Debates of Sept. 27th, 2017

This is page numbers 2785 – 2828 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was communities .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Mandate Successes – Developing Our Natural Resources

Completion Of The Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link

Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Universal Affordable Childcare

Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Interpretation Of Treaty Rights

North Slave Correctional Centre Security Concerns

Climate Change Strategic Framework

Eulogy For Melissa Pascua-Matte

Small Community Employment Support Program

Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance And Repairs

Universal Affordable Childcare

Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

North Slave Correctional Centre Safety Concerns

Treaty Rights

Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Small Community Employment Support Program

Climate Change Strategic Framework

Small Community Employment Support Program

Replacement Generators Delivery And Contract

Tabled Document 457-18(2): Northwest Territories Geological Survey Strategic Plan 2017‑2022

Tabled Document 458-18(2): Everyone Is Home – Yellowknife's 10 Year Plan To End Homelessness

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

Report of the Committee of the Whole

Orders of the Day

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy , Mr. Beaulieu , Mr. Blake , 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.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Good afternoon, Members. Colleagues, before we begin the business of the day, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge a special day for one of our colleagues. It happens to be the birthday of the Member for Hay River North , Mr. R.J. Simpson . Happy birthday.

---Applause

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment .

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Minister's Statement 212-18(2): Mandate Successes – Developing Our Natural Resources

Ministers' Statements

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, our government has committed in its mandate to supporting exploration and the mining sector. It is the lifeblood of our economy. Our people and businesses are innovative, self-sufficient, and resilient, and want to do their part to contribute to a strong Northwest Territories. We need the kind of well-paying, long-term jobs that come with sustainable economic development, and our government is working towards economic self-determination for all NWT residents.

Our strategic approach to unlocking the potential of responsible mining and exploration in the NWT is defined in our Mineral Development Strategy. We committed in our mandate to its implementation and, Mr. Speaker, we are making progress. The Government of the Northwest Territories has a vision of a strong, prosperous territory that provides opportunities for all our communities and regions. Sustainable, responsible development of our natural resources is a significant part of realizing that vision, and strengthening our economy through the responsible development of these resources will allow us to reach our full potential.

Today I'd like to highlight how we have met and surpassed a number of important milestones to helping us reach that full potential. In the first two years of our mandate, we have invested approximately $3.4 million in support for geoscience, marketing, Aboriginal capacity building, and our ongoing annual funding for the Mining Incentive Program.

Mr. Speaker, while mining is the foundation of our economy geoscience is the foundation of mining. Later today I will be tabling the recently released five-year strategic plan for the Northwest Territories Geological Survey. It is the guide by which this important division of our government will continue to provide the geoscience data behind the responsible development of our mineral and energy resources.

Last Friday we officially opened the doors to our Northwest Territories' Geological Materials Storage Facility. The completion of this facility is one that was recommended by our Mineral Development Strategy. It is a resource that has the potential to advance mining projects and increase development in our resource sector.

Elsewhere, Mr. Speaker, we have responded to the needs in our marketplace by implementing, and extending, incentives for exploration. This includes our Work Credits Program, which we extended by two years. The implementation of the Mining Incentive Program is a direct investment by our government in the future of exploration in the NWT. Not only did we implement this program, Mr. Speaker, we more than doubled it.

Meanwhile, we have worked to close the skills gap by partnering with the Mine Training Society and other stakeholders to offer training programs targeted to meet demand within the mining industry. This includes new surface mining and prospecting courses to build capacity within our local workforce. Our mandate commitment also includes supporting Aboriginal governments looking to benefit from mining. That is why we have established the Client Service and Community Relations Unit, in part to support Aboriginal governments as they build their capacity to deal with mining-related activities.

This unit was instrumental in facilitating the attendance of Indigenous government representatives at last year's roundup event in Vancouver, and in the work that we have supported to advance a regional mineral development strategy for the Dehcho.

In June we introduced the Resources and Energy Development Information Project to connect NWT residents with the information they need to understand what energy and non-renewable resources exist in the NWT, what is entailed in their development, and the benefits that can be realized from their development.

Mr. Speaker, a related commitment in our mandate is the development of the Northwest Territories' first-ever Mineral Resources Act. We are moving forward on an aggressive timeline to see that our territory's unique needs are reflected in our legislation before the Legislative Assembly dissolves. We are engaging Indigenous governments and organizations, stakeholders, and all NWT residents to inform the development of this act. We've visited seven communities, held focus group sessions with stakeholders, and had meetings with representatives from both the public and Indigenous governments.

We will continue to take meetings, collect input from our new interactive engagement portal, and take phone calls, e-mails, and mail comments until December 1st.

While mining and exploration are the bulk of our natural resource sector, we also committed in our mandate to delivering an oil and gas strategy for the Northwest Territories. A draft strategy and proposed implementation plan is now complete. It offers a viable, balanced, and made-in-the-NWT approach to advancing oil and gas development in the Northwest Territories and is positioning our territory to realize economic benefits that this sector may have to offer.

As our government works on energy and climate change moves forward, there is also a need to reconsider our Oil and Gas Strategy in the context of our government's emerging vision for greater energy security. While work on our Oil and Gas Strategy is largely complete, we need to ensure that it is consistent with other Government of the Northwest Territories strategies, including the Energy Strategy and upcoming Climate Change Strategic Framework. For this reason we are delaying the delivery of a final Oil and Gas Strategy and action plan until later on in our government.

Mr. Speaker, much work has been completed. Of course, there is also much more to do over the next two years. We are committed to continuing to push initiatives which will strengthen our foundation of natural resources for a resilient, sustainable economic future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 212-18(2): Mandate Successes – Developing Our Natural Resources

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Finance .

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Minister's Statement 213-18(2): Completion Of The Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link

Ministers' Statements

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to advise the House that the Government of the Northwest Territories has fulfilled its mandate commitment to complete the Mackenzie Valley fibre optic link, a project that will help modernize the economy and enable growth in all economic sectors. The Mackenzie Valley fibre link is an important part of the 18th Legislative Assembly's commitment to strategic investment, diversification, and modernization towards a high-tech future.

The completion of the nearly 1,200-kilometre fibre link brings affordable high-speed telecommunications to six communities along the Mackenzie Valley highway, including Inuvik. An additional five remote communities will also have the ability to benefit in the future. Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie Valley fibre link enables our government to offer improved delivery of social services, supporting healthcare, education, and social support programs, and facilitates economic development and diversification.

