories, or are we relying on the federal government in other provinces to do that licensing? Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 123-18(3): Cannabis Distribution And Legislation

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Finance .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 123-18(3): Cannabis Distribution And Legislation

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have been doing a lot of work on the NWT side as to how we want to roll this out, and once the legislation passes, we will be able to have a product that is made in the NWT. As far as the mail order, I believe that they are going to be regulated by the federal government, but I will confirm that and have a discussion with the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 123-18(3): Cannabis Distribution And Legislation

Oral Questions

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

We have a way forward document that lays out how the government plans to distribute cannabis products in the Northwest Territories, and mail order is an option for those communities that will not have access to cannabis stores. How are we going to tax mail order products? There have been concerns raised about lost revenue. How are we going to tax mail order cannabis?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 123-18(3): Cannabis Distribution And Legislation

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

We're still working out the details, but our plan is there is going to a tax on cannabis that's sold in the Northwest Territories. As far as products that are coming from outside the Northwest Territories, I would assume that they would be taxed at their point of sale. Again, I will confirm that. We are putting the details together. I do want to provide Members with the details once we get all our information together because the government has been doing a lot of work on this and recognizing the fact that it is coming down and we need to try and deal with it and mitigate the impact it's going to have on the Northwest Territories.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 123-18(3): Cannabis Distribution And Legislation

Oral Questions

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

I do want to thank the Minister and acknowledge that he is opening the door for the collaboration on this issue. One thing I haven't seen addressed in any of the proposals going forward is a contemplation of cannabis co-ops or compassion clubs, or things along those lines. We've seen models like that in the past, but has the government done any research into a cannabis co-op model? How will that be regulated? How would that be run? How would it happen safely in the Northwest Territories?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 123-18(3): Cannabis Distribution And Legislation

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Just off the top of my head, I'm not quite sure if we've done that work. Again, I will confirm that then and have a discussion with the Member. Again, I've made the offer before. That is we roll out our details and we gather more details. I'll be more than happy to sit down with Members and get their opinions and share that information with them.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 123-18(3): Cannabis Distribution And Legislation

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 123-18(3): Cannabis Distribution And Legislation

Oral Questions

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Finally, with the acknowledgment from the federal government that the deadline for the retail models of cannabis distribution have been pushed back, is the Minister open to working with stakeholders and with this side of the House to iron out some of these details to create more opportunities for private sector distribution, for mail order distribution, for co-op distribution, for production of cannabis in the Northwest Territories? Because we have more time to work on this legislation.

Is the Minister more open to those discussions and potentially changing the way forward so it's more flexible, it's more innovative, and it's not limiting our economic advantage with cannabis? Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 123-18(3): Cannabis Distribution And Legislation

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

The Minister is not more open. The Minister is always open to having a discussion with the stakeholders and Regular Members because this is an issue that we need to make sure we get the work done and get it done properly. The fact that the date has been pushed back, as we kind of anticipated, we will continue to do our work, have the discussions with the appropriate stakeholders, and then, when the federal government does decide to roll this out, I will assure the Members, the public, and the Northwest Territories that the government of the Northwest Territories will be ready. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 123-18(3): Cannabis Distribution And Legislation

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Oral questions. Member for Nunakput .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 124-18(3): National Indigenous Cultural Expo

Oral Questions

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke about the National Indigenous Cultural Expo happening in Edmonton on September 28th to 30th this year. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

Mr. Speaker, I'd to see Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Territories well-represented at the National Indigenous Cultural Expo and prominent on a Canada-wide stage. Mr. Speaker, I'm wondering what our Department of Education, Culture and Employment will plan to do to ensure that this happens. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 124-18(3): National Indigenous Cultural Expo

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 124-18(3): National Indigenous Cultural Expo

