Debates of Aug. 23rd, 2007

This is page numbers 545 - 573 of the Hansard for the 15th Assembly, 6th 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 assembly .

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

A Government-wide Approach To Consultation

Development Of A Macroeconomic Policy Framework For The Government Of The Northwest Territories

Progress On Homelessness Initiatives

Ground Ambulance And Highway Rescue Services

Statement On Passing Of Corporal Jordan Anderson

Acknowledgement Of Northern-born Lawyer Jay Bran

Duty To Accommodate Guidelines For GNWT Employees

Newfoundland And Labrador's Hebron Fields Resource Royalties Agreement

Support For Volunteer Sector

Reflections On The 15th Assembly

Accountability And Transparency

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Reflections On The 15th Assembly

Listening To The Voices Of The People

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Committee Report 7-15(6): Report On Transitional Matters

Motion To Receive And Adopt Committee Report 7-15(6)

Item 6: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 7: Acknowledgements

Centralized Services For Seniors

Human Resources Duty To Accommodate Policy

Inuvialuit Lands Administration Land Use Application

Multi-year Funding For Non-government Agencies

Review Of Apprenticeship Programs

Airport Runway Extensions In Small Communities

Human Resources Duty To Accommodate Policy

Role Of Human Resource Officers In Staffing Processes

Review Of GNWT Duty To Accommodate Policy

Tabled Document 65-15(6): NWT 2006 Drinking Water Quality Report

Tabled Document 66-15(6): Volunteer Support Initiative Status Report 2005-2007

Tabled Document 67-15(6): Northwest Territories Arts Strategy - Action Plan 2

Tabled Document 68-15(6): A Culture Of Safety: NWT Injury Prevention Strategy 2007-2012 Implementation Plan

Tabled Document 69-15(6): NWT Health And Social Services System Annual Report 2005-2006

Tabled Document 70-15(6): Charting The Next Course: Final Report On Consultations, August 2007

Tabled Document 71-15(6): Charting The Next Course: Macroeconomic Policy Framework, August 2007

Tabled Document 72-15(6): Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission 2006-2007 Annual Report

Appointment Of Sole Adjudicators

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

Openness And Promotion Of Atipp Legislation

Atipp Activities Of Boards And Agencies

Comprehensive Response By Second Session Of The 16th Assembly

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Item 22: Prorogation

Assent To Bills

Members Present

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

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

Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 545

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the House. Orders of the day. Ministers' statements. Honourable Premier , Mr. Handley .

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 40-15(6): A Government-wide Approach To Consultation

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 545

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories and across Canada have fought long and hard to have their aboriginal rights recognized. It is important that all governments, including ours, do their part to recognize and uphold these rights. This means the GNWT must consider how decisions we take might infringe upon our asserted or proven aboriginal or treaty rights.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform this House we are formalizing the GNWT's government-wide approach to consultation with aboriginal governments and organizations as an expression of our government's commitment to ensure aboriginal and treaty rights in the Northwest Territories are protected.

We will be implementing a government-wide approach to consultation with aboriginal governments and organizations to ensure the GNWT undertakes consultation in a consistent manner, leading to transparent, accountable and flexible consultation processes for all parties. As part of our work to implement this approach, and because jurisprudence in this area is evolving at a rapid pace, we will develop training materials to ensure our staff have any additional tools and resources they need to keep pace with developments in this area.

This approach will ensure the GNWT upholds the "honour of the Crown" as it fulfills its legal duty, undertaking consultation in a spirit of good faith, ultimately contributing, over the longer-term, to mutually respectful relationships with aboriginal governments and organizations.

This new approach will guide our consultation practices in those instances where the legal duty to consult arises under common law. In addition, it will complement and support the work we are already doing with regard to our consultation obligations contained in land, resources and self-government agreements, interim measures agreements, existing legislation and policy. Although the federal government still has authority over non-renewable resources and Crown land in the Northwest Territories, the government-wide approach will provide for

coordination between the GNWT and the federal government's consultation efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I have written to the leaders of those aboriginal governments and organizations having asserted or proven rights in the Northwest Territories, informing them of our new government-wide approach. I stressed to aboriginal leaders that, in order for consultation to be truly effective, not only does the GNWT have a duty to consult but aboriginal governments and organizations have a reciprocal duty to engage and participate in the consultation process.