Our government is working to spark economic growth across all sectors and to foster an environment in which companies and individuals feel confident investing in northern opportunities and jobs. When residents drive in from Inuvik now, they may notice the cluster of remote satellite stations poking through the trees. As a result of the Mackenzie Valley fibre link, Inuvik is now positioned to be one of the leading sites for tracking and receiving real-time data from polar-orbiting satellites used for scientific mapping, weather surveillance, and more.

The Mackenzie Valley fibre link will further enable growth of the remote-sensing and commercial satellite industry in Inuvik. Since construction commenced, we have experienced considerable interest, nationally and internationally, in the growth of the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility. The potential impact of an expanded satellite ground station in Inuvik on the Aurora Research Centre is significant and could make this facility one of the "places to be" to conduct space-based Arctic research.

Mr. Speaker, the potential of growing Inuvik through national and international customers is very positive for our territory's future. Current federal licensing processes for satellite telecommunications are out-dated, Mr. Speaker, but our government will work with Canada to encourage them to modernize their regulatory regime and better support the opportunities for Inuvik.

I would like to congratulate all the partners involved in this project and thank the sustained efforts and support from our residents, businesses, and community leadership throughout the Northwest Territories to ensure the successful completion of this project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 213-18(2): Completion Of The Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to visitors in the gallery. We have with us Mr. David Ramsay. He is a former Member, former Minister. Welcome to our proceedings.

Also with us at the Clerk's table is Mr. Anthony W.J. Whitford. As many of you know, Mr. Whitford is a man of many roles; former Commissioner, former Speaker, former Minister, former Member, former Sergeant-at-Arms. He joins us today in his capacity as Honorary Clerk. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Whitford to the House this afternoon. It is a pleasure that he is joining us in the House today. Masi. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Members' Statements

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our road system is important to our people. Northwest Territories residents need to travel our territory for many crucial purposes. Members know that I support expansion of our highway network for social and community needs and to help grow economic opportunities.

One of our most utilized highways is the Ingraham Trail. The trail is used by boaters, snowmobilers, campers, hikers, hunters, and fishers. Most of our growing numbers of tourists take home memories of the trail from their aurora-viewing expeditions. Many, who happen to be my constituents, make their homes and raise their families on the trail and drive the road multiple times a day. Of course, the NWT's biggest economic driver, the diamond mines, count on the trail as their essential lifeline for resupply.

That the Ingraham Trail is such an important corridor to so many of our residents underlines the needs to continually monitor and improve the road's safety. During last year's ice road season, there was an abnormally high number of incidents and accidents involving haul trucks on the trail, and this spring, on the May long weekend, sadly an accident resulted in a tragic fatality.

Because of the increasing use of the trail by so many different users, Mr. Speaker, it is important to make sure that all possible safety measures are in place. We do not want the increase in incidents we saw last year to become a trend or the norm. The Minister has been very open to discussing the department's continuing efforts to upgrade road conditions. I thank him for being forthcoming on these matters. I certainly noticed the roadwork and improvements on the Ingraham Trail this summer. These improvements are welcomed and much appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, as we are moving towards the cold season again, I am thinking forward to the building of the ice road. It is the Ingraham Trail's busiest season. I wonder if we have made progress in all the areas of road improvements, safety patrols, and a public communication strategy that are necessary for promoting and preserving public safety on our highways. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake .

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Universal Affordable Childcare

Members' Statements

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. The creation of a universal system of affordable childcare is one of the biggest promises of this Assembly, something we all agreed to work on at the beginning of our term. Collectively, we agreed to "develop an action plan for universal daycare within the next two years, including a timeline for implementation." This does not mean we have to implement universal childcare by 2019, but to at least develop an action plan to do so within an appropriate timeline.

Universal childcare is no pie-in-the-sky hallucination. It is a matter of priorities and making choices. The fact that affordable pan-territorial child care could be achieved was documented during the last Assembly by the Feasibility Study of Universal Affordable Daycare in the Northwest Territories commissioned by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment in response to a motion of this Assembly on October 31, 2013. That analysis provided in the study proved that child care could be offered to all NWT children up to four years old for about $20 million per year delivered on the same model as Quebec.

It predicted a resulting increase in GDP of $16 million or more, an increase in labour income in excess of $15 million, creation of about 200 new jobs, increased female participation in the workforce, increased tax revenue, and decreased social assistance. Anyone who wanted it, would have had access to daycare for their kids with all the early childhood development benefits that it would provide.

The revised mandate tabled in this House on September 21st abandons universal child care for the NWT, and will represent a broken promise if it is approved. A firm priority is replaced by a weak statement about "making child care available and affordable" with no timeline, no action plan, and no measurable commitments. Gone is the promise in the mandate of an action plan. Gone is the timeline for implementation. A broken promise, Mr. Speaker.

What happened with the commitment to put together an action plan on universal child care within two years in the current version of the mandate? I will have questions for the Minister on what work has been undertaken on the mandate commitment to develop an action plan for universal child care for the NWT. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Universal Affordable Childcare

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Members' Statements

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. With the help of the federal and territorial governments, the City of Yellowknife recently completed a 10-year plan to end homelessness. The plan includes a comprehensive analysis of the homelessness problem, and a robust set of recommendations to implement over the next 10 years. The next step is to move from planning to implementation with all orders of government at the table.

I want to share what I learned about homelessness from this report. First, homelessness is a problem that is located in Yellowknife, but only one in 10 people who identified themselves as homeless were born in this city. Homelessness in Yellowknife is a territorial issue. Its origins are unemployment, poverty, and a lack of suitable housing in the communities. People relocate to Yellowknife because they want the services and opportunities of the city. Of course, not everyone who migrates to Yellowknife lives happily ever after, and a significant number of people become homeless.

Mr. Speaker, one of the plan's strengths is that it was developed with extensive consultation with people who are now homeless, or were recently homeless. While they need a place to live, many people said they also need the supports that will help them hold onto housing they have including help with mental health and addictions.

Ending homelessness is going to require an investment. The plan as presented will cost $11 million per year over the next 10 years to implement. Once implemented, the investment in housing will return $5 million a year in savings. Most important of all, 240 people who are now homeless will have a place to call home.

Mr. Speaker, as you know, the federal government plans to invest the better part of $600 million in the NWT in the next decade. It can't and won't all go to roads. Some of it must be allocated to social infrastructure, and housing in particular. I want to say again that homelessness in Yellowknife is a territorial issue. This report confirms a point made often in recent years: it costs the government more to manage homelessness than to end it.

What we need next is leadership on homelessness in the form of a commission which would include the mayor and the Housing Minister to implement the plan. We need the commitment from all levels of government to work together on solutions the plan outlines. I will have questions for the Minister. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho .

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Interpretation Of Treaty Rights

Members' Statements

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. One of the highlights of my summer was participating in summer assemblies, enjoying good food, the company of friends, and cultural activities. This summer, I attended the Dehcho First Nations Annual Assembly in Fort Providence, and the 47th Annual Dene Nation Assembly on the Hay River Reserve.

As always, the assemblies provide an opportunity for Dene people to come together and talk about the issues that affect us. A common theme running through the discussions this year was Treaties 8 and 11 of 1899 and 1921 respectively, and how they are being interpreted in modern land claim and self-government negotiations.

It is Canada's view that treaty rights need to be modernized in the form of land claim and self-government arrangements. The challenge with this perspective is how to interpret the treaties based on today's circumstances.

One of the reasons that this was a topic of concern at the summer assemblies is because Canada and the GNWT are asking the DFN to clarify the position on the role of the GNWT modern treaty negotiations. They are also asking the DFN to clarify their position regarding the development of an integrated system for managing and protecting natural resources in the NWT.

Since the treaties were negotiated, the federal government moved decision making to the North, and in the process, delegated its authority to the GNWT. The First Nations hold the perspective that treaties are negotiated agreements, and that it is a matter of recognition by both governments. Yesterday, the DFN issued a press release confirming this and further confirming that they have always supported the development of a truly integrated system of resource management.

I agree with Grand Chief Herb Norwegian when he says, "Our people are patient, but we've had far too many delays." Today, my question to the Premier is this: how does the GNWT recognize treaty rights, and is the GNWT prepared to get back to the negotiating table as soon as possible? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Interpretation Of Treaty Rights

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake .

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North Slave Correctional Centre Security Concerns

Members' Statements

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. "We are the prisoners." Mr. Speaker, those are words spoken to me by my constituents who live next to the North Slave Correctional Facility. Over the summer months, they have been bothered by frequent noise late into the evening, and almost direct interaction with inmates, only a stone's throw away from their backyards, Mr. Speaker: catcalls from the inmates at their children and living in concern of a perceived unsafe situation, especially after last year's incident where an inmate escaped the facility.

Now, I know the Minister and his department have been diligent at responding to these concerns, with the construction of the extension of the current perimeter fence that has begun during the week of September the 11th and will be completed in another week or so. Now, if everything goes according to plan, this six-foot extension should discourage individuals from unintentionally crossing onto the private property of residents, while also creating a certain degree of additional privacy for residents. With this, I am sure my constituents will be very happy.

What does not make them happy, Mr. Speaker, and certainly also does not make me happy, is that the tender for the installation of the additional barriers needed to address the security flaw that enabled the escape of an NSCC inmate has been cancelled. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre brought this up earlier this week, and largely, this is due to the fact that the bids that were received were well in excess of the appropriated budget.

Now, I am very concerned that we are only hoping to address this situation. Those are the words of the Minister; "hoped" that it gets addressed. This is a public safety concern, and my residents have a right to be concerned about their safety and their level of comfort in a residential neighbourhood that this government had a

part in creating.

I hope that the Minister takes this situation seriously and will do everything possible to ensure that these security improvements are put in place. I will have questions for him later today, and I hope he has the answers. Thank you.

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North Slave Correctional Centre Security Concerns

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu .

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Climate Change Strategic Framework

Members' Statements

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework is making significant progress. It's a global initiative, and our small jurisdiction of Canada is contributing to that initiative.

The strategic plan is based on three pillars; the three pillars are knowledge, resiliency and adaption, and emissions contributions and mitigation. A statement from the appropriate Minister this past March the 8th outlined a previous engagement through regional consultation, input from the engagements by the people for the people, gave marching orders in producing, followed by Premier 's statements made on May the 19th moving forward.

As a result of these consultations and moving forward in our contribution and efforts to emissions reductions and the footprint allowed, it leads us to the conclusion that two days ago the appropriate Minister made contribution efforts using that footprint endeavour and framework to bring reality and calmness to the community. One only has to look at the windmill project in Inuvik and the installation of solar panels in Tulita.

My last visit to Tulita, I witnessed that by seeing the work crews doing site preparations, and they were quite happy knowing the fact that they were developing their community on independence of energy and making a difference in the footprint. Later I will have questions for the appropriate Minister. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Climate Change Strategic Framework

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh .

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Eulogy For Melissa Pascua-Matte

Members' Statements

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to speak about another constituent who recently passed away this summer, Melissa Pascua-Matte. I had the pleasure of knowing her personally throughout her young years.

Melissa was born on the 19th of February, 1998. Her family moved to Fort Simpson from Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 2005. She went to school from grade 2 to 12, with a break of grade 11 where she went to the Philippines to finish off her grade 11. She was a very beautiful, happy, friendly, caring, intelligent person. She was full of ambition and very adventurous. She loved to travel and see the rest of the world. She was involved in politics and cared about youth empowerment issues, which gave her a chance to participate at the United Nations Winter Assembly in New York City this past year.

While she was in high school at Thomas Simpson School, she had the chance to be part of the NWT Youth Ambassador Program. This gave her the opportunity to travel to Iceland and Greenland for the Arctic Winter Games, participate in the NWT Association of Municipalities General Assembly. MACA staff would constantly contact her when she moved down to university to participate in conferences on youth issues.

Melissa was an active volunteer in Fort Simpson. As well, she participated in fundraising activities for the Historical Society, Community Garden, and Fall Fair.

Melissa loved children and, since the age of 14, she worked at Open Doors Society as a student supervisor, organizing activities for the youth. She was active in soccer and track and field, where she had the opportunity to participate in sporting events across southern NWT and northern Alberta.

Melissa just finished her first year of schooling at University of Ottawa, where she was working on her joint Honours program of Political Science and Communications, which was in French immersion under a co-op program.

At the time of her passing, she was working as a summer student involved in agriculture projects and activities with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. She also worked as a part-time employee as a visitor information centre attendant with the Village of Fort Simpson.

She was a young lady who was seen as a leader. Unfortunately, she has moved on to another dimension of her life. Her parents know that she is still watching over them and her siblings.

Melissa's family is forever grateful for the support and love they received from the community members during this time.

Melissa is survived by her mother, Renalyn, father, Rock, and her two sisters, Abegail and Sylvia. Melissa will be sadly missed by her family and the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Eulogy For Melissa Pascua-Matte

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Our condolences to the family and also to the region as well. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Small Community Employment Support Program

Members' Statements

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in 2007, when I became MLA, one of my first and biggest issues was employment in small communities.