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The event that the Member was mentioning in his statement was a gathering that took place in 2017. At that time, the department did sponsor the Inuvialuit drummers and dancers to attend the event. We do support artists and northern performers as well as cultural delegates through funding programs. As you know, we do have a pot of funding and that, if anyone wants to look at attending the event, they get their applications into the department sooner than later before the end of the fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 124-18(3): National Indigenous Cultural Expo

Oral Questions

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

I appreciate the response from the Minister. My second question is: what level of financial or other types of support does the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment expect to pledge to this event?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 124-18(3): National Indigenous Cultural Expo

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Every year the department allocates about $100,000 for the support of northern performers and cultural delegates funding. As I mentioned earlier, I encourage anyone who wants to attend the event or any other events to submit a formal application to the department.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 124-18(3): National Indigenous Cultural Expo

Oral Questions

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

That's good information for organizations to know. My final question, and also just a comment: I think that the Indigenous Cultural Expo for Northwest Territories might be a good way to raise awareness of our cultures, languages, traditions, and arts. It also has a great potential to support our growing tourism sector. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister look into the idea and report his findings back to the Assembly of some events like this in the Northwest Territories?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 124-18(3): National Indigenous Cultural Expo

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Currently, the department supports a wide variety of events and programs that focus on our Indigenous cultures, languages, traditions, arts. To that, I can think right off the top of my head are the Great Northern Arts Festival, also the Metis Cultural Days that are in Hay River. Right across the parking lot here at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, we do that through exhibits and events throughout the year. We have over about 60,000 visits to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre on a yearly basis. We also continue to support heritage fairs in the schools, among many other things, but any other suggestions or supports that we can do, we're gladly willing to look at them.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 124-18(3): National Indigenous Cultural Expo

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Oral questions. Member for Hay River North .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 125-18(3): Functioning Of The Jury System In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week, on February 15th, in light of longstanding concerns that have recently gained mainstream notoriety, the honourable Member for Kam Lake asked the Minister of Justice if he has taken any steps to review procedural fairness in our justice system. In his response, the Minister acknowledged that there has been a good deal of commentary about the justice system as of late and, according to unedited Hansard, stated, "I'm a little concerned that radical changes to the jury system would be ill-advised. This system has served us well for a thousand years."

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the Minister who he meant when he said "us."

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 125-18(3): Functioning Of The Jury System In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Justice .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 125-18(3): Functioning Of The Jury System In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. By "us," I meant that it had served the system well for a thousand years. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 125-18(3): Functioning Of The Jury System In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

So the Minister is part of the system, it sounds like. Given that half of the residents of this territory are Indigenous and that this justice system hasn't been here for a thousand years, I'd like to ask the Minister: considering that about 90 per cent of the people incarcerated in the territory are also Indigenous, would the Minister consider that this system has served our Indigenous population well?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 125-18(3): Functioning Of The Jury System In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Dealing first with the question specifically with respect to the jury system itself, yes, I think it has served the North well. The jurors are selected at random from the health card list, those who are eligible for health insurance. In my experiences, juries that I've dealt with, probably 20 or 30 jury trials, they do fairly represent the communities. I didn't always like the verdicts they delivered, but I always thought they were fair and that they represented the community.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 125-18(3): Functioning Of The Jury System In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