Mr. Speaker, I fully expect our new approach to consultation with aboriginal governments and organizations will evolve as case law develops and as we work with aboriginal governments and organizations to develop consultation processes that meet the interests and needs of all parties. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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 40-15(6): A Government-wide Approach To Consultation

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 545

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Finance , Mr. Roland .

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 41-15(6): Development Of A Macroeconomic Policy Framework For The Government Of The Northwest Territories

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 545

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since 1999, the NWT has had the fastest growing economy in Canada...

---Applause

...with an average annual growth rate almost three times the national average. This rapid increase has led to higher income levels in the territory and a labour market operating at close to full capacity.

Looking ahead, the NWT will see the completion of the Snap Lake diamond mine later this year, along with additional investment at the Diavik and Ekati mines. A fourth diamond mine is under assessment. These developments will result in continued strong growth in our economy, placing increased pressure on an already tight labour market and on the NWT's industrial and social infrastructure. Other opportunities, like the Mackenzie gas project, will bring significant economic benefits but also increase pressure on the territorial economy.

Even with good news about the NWT economy, there are some important challenges ahead. Fiscal resources are limited and that affects this government's ability to take steps now to ensure the full potential of economic growth across the territory is achieved while managing its impact and preserving the values that are important to northerners.

Since February 2006, the Department of Finance has been working on a macroeconomic policy framework for the NWT. Last fall, I announced a broad consultation process, including a series of roundtable discussions, asking Members of the Legislative Assembly, government departments, the business community, aboriginal and community governments, social and environmental organizations, recognized experts and individual residents for their input into the development of this framework.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the economic roadmap consultations for their valuable contributions. Participants told us that the future economy for the NWT should be balanced, diversified and sustainable, based on multiple industries, building on the traditional economy in the North and involving big and small businesses, large and small communities.

Participants also identified four key priorities for government action and investment:

• Education is the key to ensuring NWT residents can benefit directly from the jobs and business opportunities created by development;

• Communities -- especially smaller communities -- need the capacity to plan, address issues, and make decisions about economic development;

• Improving and expanding infrastructure, especially transportation infrastructure, is essential for people to access jobs in other locations, to reduce the costs of living and doing business and to grow economies in smaller communities; and

• Protecting the NWT's environment means paying attention to the special features of the NWT, including its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

Based on the results of the consultations and on economic studies and analyses undertaken in recent years, the GNWT has completed a macroeconomic policy framework. The framework provides a reference point for the GNWT to evaluate the individual and combined impacts of different policy options, to help coordinate policy development and to guide overall fiscal and other policy decisions. Most important, it will provide a roadmap for achieving the kind of balanced, diversified and sustainable economy people in the NWT want and expect.

Later today, I will be tabling both the final report on the consultations and the macroeconomic policy framework.

---Applause

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 41-15(6): Development Of A Macroeconomic Policy Framework For The Government Of The Northwest Territories

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 546

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . Ministers' statements. The honourable Member responsible for the Homeless, Mr. Bell .

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 42-15(6): Progress On Homelessness Initiatives

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 546

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that significant progress is being made on homeless initiatives by this government and our community partners. The Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes the need to support communities in finding local solutions to assist the homeless.

The Framework for the GNWT Response to Homelessness was released in January 2007. With the support of Members -- and thank you, Members -- the ongoing funding for homelessness initiatives were included in the 2007-08 Main Estimates. The framework confirms the social program departments are working together to increase homelessness support across the NWT, including emergency housing and a transportation fund.

Mr. Speaker, a small community homelessness fund was developed and proposals sought from local community organizations to begin to address some of the challenges in our smaller communities. Up to $40,000 is available to individual communities to provide emergency shelter options for adults. In addition, up to $10,000 is available for projects aimed at addressing community homelessness issues.