Mr. Speaker, the 16th Assembly made a decision to address issues on employment rates in small communities

Programs like the Community Access Road Program, programs that supported traditional economies, were enhanced. The budgets were tripled, Mr. Speaker. Programs such as single window service and small communities' employment were created.

With these initiatives, employment rates continued to increase gradually to a point where the average is nearly 50 per cent, which is still 20 per cent lower than large communities and almost 30 per cent lower than Yellowknife. In all fairness, Yellowknife has one of the highest employment rates in the country.

Mr. Speaker, this government sharply increased employment programs for small communities, and that was great; however, Mr. Speaker, yesterday in the House the Minister of Education decided to spread the money to all communities except Yellowknife. Employment rates are derived from participation rates. With the addition of regional centres, we have almost 19,000 people participating for these employment dollars, as opposed to 7,000 in small communities.

Mr. Speaker, we have a committee of small communities' members who have worked for three governments. The government recognizes this is a big issue and has been supporting small communities to increase employment rates.

Mr. Speaker, I am quite concerned with what the Minister's game plan is for the upcoming months. I would like to see more job creation in small communities. I would like to see the Minister focusing on creating jobs in smaller communities so people can remain in their home communities with their children. As I've said many times in this House, employment is the best cure for the social ills we face.

Mr. Speaker, with regards to the major changes to the employment program in the NWT, under whose direction was it to disregard this and pass our successes on for the small communities to all communities?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will seek clarification from the Minister at the appropriate time. Marsi cho.

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Small Community Employment Support Program

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Hay River North .

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Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Members' Statements

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the life of this Assembly we've seen the Department of Health and Social Services release the Quality Mental Health Care Action Plan, the Mental Health Strategic Framework, and we've seen a draft Child and Youth Mental Wellness Action Plan.

While I don't like endless strategies and actions plan, I give the department credit for focusing its efforts on addressing mental health issues in the NWT. However, there is one element that is missing from every one of these plans: ensuring that all residents who suffer from mental health issues have access to all necessary treatment options, including prescription medication, if that's what is required.

Right now the fact is that there are people in the territory suffering needlessly simply because they can't afford the medication. This issue is often overlooked. Most people in the territory have prescription drug coverage either because they're registered under the Indian Act, are Indigenous Metis, are 60 years old or over, are receiving income assistance, or have benefits through their employer or their spouse's or parents' employer, so the issue of not being able to afford medication isn't brought up often enough.

However, Mr. Speaker, medications for mental health conditions can easily cost $500 to $1,000 a month. Not every mental health issue requires medication, and some people suffering from a certain condition may need medication while others suffering from the same condition don't; however, when prescription drugs are needed to treat these issues, they're needed.

Sometimes they're needed to improve the quality of one's life, or even just to give them something that can be considered a quality of life, and sometimes, Mr. Speaker, these medications can mean the difference between life and death.

Not only do we need to think about those who benefit from medication who haven't yet received it, we have to consider the fact that there are serious mental and physical health effects that occur when a person abruptly starts/stops taking psychiatric drugs. This happens when someone loses benefits as a result of, say, a change in employment or relationship status.

Extended health benefits to residents for certain conditions is not unheard of in the NWT. In fact, the GNWT does it for those suffering from cancer, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and about 50 other conditions. Absent from that list, Mr. Speaker, are any mental health conditions. When I brought this up with the Minister before, he stated that there's a cost involved with extending these benefits.

Mr. Speaker, mental disorders in youth are ranked as the second-highest hospital care expenditure in Canada after injuries. Medical conditions linked to depression have a global cost of $1 trillion annually, and, like many negative social indicators, the rates of mental health issues in the NWT are many times higher than that in the rest of Canada. So, Mr. Speaker, I think there is a cost with not doing this. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River South .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize Charles Thornton, Ph.D., P.E., from Easton, Maryland; Larry Grimms from Haymarket, Virginia; Darrell Beaulieu, president and CEO of Denendeh Investments; Margaret Gorman, chief operating officer, Denendeh Investments; and Dave Ramsay, director of Denendeh Investments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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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 Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to recognize and introduce Ms. Ray Solotki, my constituency assistant from Inuvik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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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 .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to recognize Darrell Beaulieu, a constituent of mine from Ndilo. It is partly his fault that I am here today. Thank you.

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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 North .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to also welcome Yellowknife North resident, former MLA, and former Minister, Mr. Dave Ramsay. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Yellowknife North resident and constituent, man of many hats, Mr. Tony Whitford. Welcome.

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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 .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my mother, Bette Lyons. It is partially her fault that I am here today.

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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 Nahendeh .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Father Joe Daley. He is a tour guide this time, with Vicky and David from Victoria, BC. Welcome to the Legislative Assembly.

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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 Thebacha .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a constituent in the gallery, from Fort Smith, my wife, Anne.

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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 Sahtu .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize Mr. Darrell Beaulieu, Mr. David Ramsay, and Margaret Gorman. Mahsi.

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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 Mackenzie Delta .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize our Pages from Tsiigehtchic that we have, Shayleen Shae and Thomas Norbert; also their chaperone, my CA, Liz Wright. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, acknowledgments. Item 7, oral question. Member for Hay River North .

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Question 890-18(2): Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Oral Questions

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I just stated, I have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services about the lack of coverage for any mental health conditions when it comes to prescription drugs. I would like to ask the Minister, first off: what is the justification for offering prescription drug coverage under the Extended Health Benefits program for specified disease conditions? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 890-18(2): Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 890-18(2): Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, drug coverage under the Extended Health Benefits program for specified disease conditions has evolved over time. With regard to mental health, which is the issue the Member is raising, the only reference within the GNWT Extended Health Benefits Policy to cover conditions is chronic psychosis. Within this broad category of chronic psychosis, there are a number of specified conditions that are open to

interpretation and application to a number of specific conditions.

I would add, however, that this approach to extended health benefits is clearly dated, as eligibility for programs is based on a list of specified conditions rather than based on the clinical and/or financial need of the individual or family. Members may recall that there have been two previous attempts to review the approach to supplementary health benefits. Both were not successful. The last attempt was in 2010-2011, during the 16th Assembly.

I recognize, and the department recognizes, that there is a need to review and update the approach to supplemental health benefits, and it is in its initial stages of updating some inter-jurisdictional research to inform a review, with the intention of moving this project forward in 2018.

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Question 890-18(2): Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Oral Questions

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

I bring up this program because there are no mental health conditions covered under that, and, while the territory is doing a lot to address mental health issues, it gives the impression that they do not take it seriously because there has always been a stigma attached with it, and it seems like they are just second class to physical conditions.