I recognize that the North is different. I never want to import a southern solution to a northern issue, and this is a case where it may be what they are saying in the South doesn't apply. If the issue with the over-representation of Aboriginals in the justice system isn't with the jury system, what is the problem?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 125-18(3): Functioning Of The Jury System In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Yes, the Department of Justice and the government as a whole are concerned about the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system. We are doing things to ameliorate that situation, including restorative justice, specialized courts, corrections programming, court workers, and legal aid, to just list a few areas. As I say, there are problems in society and in the judicial system, but I do not think the jury system is part of the problem.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 125-18(3): Functioning Of The Jury System In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 125-18(3): Functioning Of The Jury System In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is a problem when we incarcerate as many people per capita as the Americans do. We are the worst in Canada. My concern is that, as MLAs, we are only here for a limited amount of time and, if we do nothing but maintain the status quo, our time here is essentially a waste. I know the Minister's plate is quite full with cannabis legalization and other initiatives, but Justice seems a little light on strategies and frameworks when compared to the other departments, so I want to know: does the department have any strategies or frameworks in the pipeline to finally begin addressing this issue that has gone unaddressed for too long? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 125-18(3): Functioning Of The Jury System In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Yes, as mentioned earlier, we do have various courts, DVTO court and wellness court, that are new to the system and are exciting and hopefully initiatives that will result in a change. We realize that there is an over-representation of Aboriginal people in the system and in the jail system, but particularly, as I mentioned, there are the specialized courts, there is corrections programming, court workers including legal aid and outreach, so we are making improvements. Hopefully, these many initiatives will lead to success. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 125-18(3): Functioning Of The Jury System In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 126-18(3): Gaps In Family Planning Support Coverage

Oral Questions

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services . In my Member's statement, I noted that there is a group of low- or no-income non-Indigenous women who do not qualify for birth control or the new abortion pill. Why not? Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 126-18(3): Gaps In Family Planning Support Coverage

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 126-18(3): Gaps In Family Planning Support Coverage

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Mifegymiso pill is actually something that is prescribed by physicians in the Northwest Territories, so it can be prescribed. I think the difficulty that we have is that it is not covered by all of our insurance programs or supplementary health programs that we have out there.

We know in the Northwest Territories there is a gap of individuals who are not covered by our supplemental health programs and do not have insurance from their employer. All other individuals can get this covered. In that light, we are conducting an internal review of the supplementary health benefits program, and that work is happening right now with the view of addressing the coverage gaps that exist that I think this particular pill falls under. We are hoping to get that review done so that we can have some informed discussions with Members and the public on how we can work together to close that gap and in an equitable, affordable, and fair way.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 126-18(3): Gaps In Family Planning Support Coverage

Oral Questions

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

I appreciate the answer from the Minister. I am glad to hear that he is proactively reviewing gaps such as the one that I have highlighted today. I want to point out to him that it is not just the new abortion pill. It is also birth control. Birth control is specifically excluded. Is that being reviewed, as well?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 126-18(3): Gaps In Family Planning Support Coverage

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Drugs that are covered under extended health benefits or non-insured health benefits that are covered by the federal government go through a lengthy process to determine whether they are covered. I am not sure why that particular medication is not covered, but I do know that it is covered by a large number of insurances, that it is covered by NIHB and other things, so it would be covered for a large number of the residents of the Northwest Territories.

What we are doing is a review of our supplemental health programs, which is going to focus in on the gap of individuals that are not covered, so low-income families who do not have insurance and what to cover for. We are going to get that work done so that we can all have an informed discussion in this House, in the public, about how we could have an affordable, equitable, fair supplemental health program for all residents of the Northwest Territories.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 126-18(3): Gaps In Family Planning Support Coverage

Oral Questions

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

I appreciate the Minister's answer, but he did not answer the question. We were talking about, on the one hand, the provision of medical abortion; on the other hand, birth control. Neither is covered for this vulnerable group of women. Is the Minister also looking at the birth control end of it?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 126-18(3): Gaps In Family Planning Support Coverage

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

I kind of feel like I did answer the question. Maybe the Member did not like it. The bottom line is we are doing a review of the supplemental health program. If these things are covered under other insurances, like NIHB, we want to find a way to make sure that those low-income families without insurance are getting covered appropriately, and we need to make sure that it is done affordably, equitably, and fairly for all residents of the Northwest Territories. That includes all drugs, not just the ones that the Member is talking about today, that are covered under existing programs, that are not covered for this group.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 126-18(3): Gaps In Family Planning Support Coverage

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 126-18(3): Gaps In Family Planning Support Coverage

Oral Questions

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Minister for that response. So, the new medical abortion pill, Mifegymiso, is available in Yellowknife. I am wondering when the government will make this pill available in regional centres that have doctors or midwives. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 126-18(3): Gaps In Family Planning Support Coverage

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Mifegymiso is actually provided through the Northern Options for Women program, which offers reproductive choices and abortion services for all women of reproductive age in the Northwest Territories, as well as the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. This program is currently offered in Yellowknife, the Member is correct, as well as Inuvik when we have particular physicians who have the knowledge providing local coverage in that area.