I am very pleased to announce that some excellent proposals were received and program funding will initially be allocated to eight homelessness-related projects.

Mr. Speaker, the proposals received demonstrate strong community partnerships, the mobilization of local resources and the development of creative solutions to address the challenges of homelessness in small communities.

I would also like to report on progress on Bailey House in Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, construction of Bailey House is proceeding on

schedule and the facility is expected to open in January 2008. I would like to thank the Homelessness Coalition, the Salvation Army and Diavik Diamond Mines Incorporated for their ongoing commitment and support to this important project.

Mr. Speaker, the government is making significant progress in addressing homelessness challenges across the NWT. The government looks forward to working with communities and concerned stakeholders, to ensure that disadvantaged residents have access to services and programs that get them back on their feet and that they can move forward to live productive and rewarding lives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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 42-15(6): Progress On Homelessness Initiatives

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 547

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Bell . Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs , Mr. McLeod.

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 43-15(6): Ground Ambulance And Highway Rescue Services

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 547

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to provide my colleagues with an update on the status of the joint work being undertaken by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and the Department of Health and Social Services on ground ambulance and highway rescue services.

Over the past several years, community governments and other stakeholders have raised concerns about the lack of a comprehensive, coordinated system of ground ambulance and highway rescue services in the Northwest Territories, and about the need for clarity with regard to service levels, responsibility for service delivery and associated funding.

Municipal and Community Affairs and Health and Social Services are working together to address this matter through a two-staged approach. This process will address short and long-term issues. In the short term, the departments are providing funding to address immediate pressures experienced by some community governments in the provision of these services. One-time funding of $200,000 is available on an application basis for communities who provide these services. Six out of seven eligible community governments applied for assistance by the deadline of August 1, 2007.

MACA and Health and Social Services are jointly reviewing the applications received and funding is anticipated to flow to community governments by the end of August 2007.

MACA and Health and Social Services are also in the process of developing a work plan to achieve the long-term goal of a policy framework where the GNWT legislates and delivers ground ambulance and highway rescue service. This work plan includes several aspects including the development of a service levels model that outlines appropriate service levels depending on the community, the development of an appropriate funding framework, and, eventually, programming that is consistent with the regulatory service levels and funding framework.

The departments anticipate that it may take some time to develop the required policy and legislative framework, given the need for data collection and to undertake the required research as well as to gather baseline data. In the interim, MACA and HSS are committed to continuing to consult with effected stakeholders as required, in order to achieve a comprehensive, coordinated system of ground ambulance and highway rescue services in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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 43-15(6): Ground Ambulance And Highway Rescue Services

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 547

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Ministers' statements. Honourable Premier , Mr. Handley .

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 44-15(6): Statement On Passing Of Corporal Jordan Anderson

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 547

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in early July we heard the sad news that a young northerner had lost his life in Afghanistan.

Corporal Jordan Anderson, of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta, was born in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and raised in Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik, Northwest Territories. He was stationed in Afghanistan where his regiment operated to ensure the safety of local people. On July 4th, a roadside bomb detonated under a vehicle Jordan was riding in and he was killed.

Until that time, the war in Afghanistan seemed a long way away, but it certainly touched the people of the Northwest Territories on July 4th. It is tragic that Jordan's life was cut short, but the life he chose to lead as a soldier had meaning, pride and dignity.

Mr. Speaker, we offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Corporal Jordan Anderson. It is because of brave and selfless soldiers like Jordan that the world is a better place. We are proud of him and grieve his loss. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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 44-15(6): Statement On Passing Of Corporal Jordan Anderson

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 547

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . Ministers' statements. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Ms. Lee .

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

Acknowledgement Of Northern-born Lawyer Jay Bran

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 547

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to mark my final Member's statement in the 15th Assembly by honouring the accomplishments of an outstanding young man from a family in my constituency, Mr. Jay Bran. Mr. Speaker, Jay was called to the Bar of the Northwest Territories on August 10, 2007, becoming one of the few but ever growing group of northern grown and aboriginal lawyers from the NWT.