The Minister brought up some of the work that has been done. What work has been done when it comes to including mental health conditions in that specified disease and condition program? I am speaking in terms of: do they know how much it would cost? Because, if we know how much it would cost, there is no reason we cannot just, with the stroke of a pen, add those conditions to the list.

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Question 890-18(2): Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

I would just like to provide a little bit of clarification. There might be a slight misunderstanding. The broad category of chronic psychosis does provide for coverage of a variety of mental health conditions. Those are based on advice from referring clinicians. Individuals need to consult with their referring clinician to determine whether their condition is in fact covered by the extended benefit under the chronic psychosis category.

I believe that most patients in the Northwest Territories are getting the care they need. However, it is clear that we need to update the policy and associated guidelines to ensure that they are focused on patients' needs and support the clinicians in the work that they do. I would also suggest to the Member and all Members that, if you are aware of someone in real need who is not being served by the system, I would encourage them to reach out to their local healthcare providers or even our system navigator to explore the opportunities for exceptions that the system can put in place where there is hardship.

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Question 890-18(2): Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Oral Questions

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

As an MLA, I am the person who a lot of these people reach out to. I have never heard about these exceptions, and the people who come to me have never heard from their physicians about these exceptions, so what is being done to inform physicians, let alone the general public, that this coverage could be extended to them?

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Question 890-18(2): Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

The department does work with the medical association and others to try to get that information out there. I will have a conversation with the department to make sure that they are working with our practitioners across the Northwest Territories. It does not cover every condition, but it does cover a lot of conditions. Where it is not covered, as I said, I would encourage the Member and all Members to have these people get in touch with system navigators or come to them, and the Members can come to us and we can explore opportunities.

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Question 890-18(2): Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North .

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Question 890-18(2): Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Oral Questions

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I bring this up because people get swept under the rug because, like I said, most people have coverage, and so this approach of looking at a case-by-case basis does not seem like the best way to do things. When can we expect this review to be done and hopefully some specific conditions added to this list to help those who are in need of prescription medication for their mental health conditions but cannot afford it?

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Question 890-18(2): Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Oral Questions

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

I would just like to confirm once again that the broad category of chronic psychosis provides for coverage of a variety of mental health conditions, so a number of them are covered. People need to make sure that they are working with their practitioners to get that information out. A full review of the supplemental health programs will take over a year as it will involve significant cross-jurisdictional review, analysis, and consultation. Once again, we are doing that work now. We will certainly keep the Member and committee updated as we move forward.

However, if the Member is aware where people are experiencing hardship, I would encourage them to deal with their practitioners or go through their MLAs to explore opportunities for exceptions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 890-18(2): Prescription Drug Coverage For Mental Illness

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh .

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Question 891-18(2): Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance And Repairs

Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was talking about my travels across the Southern NWT and asked questions of the Minister of Infrastructure . I'd like to follow up with some questions here today.

Mr. Speaker, I noticed that, when I was crossing the Deh Cho Bridge, on both sides there was work being done and gravel being moved from a spot along the north side that hadn't been moved in a long time, and this work was being done by a company from outside the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister please advise what work is being done to the bridge and the rationale why a company not from the Northwest Territories is doing this work? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 891-18(2): Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance And Repairs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure .

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Question 891-18(2): Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance And Repairs

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As part of our bridge monitoring inspection regime, we've been closely monitoring the side slopes on the approaches and the embankment movements of the Deh Cho Bridge. Some longitudinal cracks have appeared and we've been observing them on the bridge approaches, and as a proactive and preventive measure of our ongoing part of our maintenance program, we're working to stabilize these approaches and embankments to stop future cracking of the longitudinal cracks that are appearing.

As to the contractor that's on-site, they are called GeoStabilization International. This was awarded, a contract, through public procurement through the Government of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 891-18(2): Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance And Repairs

Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

I thank the Minister for his answer. That's very helpful and clears up a number of things. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister please tell us if this work is covered under the warranty or are these additional costs that the Government of the Northwest Territories has to cover with this bridge?

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Question 891-18(2): Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance And Repairs

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

The cost of this preventative work is actually covered by various bridge capital projects. It's ongoing preventative bridge maintenance across our system, and it's there to extend the life of our bridge assets.

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Question 891-18(2): Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance And Repairs

Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

I appreciate the department is actually doing preventative work on there. I was hoping it would be covered under the warranty, but I guess it isn't; it's part of our new capital projects or O and M direction.

I've also heard during my travels there that the slope on both sides is very steep and some truckers, especially on the south side, have to speed up to get across the peak there. If they don't, the vehicle could stall. Can the Minister advise if he's heard these concerns and, if so, what is the department doing to address these issues?

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Question 891-18(2): Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance And Repairs

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

I'm not aware of this concern. The bridge is built within normal sloping operating grades and, I suspect anyone who has a Class 1 driver's licence operating should have the skills to navigate the slope of that bridge.

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Question 891-18(2): Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance And Repairs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh .

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Question 891-18(2): Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance And Repairs

Oral Questions

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for his answer, but it's been an issue, so I'm addressing it to him so maybe he can look into it.

Mr. Speaker, I've also been told that one of the piers wasn't built correctly and it needs to be replaced. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister advise if this is true and what the department has planned to replace this pier? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 891-18(2): Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance And Repairs

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

I'm not aware of a requirement to replace any pier on the Deh Cho Bridge. This bridge has been functioning well since it opened in 2012, and as far as I'm concerned there's no need for that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 891-18(2): Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance And Repairs

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake .

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Question 892-18(2): Universal Affordable Childcare

Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. My statement earlier today referred to the Feasibility Study of Universal Affordable Daycare in the NWT that was prepared at the direction of the last Assembly. You can find the study in our tabled documents if you know where to look. It's available on the University of Toronto website, but if you look on the GNWT website, including the Education, Culture and Employment Department, you can't find it there.

Will the Minister commit to putting this study back among the resource documents of his departmental website? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Sorry, that's a question to the Minister of Education . Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 892-18(2): Universal Affordable Childcare

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 892-18(2): Universal Affordable Childcare

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, currently we have childcare spaces in 23 of the 33 communities of the Northwest Territories. We need to put our focus, our finances, financial resources into making sure we have childcare spaces throughout the NWT, so there are 10 communities that we need to continue to work with.

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Question 892-18(2): Universal Affordable Childcare

Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

I'd like to thank the Minister for his statement in the House about childcare. Unfortunately, he didn't answer my question about whether he would make the study available on his department's website, but maybe I'll give him a chance to answer that with my next question.

The proposed changes to the mandate were brought forward to this House by Cabinet. What is the position of the Minister on universal childcare for the Northwest Territories and when will that happen?