Consideration is currently being given to support the NOW program, which is the Northern Options for Women program, in other regional centres of the Northwest Territories so that it is available in a wider range throughout the Northwest Territories. We are exploring those options now to try to determine the cost and make sure that it could be done in a fair, equitable, and affordable way. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 126-18(3): Gaps In Family Planning Support Coverage

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 127-18(3): Arts Economy In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. In the whole community of sports, recreation, arts and crafts, my first question to the Minister of ITI is: what role does ITI play in supporting the arts in the Northwest Territories? Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 127-18(3): Arts Economy In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 127-18(3): Arts Economy In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, the Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes that the arts play an important role in the creation of healthy and vibrant communities. Traditional arts in particular, I would say, play a big role in that because they are a source of income and economic development in many of our small and remote communities. We want to advance and encourage that as part of our economy.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 127-18(3): Arts Economy In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

My next question, and I thank the Minister for that answer: does the Minister see the arts sector as one that can play a role in building our economy?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 127-18(3): Arts Economy In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

As I said, I see it as a source of income and economic development, but, in particular, I think where I see a role in the arts community playing a significant role is around how we represent and promote ourselves around tourism. That is a big part of it. A lot of these people come here and buy mementos and souvenirs before they go home, and this represents the traditional artists of the territory. With that, though, we also reach out to help these people in the small communities to get the right pricing and marketing for their communities. We have these regional sessions, workshops, to help them get the right value for their product.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 127-18(3): Arts Economy In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

In my statement earlier, I had mentioned both departments, ECE and ITI. My next question is: what joint funding initiatives are available for traditional artists in the Northwest Territories by a strategy that includes both departments?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 127-18(3): Arts Economy In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Last year, ITI provided $1.6 million for funding for artists in the Northwest Territories; $250,000 of that was invested regionally to support specific arts and fine crafts. We also have the SEED program, which has huge uptake, to help support the arts program. We have a bunch of other stuff that we do. We support venues and events where artists can promote and sell their products, like the Great Northern Arts Festival and a number of music festivals in the Northwest Territories. Also, last year I had the opportunity and maybe a number of Members of the House did: we had a pop-up art show in Yellowknife, and we brought in regional artists from across the NWT to promote that.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 127-18(3): Arts Economy In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 127-18(3): Arts Economy In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am thanking the Minister for the information here so we can relate that back on to the leaders that I represent in five communities. My last question: what is the government doing to promote traditional arts in the area of, say, music and painting, for example? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 127-18(3): Arts Economy In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

I want to thank the Member for his question. We have the NWT Arts Program and the website that we established. On there, you can register your product or what you do, whether it is selling your CD or whatever, at no cost.

On that website, we also do the marketing campaigns and advertising for NWT artists through that web page. Also on there, we have a "where to buy NWT arts" page which will direct people who are looking for specific types of products to which NWT outlets they can purchase these types of things at. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 127-18(3): Arts Economy In The Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 128-18(3): Federal Cannabis Legislation

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have questions for the Minister of Finance on cannabis. I would like to ask the Minister: what is going to occur if the federal government is not able to pass legislation as of July 1st? It appears at this point like that is not going to be possible. I would like to know what the action plan for our government would be if that was to occur. Thank you.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 128-18(3): Federal Cannabis Legislation

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Finance .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 128-18(3): Federal Cannabis Legislation