Jay and his family moved to Yellowknife when he was three years old. He attended St. Joseph Elementary School, William MacDonald Junior High School and Sir John Franklin High School. He played professional hockey in a junior league in Alberta and worked as a corrections officer in Yellowknife before pursuing his post-secondary education which eventually led him to obtaining a law degree at the University of Calgary. I have also learned that he even did a summer job stint in this very Assembly as a Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms.

Mr. Speaker, his mother is someone who is very well known to us. Eleanor Bran worked as an aboriginal language interpreter in the Legislative Assembly. She is originally from Fort Simpson and first cousin to Senator Nick Sibbeston. I think Jay may be too young to know this, but I have had the good fortune to work with not only his mother in the Assembly but also his late father, Barry, back in the early 1980s and with his big sister Lisa in the mid-1980s when she and I worked in what is now ITI when it used to be called not RWED but, before that, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

Mr. Speaker, Jay also has a brother Derek and another sister Kim. I know if his father were here today, he would show all of us, in his very special way, just how proud he must be of Jay. Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to advise this House that Jay has decided to start his legal career serving his people as a legal aid lawyer in the North specializing in criminal law. He enjoys litigation and, from all accounts, he has established himself as a highly skilled, promising young lawyer already. But I must say I was even more happy to learn that his dear wife, Pam, is a nurse. Pam Baert s a nurse at the OBS unit at the Stanton Territorial Hospital.

Mr. Speaker, given the enormously high demand and value we place in having more northern nurses and legal aid lawyers, this certainly is a power couple indeed. Mr. Speaker, may I seek unanimous consent to finish my statement?

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

Acknowledgement Of Northern-born Lawyer Jay Bran

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 548

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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

Acknowledgement Of Northern-born Lawyer Jay Bran

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 548

Sandy Lee

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I have the permission of this House when I say we collectively pray and sincerely ask that they will stay in the North, live and work, raise their families and retire here. Mr. Speaker, I also know that Jay's family and especially his wife, Pam, was at his side before, during and after law school. They share every bit of Jay's accomplishment today.

Mr. Speaker, as someone who has had the firsthand experience of going through our wonderful NWT education system in the North, going through law school, which is often compared with the military boot camp, and working in the very challenging but rewarding profession of law, I know there will be many exciting, interesting and rewarding years for Jay and his family. I want to take this opportunity to send my heartfelt congratulations to Jay Bran and his entire family. Certainly, this is a happy event worthy of a celebration in this House by all Members of this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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

Acknowledgement Of Northern-born Lawyer Jay Bran

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 548

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Ms. Lee . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South , Mrs. Groenewegen .

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

Duty To Accommodate Guidelines For GNWT Employees

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 548

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to use my Member's statement to draw attention to a potential gap in the guidelines for applying the duty to accommodate for employees of our public service. The human rights legislation is quite clear that the employer has the duty to accommodate when an employee has an obligation to care for a family member with a disability unless it can be proven that this accommodation causes undue hardship to the employer.

Managers in our public service should have reflective policies that allow them to make these accommodations within a clearly defined set of circumstances. Employees of our public service should not have to resort to making an application under the Human Rights Commission to assert that accommodation.

I believe that the GNWT would like to be seen as a fair and compassionate employer when it comes to a matter of accommodating employees who could not, for example, work a nightshift in order to care for a family member with a disability that would not allow that family member to be left alone at night.

Understandably, without such an internal policy, managers would be in the unenviable situation of trying to arbitrarily decide on requests that would come before them for any number of reasons to accommodate the needs of their employees. I would like to know what committees or decision-making bodies exist within government departments to consider the requests of employees when employees make an application to be accommodated in this way.

In the absence of clearly defined policy, which should be in keeping with the human rights legislation, the possibility of abuse of this accommodation for less than serious or frivolous circumstances could put the manager of that employee in a very difficult situation. They could be seen to be making such decisions in an ad hoc manner.

Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of employer and employee, in the interest of treating our public servants with fairness, dignity and respect, I believe that such policies, if they do not exist today, should exist. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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

Duty To Accommodate Guidelines For GNWT Employees

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 548

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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

Newfoundland And Labrador's Hebron Fields Resource Royalties Agreement

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 548

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I recently read and watched, with interest, the news that Newfoundland/Labrador and Premier Williams had successfully negotiated an agreement with Chevron for the new Hebron fields. I remember, as well, months ago when the negotiations broke down and the oil companies left, saying that the Premier and Newfoundland/Labrador were being unreasonable and asking too much. From what I understand, the Premier stood his ground. He knows, like we do, that the land is their bank. If they are going to allow access to those resources, they have to get the best deal possible.

He also knows, as do we, that the world needs those resources and that they have been there for millions of years but the demand is there. They are beating a path to their doorstep of Newfoundland/Labrador as they are to the Northwest Territories. I would like to just acknowledge and recognize the fact that he did stand his ground. He did not feel that he had to be grateful for the attention and benefits that the oil companies were prepared to give him, but that they were equals. They want something that we have.

We have an obligation to strike the best deal for the people we represent and at the same time protect the environment.

I believe he did that. I believe there is a lesson there for the incoming 16th Assembly as we look at resource development, at the macroeconomic policy, and the duty to consult, that we keep those things in mind. We do not have to be a humble mendicant shuffling our feet and tugging our forelock as we deal with big business. We

have what the world needs, but we also know that we have an obligation to be careful because the land is our bank. We have an obligation for all the generations yet to come to ensure that while we make the maximum use of those resources, we also protect the land and the environment.

We cannot have a macroeconomic policy that does not consider, front and centre, how you keep a healthy environment and healthy people. So we should take a page and learn from the Government of Newfoundland what can be done. We have some good pieces in place with the macroeconomic policy and duty to consult, but let's not forget that we should stand tall and proud as northerners and be able to look these multi-national major organizations in the eye and deal with them from that basis. Thank you.

---Applause

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

Newfoundland And Labrador's Hebron Fields Resource Royalties Agreement

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 549

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden .

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

Support For Volunteer Sector

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 549

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. In Canada, volunteer sectors employ more than 1.3 million Canadians with salaries and benefits packages in excess of $40 billion a year. Here in the NWT, 53 percent of adult NWT residents volunteer with a group. An estimated 86 percent of us volunteer informally on our own. Collectively, it is estimated that the efforts of all these NWT volunteers contribute an estimated $50 million in value to our economy.

Mr. Speaker, in the 2005 pre-budget consultation documents, a statement was made that the value of the work of volunteer organizations cannot be underestimated. So last year it was with great disappointment that our colleagues in the federal government cut from the NWT volunteer initiative and many other NGOs across the NWT, but from the volunteer initiative that was underway here, $160,000, or 95 percent of its funding. Needless to say, that organization had to fold.

I know from being a volunteer and working with other volunteers in the past and in my term here as an MLA, that volunteers will strive, they do believe in what they're doing and they will succeed even in the face of this kind of betrayal, I would say. Mr. Speaker, we cannot take our volunteers and our NGOs for granted. Just two days ago, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment told us of strides that we're making in our income security framework redesign. He mentioned, by name, many of these organizations, 13 of which are volunteer driven.

Hundreds of other NGOs play vital roles in the arts, recreation, youth and the professions, and I'm grateful to them all, Mr. Speaker. I plea that this government and future Assemblies loosen up the purse strings, lighten up the regulations and the paper burden and treat these people as the true partners they are, that we need and we value and that we, I will say again, can never take for granted. Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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

Support For Volunteer Sector

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 549

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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

Support For Volunteer Sector

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 549

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, it is no coincidence here, that I chose to speak of volunteerism, which I believe to be as vital and rewarding as any kind of public service. So as I take my leave of this distinguished Chamber, it is with conviction that I say that I want to continue to contribute in some way to the tremendous future of this amazing territory and that while I'm going to be leaving the NWT to be going to school, it is only temporary, it is not good-bye; rather, it is only good-bye for now. Mahsi. Merci beaucoup. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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

Support For Volunteer Sector

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 549

Bill Braden

Great Slave

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

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

Reflections On The 15th Assembly

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 549

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm going to use my last Member's statement of this 15th Assembly to reflect on my just over two and a half years here. It has been a privilege, and I mean that sincerely, to serve the people of Inuvik Twin Lakes. I look forward to the opportunity to reaffirm their confidence in me and come back and do some more battle in the 16th.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with my colleagues on this side of the House, especially those in Social Programs. We had many discussions; we had differences of opinion; but you always acted in the best interests of your constituents and I respect you a lot for that.