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Question 892-18(2): Universal Affordable Childcare

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

With the mandates and the focus of this government to ensure that we do have childcare spaces in all of our communities, before we can even get into universal childcare we've got to make sure that all of our communities do have childcare spaces, and the fact we can actually put our resources that we have now within the remainder of this government to focus on addressing the childcare spaces and needs in 10 more communities across the Northwest Territories while maintaining and sustaining the early childhood programs that currently exist in all of our other communities.

I think that, as a government, we should put our focus on getting all our communities childcare to not only help the child, give the child every chance to succeed, but also help families as well.

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Question 892-18(2): Universal Affordable Childcare

Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

I don't seem to be having much luck with the Minister today. He still hasn't answered my question about whether he can make this study available on his departmental website.

Of course, if there are 10 communities missing childcare facilities or programs, that should be part of an action plan. The proposed revisions to the mandate would axe the commitment to universal childcare and the action item in our current version of the mandate calls for an action plan for universal daycare within the next two years. It doesn't mean we're going to do it; it just says that we should have a plan to do it. That's from 18 months ago. This means that, until the mandates change, the department should have been working on this commitment and the work should almost be done by now.

Can the Minister tell us the status of the work on an action plan for universal childcare in the Northwest Territories?

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Question 892-18(2): Universal Affordable Childcare

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

We do currently have an early childhood development action plan within this government, and we're also working on an early learning and childcare agreement with the federal government to look at outlining where our focus is going to be over the next three years.

The Member asks us if we're going to put energy into creating this action plan. We have some documents that we're referring to right now, but a lot of our energy has been working with some of those communities to create daycares. We have two new daycares in two of our smallest communities, and it's a very successful story.

I'm working to make sure that all communities across the Northwest Territories will have that opportunity to see their children, their youngest, succeed, as well as families getting the supports that they need with child daycare.

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Question 892-18(2): Universal Affordable Childcare

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake .

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Question 892-18(2): Universal Affordable Childcare

Oral Questions

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I seem to be having problems here with the Minister, getting actually any answers to any of my questions today. He cannot tell me if he is going to post a study to his website. He does not want to tell me what his position is with regard to universal childcare. He cannot tell me what is happening with the action plan that his department was supposed to be developing.

Let us go back to the feasibility study. It estimated that a territory-wide program could be introduced for a cost starting at about $20 million a year. Since then, junior kindergarten has come on-stream, which largely replaces the need for child care spaces for junior kindergarten-aged children. Has the Minister's department calculated the reduced implementation cost for universal childcare in the NWT, given junior kindergarten is in place; and if so, what are the reduced costs for universal child care? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I did give him a heads up, so I don't know what the problem is. Thanks, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 892-18(2): Universal Affordable Childcare

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

As I mentioned, our focus is to make sure that we provide those childcare spaces. We have increased subsidies for early childhood programming, specifically on the infant spaces. We are putting more time and energy into making sure that all families in the Northwest Territories have that opportunity in early childhood programs. Subsidies, we made changes to the childcare benefit, the NWT childcare benefit. We are doing a lot of work in the area around early childhood development, and we want to continue to make sure that all of our communities have access to childhood spaces so that our children can succeed, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Question 892-18(2): Universal Affordable Childcare

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Oral question. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 893-18(2): Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Oral Questions

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister responsible for Homelessness . Yellowknife has the largest homeless population in the Northwest Territories, and the city's 10-year plan to end homelessness provides an action plan to eliminate this problem. Will the Minister prepare a formal response to the plan, and release this response publicly when available? Thank you.

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Question 893-18(2): Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister responsible for Homelessness .

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Question 893-18(2): Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have to give some thought to actually releasing a public statement on the plan, but I can say in the House here that the plan was actually a great joy to read. Dr. Alina Turner, who wrote the plan, actually backed up everything that I have been saying for the last two years, that we need a continuum of support, that this is not just one strategy will fix all. A lot of her plan actually was very complementary to my own personal beliefs based on my expertise in dealing with homelessness by working with homeless people for the last 20 years.

I have also been in contact with the City of Yellowknife on this issue, and have agreed to work with the City of Yellowknife on this issue. I will have to give some more thought whether I do it as a public announcement, more than what I am doing just now in the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 893-18(2): Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Oral Questions

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you to the Minister for her response. I understand that she is very engaged with this issue, and I am glad that she supports the approach that the report has taken. One of the findings of the report is that it costs more to manage homelessness than to eliminate it. I am wondering if the Minister agrees with that statement.

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Question 893-18(2): Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

I absolutely agree with the statement that it takes more to manage homelessness than it does to address it before people become homeless. That is why the Housing Corporation last year spent $132 million, $70 million coming from the Government of the Northwest Territories, $35 million coming from the federal government, and $30 million actually coming from the low rents for the accommodations that we have. We spend a lot of money to try to deal with not only homelessness, but homelessness is housing, so to deal with housing.

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Question 893-18(2): Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Oral Questions

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

I think the key distinction here is between homelessness and housing. I know that the NWT Housing Corporation funds public housing throughout the Northwest Territories, and that there are some pots of money that go to the shelters. I think that what I am asking about here is whether the Minister will work to a more comprehensive response as it relates to the territorial problem that exists in Yellowknife. The plan calls on all the orders of government, that is, Indigenous, territorial, and federal, to work together to create this commission that will work on implementing this plan. Is the Minister planning to take

part in this opportunity?

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Question 893-18(2): Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

As stated earlier, the City of Yellowknife has approached me. When the 10-year plan was developed, they came in and we had a meeting. We did talk about the Homeless Commission, and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, myself, and/or the president, Tom Williams, have agreed to take

part in this Homelessness Commission on a quarterly basis.

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Question 893-18(2): Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 893-18(2): Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Oral Questions

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is good news. I think high-level leadership on this issue is very important to the implementation of the plan.

My final question has to do more with housing than homelessness. The report concludes that while overcrowded and substandard housing persists, people will continue to migrate to urban centres. Does the Minister agree with this conclusion, and is it on her radar to address the core need in housing? Thank you.

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Question 893-18(2): Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Oral Questions

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

In regards to homelessness, I do recognize that it is a territorial issue. I have known that for a long time, and the MLA is correct. The majority of people actually who are in our capital city are not from the capital. They are from the communities.

To that effect, I have been providing a lot of support. Not only am I funding the Housing First initiative in Yellowknife, we are doing shelters in four communities coming up. We have a homeless shelter coming into Aklavik, one coming into Behchoko, one coming into Fort Simpson, and the newest one is Fort Good Hope. My goal is, like I said at the beginning of this Assembly, that I would hopefully have a homeless shelter in every region throughout the Northwest Territories, because people do better when they are around their families.