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the federal government does not pass legislation, the current laws will remain in place. There is not much we can do but continue our work to get ready to implement once they do pass legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 128-18(3): Federal Cannabis Legislation

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

I would like to ask the Minister what action his government would take, or this government would take, if the federal government recognized that they were not able to pass legislation and decided to decriminalize marijuana by July 1st?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 128-18(3): Federal Cannabis Legislation

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Well, as I said, it is federal law that they are working on. If they decide that it is unable to be done by the time that they have specified, then we would just have to change direction and just continue to do the work that we can to sure that we are ready for implementation once the federal government does legalize cannabis.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 128-18(3): Federal Cannabis Legislation

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

I would like to ask the Minister what process, I guess, we would have to do if we decided that there was no way that we were going to be able to pass legislation within this time frame and then the federal government moves to decriminalize the legislation. If the federal government continues on with that, at this point, would this government actually actively try to decriminalize marijuana, too? I am curious to know if that could something that could be done quickly or if that process would be just as slow as actually passing the legislation.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 128-18(3): Federal Cannabis Legislation

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

My understanding is that the federal government has to pass legislation to legalize cannabis. I do not think we have the ability as a jurisdiction to do it on our own, because it is still illegal according to the Criminal Code, and that would have to be changed. I do not think we have the ability to enact this legislation on our own without the federal government passing their legislation to legalize cannabis.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 128-18(3): Federal Cannabis Legislation

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 129-18(3): Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I made a statement on the water treatment plant situation in Fort Providence and the problems with the intake line. Of course, the community of Fort Providence, through the hamlet council, has undertaken a study. My question is to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs : what is the department's role in updating the Fort Providence water and sewer system to modern and reliable standards? Mahsi.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 129-18(3): Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 129-18(3): Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The role of Municipal and Community Affairs is to support communities as best as possible. When it comes to water and waste water, we provide annual funding to the communities to develop it. We support them in developing their annual capital planning process. That planning process actually usually guides the communities to develop strategies for long-term projects such as a water treatment plant or big infrastructure projects. Then, once that has gone through that process, we will support the hamlets and communities in actually looking at what federal funding they can access to build their large infrastructure projects. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 129-18(3): Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Other communities are likely in the same situation where aging infrastructure from the 1970s more than likely served its purpose beyond its years. One common theme that has been suggested to communities is the idea of reservoirs. Can the Minister explain why a water reservoir may be one option for the community?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 129-18(3): Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

The purpose of the study from the hamlet conducted was to look at all options to provide clean water to the residents of the community. The reservoir was one of the options that the hamlet reviewed, so it was one of many options that the hamlet could look at. Then it is the process that the hamlet has to decide which of the options provided in that study would best meet the needs of their community.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 129-18(3): Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

MACA, of course, provides funding, as the Minister stated, infrastructure funding to community, and, of course, it is based on federal allocations. What priority does aging infrastructure, like the water treatment plant in Fort Providence, receive when considering community infrastructure funding allocations?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 129-18(3): Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Every community has different needs. Every community has different infrastructure needs. Some of them are more up-to-date than others. During their capital planning process, that is the time that each community identifies which of their infrastructure projects are reaching the end of life and which ones we need to support, then, in obtaining federal infrastructure money so that they can meet the infrastructure needs within their individual communities.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 129-18(3): Fort Providence Water Treatment Plant

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 130-18(3): Knowledge-Based Economy

Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Finance . I appreciate that the subject of a knowledge-based economy is a multi-department initiative, but I understand that the Minister is taking the lead.

I spoke earlier about a couple of examples; a young woman developing an app to promote education as it relates to her traditional language. I talked about the opportunity of a young man becoming an architect and having an impact on housing that supports Indigenous lifestyles. These are all things relevant to the knowledge-based economy. Mr. Speaker, if I can, I would like to ask the Minister if he can provide the House with an update on what the GNWT is doing to develop and promote the knowledge-based economy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 130-18(3): Knowledge-Based Economy

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Finance .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 130-18(3): Knowledge-Based Economy

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have committed in our renewed mandate to developing a knowledge economy.