Mr. Bell , Mr. Dent , Mr. Handley , you're all leaving this Assembly and I wish you well in your future plans. We've had some agreements; I've agreed with a lot of things you've said. There are some things that you've said that I haven't agreed with and I wanted to agree with you, but then that would have made us both wrong, so I didn't.

---Laughter

I've enjoyed sitting here next to my colleague Mr. Hawkins . It's been an interesting two and a half years, Robert.

To Mr. Braden , our elder on this side of the House, I counted on Mr. Braden a lot for advice and he'd always lean over and tell me what we were doing, so I appreciate that.

---Laughter

I believed him for the first week; after that, I was on my own.

We have a job to do here -- it's not a job, it's something that we chose to do -- and that's almost impossible to do without the support of people that put you here, people that work to get you here. Then once you get in here, Mr. Mercer and his staff really put you to work. I remember my first couple of days here where I went to torture room B and had my own private orientation.

---Laughter

Also without the support of your family, it's almost impossible to do what we do. My wife is up in the gallery there and we've been married for 28 years now and she's

had to make a bit of sacrifice for me being gone all the time; at least I hope it was a sacrifice.

---Laughter

So to all my colleagues in here, I wish you all well in whatever you decide to do. To those that are running for re-election, I wish you well and the best of luck. I pray things work out well for everyone in here. Thank you.

---Applause

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

Reflections On The 15th Assembly

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 550

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Members' statements. The honourable Member for Monfwi, Mr. Lafferty .

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

Accountability And Transparency

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 550

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is our last meeting. I would like to make a statement. Ever since our last election, we've travelled into various communities, we spoke to elders, youth and community members. We tried our best to work for our people. We have a lot of different jurisdictions in Canada but here in the Northwest Territories, we have different jurisdictions. I wish the best for everyone in this next Assembly. We have to work well together in order to go forward. These are the messages that our communities give us. (Translation ends)

...day of our session. I would like to leave a statement for those who will be returning to the 16th Assembly and carry it forward.

Mr. Speaker, throughout our journey to various communities as MLAs, we were told, over and over, to be accountable to the people that we represent and serve. We are quite unique here in the North compared to other jurisdictions throughout Canada and other parts of the country. We need to be out there simply to listen to the voices of the North. Mr. Speaker, another point that they share with us is simply being transparent, being open. One hand needs to know what the other hand is doing or thinking. So they could either work with it or support such initiatives.

Mr. Speaker, what we witnessed here in this House yesterday on the Deh Cho Bridge is a fine example that would have been smooth sailing if the committee members had the detailed information in advance. Mr. Speaker, on the other hand, when we get together and communicate with each other, our committee members and local governments such as Gameti School, we can accomplish positive results and good relations that will serve us well into the future. Mr. Speaker, I certainly hope that this is a lesson to learn from for the new government and Members of the 16th Assembly. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

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

Accountability And Transparency

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 550

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe , Mr. Villeneuve .

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 550

Robert Villeneuve

Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I'd just like to use my last Member's statement here today to express my gratitude and appreciation to the many people I've worked with here during my tenure here in the 15th Assembly. Firstly, I'd like to thank my constituents of Tu Nedhe for electing me in 2003-2004 to undertake the very important and challenging task of representing their interests in this unique system of consensus government we have here in the NWT.

Secondly, thank you to all of my colleagues here in this House for all of the wonderful experiences and advice on leadership and politics that they have provided me over the last four years; some good and some not so good. Mr. Speaker, I have to point out that the level of respect and dignity that everyone shows to one another in this Assembly is second to none, and I appreciate everybody for that.