Wellness is all about having social supports, and the major part of social supports is not government programs. It is family and community. We need to focus our efforts in putting homes and shelters into the communities so that people all through the Northwest Territories have options, and they can seek out wellness after they have actually been housed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 893-18(2): Yellowknife Ten-Year Plan To End Homelessness

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake .

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Question 894-18(2): North Slave Correctional Centre Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, obviously, the concern of my constituents living close to the North Slave Correctional facility cannot be understated. These are people with families. These are people who have a right to be concerned about their public safety, and earlier in the week the answers have only created more confusion. I would like the Minister to confirm that the perimeter front's extension has begun, and is ongoing. Thank you.

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Question 894-18(2): North Slave Correctional Centre Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Minister of Justice .

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Question 894-18(2): North Slave Correctional Centre Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I informed this House the other day when I was asked a question by the Member opposite, the tender for the perimeter fence project closed on August 29, 2017. I understand that the project is now under construction, and that it will be completed by mid-October. It is on course to be completed, as I say, by October, so the project, which I know has been long awaited by the residents of that area, should be completed within the next couple of weeks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 894-18(2): North Slave Correctional Centre Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

I would like to thank the Minister for offering a new kind of hope, a hope that comes from getting projects done, and making firm commitments in this House. Now, I would like to turn to the other issue of the security improvements. What is the status of them? Does he have any new information for the House today on those projects, which are significant in that the deficiency that they are designed to address resulted in an escape from the facility, an escape that brought an inmate into very close proximity with a residential neighbourhood?

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Question 894-18(2): North Slave Correctional Centre Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Yes, this of course is an important project. As I mentioned the other day, we did go out for bids for this project, and, unfortunately, the response from the contractors who submitted tenders was way above the money that had been approved for this work. We therefore are looking at a revised approach to secure the yard from which the inmate escaped, and I will certainly keep this House informed as to progress. The original idea was to, in essence, put up a new interior fence. That proved to be much too expensive, so we are looking at other alternatives to secure this area. Hopefully once completed, that will assure the residents of their security, also.

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Question 894-18(2): North Slave Correctional Centre Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

We are hoping again. What are some of the options that are being looked at by the Minister? He is talking about revising a plan. I am of the opinion that there is no cost too great for public safety. If he could tell us what some of the cost-effective solutions are that his department is looking at, I am sure my residents would be greatly appreciative of that.

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Question 894-18(2): North Slave Correctional Centre Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

It was thought initially that a completely new fence would be required. We are looking at less complicated and hopefully less expensive alternatives.

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Question 894-18(2): North Slave Correctional Centre Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake .

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Question 894-18(2): North Slave Correctional Centre Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When does the Minister anticipate that this work will be done, Mr. Speaker? Will it be done next year, the year after, the year after that? When do we expect the tender to be released, and the work to be done? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 894-18(2): North Slave Correctional Centre Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

This is an important issue, of course, Mr. Speaker, because we would like to have the inmates to again have access to this portion of the facility. I do not have an exact date to provide to this House when this work will be done, but it is an important project. We are working on it, and I will keep the House informed. Thank you.

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Question 894-18(2): North Slave Correctional Centre Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho .

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Question 895-18(2): Treaty Rights

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke about Treaties 8 and 11. Most of the Northwest Territories First Nations are descendants of leaders who negotiated Treaties 8 and 11 of 1899 and 1900. Those treaties were built and founded on the ideal of Nation to Nation. As I indicated in my Member's statement, my question is to the Premier . I would appreciate hearing the Premier 's perspective on how the GNWT views treaty rights. Mahsi.

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Question 895-18(2): Treaty Rights

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Honourable Premier .

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Question 895-18(2): Treaty Rights

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As spelled out in our Respect, Recognition and Responsibility Policy, the Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes that

Section 35 of the Constitution Act of 1982 recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of Aboriginal people. The Government of the Northwest Territories supports the recognition of rights of Indigenous peoples, honouring treaties and claims, and implementation of calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee.

I should also point out that the Government of the Northwest Territories has signed the Gwich'in and Sahtu Land Claim Agreements, which are recognized as modern treaties by the constitution. The Government of the Northwest Territories is also a full party of the Tlicho Agreement and the Deline Final Self-Government Agreement, which are also modern treaties recognized by the constitution. The Government of the Northwest Territories also recognizes and respects Treaties 8 and 11, the Salt River Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement, and the Inuvialuit Final Agreement.

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Question 895-18(2): Treaty Rights

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

I believe in 2001, as well, this government signed the Interim Measures Agreement and also the framework agreement that recognizes the role of the GNWT, the federal government, and the Dehcho First Nations in the current negotiations process. How is the GNWT planning to help move the negotiations forward in respect of the Dehcho Process?

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Question 895-18(2): Treaty Rights

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

I will be speaking to Minister Bennett about the letter received from the grand chief, as well as the letters attached to it from Chief Norwegian of the Jean Marie River First Nations, Chief Bonnetrouge of the Deh Gah Got'ie First Nation, and Chief Cayen of the West Point First Nation. The GNWT and Canada continue to work together on how to advance these negotiations and resolve areas of disagreement for which there is no clarity.

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Question 895-18(2): Treaty Rights

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

The question I would like to ask is: is the GNWT willing to accept the advice of DFN to engage the services of a mediator at the negotiating table? If not, why not?

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Question 895-18(2): Treaty Rights

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

The Dehcho Framework Agreement contemplates that, should an impasse be reached at negotiations, any party can request the use of a facilitator. I understand this to mean that the parties could engage a facilitator to assist them with finding a solution to the impasse that each party could support. Should the Dehcho or Canada request the use of a facilitator, the Government of the Northwest Territories would be prepared to engage the use of a facilitator with Canada and the Dehcho First Nations.

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Question 895-18(2): Treaty Rights

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho .

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Question 895-18(2): Treaty Rights

Oral Questions

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my last question is in terms of maybe the idea of a facilitator, but we do also have a joint working group between Cabinet and the Regular side. Of course, on the Regular side, we have a vested interest. We all have a vested interest in ensuring that the negotiations and the parties move forward. However, we have a joint working group. Would the Premier contemplate the idea of perhaps having the Joint Working Group on Aboriginal Affairs have an active role in terms of trying to encourage and support the negotiations process moving forward?