First of all, we are going to focus on advancing access to knowledge in our agricultural sector, expanding our geoscience information and implementation of the NTGS Strategic Plan, and advancing public understanding of resource development in the NWT.

The examples that the Member gave, I think, are very good examples of an initiative going forward that would work to our knowledge-based economy, and as we've heard a number of times in the past talking about with the benefits of the fibre-optic line and possibly doing a knowledge-based up in Beau-Del, I think there are some opportunities there. There are a number of issues that we are looking at, and we do recognize that going forward, it is very important that we cultivate our knowledge base to take advantage of the options that might be out there.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 130-18(3): Knowledge-Based Economy

Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you to the Minister for the reply, and the extensive reply. I really appreciate that. He did touch on reaching out as it related to opportunities that might be had with regard to certain industries. I talked earlier today about the challenges that we're facing with regard to climate change that are affecting us on our doorstep here, day in and day out. I also talked about mining resource extraction and challenges that they faced in protecting the environment. I also talked about the agriculture sector in the innovation and how it's affecting it.

I'm wondering: can the Minister let us know if he's been reaching out as a government to those industries and to those sectors, asking them what their challenges and how innovation and technology might help them overcome those challenges?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 130-18(3): Knowledge-Based Economy

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

We're always reaching out to folks out there to get their input on how they're affected by a number of different issues that are facing the Northwest Territories, such as climate change. We actually don't even have to reach out to them. They reach out to us and point out some of the challenges that they're facing, too.

I think it's critically important that we continue to work with them, hear what they talk about, the challenges that they face, and then we'll have a discussion with them on some of our options and some of the things we're working on going forward, because it is a critical issue and I think now is the time to start trying to deal with the impacts of climate change and everything else on business and people across the Northwest Territories.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 130-18(3): Knowledge-Based Economy

Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

My final question to the Minister -- and I appreciate the previous reply. It's really good to hear that we're reaching out to industry and others to help them overcome their challenges. Let's talk a little bit more specifically about the communities. The couple of examples that I gave showed tremendous opportunity as it relates to innovation and technology and what they can bring to the communities. I'd like to know from the Minister: what is the government doing, or what can we be doing, to actually promote knowledge-based economy a little bit stronger in the communities?

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 130-18(3): Knowledge-Based Economy

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Conversations such as the one we're having right now are one way to promote knowledge-based economy and to let people out there know that there are pots of money within the territorial government to come up with some initiatives like the ones the Member spoke of. I'm sure they received some assistance of some sort from the Government of Northwest Territories. Then recognizing that, going forward, anyone can put a proposal together and submit it to the Government of Northwest Territories.

When we speak of the successes of some of the proposals and initiatives that have come forward, I'm sure more people will be encouraged to put initiatives forward or to think there might be an opportunity to receive some funding, because I think it is an issue that is important to the government and to all 19 Members of the Legislative Assembly. I think it's one that we need to promote and put some investment towards.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 130-18(3): Knowledge-Based Economy

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake .

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Question 131-18(3): Amendments To The Cities, Towns And Villages Act For A Hotel Tax Levy

Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. My questions are for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs . The issue of changes to the Cities, Towns and Villages Act to allow tax-based communities to introduce hotel levies was discussed earlier in the sitting. The Minister responded and indicated that necessary consultations with the hotel industry stakeholders were causing the delays. These consultations have been going on since at least 2010, even before I became an MLA. I was involved in consultations that the Finance Department was undertaking at that point around a hotel levy. Can the Minister tell us what she heard from the hotel industry this time around? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Please select the issue you noticed * :

Misattribution

Formatting

Missing Words

Other

If Other, please indicate the problem: (Optional)

Submit

Thanks!

We'll take a look into it.

Sorry!

There was a problem with your submis