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Question 895-18(2): Treaty Rights

Oral Questions

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

We will be very pleased to adhere to the terms of reference of the joint committee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 895-18(2): Treaty Rights

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister for Infrastructure with regard to safety on Highway No. 4, also known as the Ingraham Trail. Mr. Speaker, in late winter and again in the spring the Minister told the House about ongoing work on the Ingraham Trail. There was some widening that was going to be going on, some chipsealing, potentially installing some new guard rails. I asked specifically about guard rails on the corner where the fatality took place this summer.

As we wrap up the construction season here, can the Minister please provide me and residents of the Ingraham Trail with what improvements have been made on the trail this summer? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister for Infrastructure .

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We continue to do extensive safety and structural improvements on Highway No. 4. As most Members of this House know, we have invested roughly $2 million per year on ongoing reconstruction of this

section of road.

To update Members, this year we have completed road widening, structural strengthening, drainage improvements, resurfacing. Application of chipseal and guard rail installation were needed on kilometre 46 to 49. We have also, like I said, done impressive amounts of chipseal, of overlay, this year from kilometre 7 to 22, along with our ongoing patching of potholes and slumping that occurs. Through our ongoing safety enhancements, the Department of Infrastructure has replaced guard rails on Highway No. 4 at kilometre 33.8, kilometre 37.6, and kilometre 45.5.

Planning, including survey design work, is currently under way for installation of guard rails at kilometre 17 and 13.5 for the 2018-2019 season.

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you to the Minister for the detailed reply. It's almost as though somebody gave him a head's up.

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Some Hon. Member

Didn't work for me.

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

It works for some. Mr. Speaker, in March, following a number of incidents involving haul trucks with regard to the resupply season to the mines, the Minister mentioned that his department had met or was going to meet with the joint venture operators of the ice road. I just want to know: did the meeting take place? What has come of that? What have we learned about those incidents that took place last year and will we be prepared for safety on the road during the ice road haul this year?

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Again, we met with the joint venture group and their insurance providers to complete a discussion around the incidents that happened last year. There were a couple of trucks that went off the road. There were a number of fires that took place. The department does not have an accident investigator, as many of us know in this House, but we do have our guys that go out there and do the dangerous goods checks, secure of cargo on the loads, check the log books, those sorts of things.

I can update the House that we followed up with the joint venture operators who investigated the accidents last season, and we understand this year they will be further improving on a northern driving training improvement safety program. The orientation training is going to be northern-specific and we understand that it will include enhanced video situations.

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you to the Minister for his reply. It's good to hear that there will be a number of recommendations coming forward, and hopefully that improves the safety of the ice road winter season dramatically. Much appreciated.

Also, Mr. Speaker, last March the Minister committed to gathering some key stakeholders together along with members of his department to develop a public safety communications plan. Can the Minister advise the Assembly on the progress of this plan and did that gathering of key stakeholders come together?

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

We are always committed to improving our communications, as I said in this House on a number of occasions, to update residents and tourists in particular on this

section of road in the wintertime, which is, as I've mentioned in the House, how the numbers are increasing in the use of this road, winter operators and general public who also use this highway. We will continue to work on our communications plan.

We have our digital signage that's out at the entrance of Highway No. 4; that will be placed there again once the season gets going. We have Twitter. We use radio. We use our website to give the most up-to-the-minute reports on the condition of the road, and we will continue to do that to improve communications with the general public and users of the winter road.

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Minister for his reply. I hope that sometime we can get an actual tangible completed communications plan that we can get into our hands.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, in May I asked about the potential for highway patrol and the RCMP and even the municipal enforcement division from Yellowknife. I asked the Minister if there is a way to improve and enhance patrols and possibly including things like check stops and other ways to enhance public safety. This road is now being used 24 hours a day. It is arguably busier from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 in the morning than it is during the daytime hours.

Can the Minister report on any progress with regard to this area? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Highway patrol meets and regularly trains with other enforcement agencies. The department participated in a blitz together on a regular basis with these other agencies. In particular, recently we just did a bison awareness check stop both with ENR and the RCMP to check both commercial and public traffic on the highway, and we will continue to look at opportunities to collaborate with all enforcement agencies in the future.

As I said, we will continue to do our inspections on the winter road this coming season around the heavy truck traffic in particular to make sure people are well aware of the conditions of the highway. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 896-18(2): Ingraham Trail Safety Concerns

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 897-18(2): Small Community Employment Support Program

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Mr. Speaker, just to be clear, I'd like to ask the Minister if the Small Community Employment Support Program budget of $3 million that was added to the $1.2 million now supports all communities except Yellowknife. Thank you.

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Question 897-18(2): Small Community Employment Support Program

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 897-18(2): Small Community Employment Support Program

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is right; there is $4.2 million in GNWT funding that aims to expand employment as well as training opportunities across the Northwest Territories.

On April 1, 2017, we did make enhancements to encourage success and look at having the program become more successful than it has in the past, and one of those enhancements was expanding eligibility, and that included the communities that I had mentioned earlier this week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 897-18(2): Small Community Employment Support Program

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

I'm wondering if the Minister could tell me who was consulted prior to making this decision.

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Question 897-18(2): Small Community Employment Support Program

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Since the enhancement of the program was in the last budget, we had to look at how we can look at improving the program in many different areas so that we can see success through the Small Community Employment Support Program. It is application-based. We continue to encourage businesses, Aboriginal governments, community organizations, even other governments to work with us to apply on the program so that they can get funding.

Since then, we've also had some consultations in May and June, and those consultations were with Aboriginal governments, communities, leadership, staff, employers, residents, other GNWT departments, Aurora College. We are waiting on that report and look forward to sharing that report with committee. That will help guide and develop small community employment strategy for the next fiscal year.

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Question 897-18(2): Small Community Employment Support Program

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

I'd like to ask the Minister if the department at first intended to deliver the Small Community Employment Support Program to small communities only.

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Question 897-18(2): Small Community Employment Support Program

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

As I said, with the increase of $3 million to this program we didn't see that the $1.2 million previously get fully utilized within the small communities. With the new $3 million that was increased to this funding, my staff has been going out and getting that information out to the communities to allow them to understand that they can apply for this funding.

We're working with businesses, Aboriginal governments, and community groups so that they can actually apply on this program. With the enhancements that were made, we looked at expanding eligibility that included the communities; we looked at increased benefit levels and added flexibility for community employers as well as organizations that wanted to apply on this program. We continue to ask these businesses, organizations, Aboriginal governments to apply on the program and let's get our people working, let's get our people trained in our communities.

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Question 897-18(2): Small Community Employment Support Program

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

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Question 897-18(2): Small Community Employment Support Program

Oral Questions

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speake