I have to also mention the excellent work and work ethic that the Legislative Assembly staff have continually upheld without reservation as we, as an Assembly, could not function without. Many thanks to them for that. I would also like to thank the support staff: the EAs, the CAs, and all the secretaries that have come and gone. Also, all the Members and Ministers for all their support, cooperation and the serious consideration that they provide to resolving the many concerns and issues that are brought to their attention by NWT residents through their MLAs.

Last but not least, Mr. Speaker, I really have to thank my family and the many friends for their continuous support and encouragement that they have shown me for the past four years. I am deeply indebted to them for that and for showing me how the love of a family member, a husband, wife or partner, or just a hug of a child, can make all of this politics seem so trivial, but at the same time so very important to everybody in our pursuit of happiness.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to wish Members who are not pursuing re-election all the best in whatever pursuits that they have and wish all the Members that are seeking re-election, like myself, good luck and I look forward to continue on working with you all in the next Assembly in this fast, exciting, growing economy here in the NWT that I always call home. Thank you.

---Applause

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 550

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Villeneuve . Members' statements. The honourable Member from Nunakput , Mr. Pokiak .

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

Reflections On The 15th Assembly

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 550

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is the last sitting day of the 15th Assembly, so I would like to reflect some thoughts over what transpired over the past three and a half years.

When I arrived for MLA for the Nunakput riding three and a half years ago, I did not discuss my candidacy with my wife, Lucille, or my two sons, Bertram and Darren, because it was a spur of the moment decision. To be honest, I did not expect to be elected and representing...

---Laughter

To be honest, I did not expect to be elected and represent my constituents when elected. Mr. Speaker, becoming an MLA and representing your constituents can be a difficult job because we know we can't solve all the problems of our constituents. We can only lobby the government and colleagues to listen to our issues and concerns during

business reviews and hope they will include your projects into some budget planning process.

Mr. Speaker, as an example, I lobbied very hard to my colleagues to have an RCMP presence in Sachs Harbour. Although it took three years, the Minister of Justice eventually included this project into the business plan.

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

Reflections On The 15th Assembly

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 551

An Hon. Member

Hear! Hear!

---Applause

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

Reflections On The 15th Assembly

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 551

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Two RCMP officers will be located in the office we'll be establishing in Sachs Harbour by 2008, although it's one year late.

I also lobbied very hard for the last three and a half years for an all-weather road between Tuk and Inuvik, but recently, over the past few months, to find $15 million over three years to construct the 22-kilometre access road from source 177 from Tuktoyaktuk just so that the community of Tuk can have year-round access to a gravel source. This morning, Mr. Speaker, I listened, with interest, when the deputy mayor of Tuktoyaktuk was interviewed by CBC and he is obviously very disappointed that this government could not commit any funding towards this project before dissolution of this government.

The deputy mayor has spent a lot of time and effort in promoting the construction of the road. Having said that, Mr. Speaker, I hope that the Cabinet will make a strong recommendation to the 16th Assembly to add this as a high priority of the next government. Apparently, the Deh Cho Bridge at $150 million has precedence and we move forward because Cabinet considers this a national interest. Whose interest is it? Is it the Premier and Cabinet? This bridge, when built, will not serve the people.

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

Reflections On The 15th Assembly

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 551

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Okay, I have your time for Member's statement expired.

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

Reflections On The 15th Assembly

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 551

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, may I request unanimous consent to conclude my Member's statement? 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

Reflections On The 15th Assembly

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 551

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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

Reflections On The 15th Assembly

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 551

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. Whose interest is it? Is it the Premier and Cabinet? This bridge, when built, will not serve the people in the Beaufort-Delta and the Sahtu regions. Once again we, in the Far North, are left out on major projects to connect us to the rest of Canada and we will continue to pay the high costs for fuel, oil and gas, et cetera.

Mr. Speaker, on other matters, I would like to thank Tim Mercer, Clerk of the Assembly, and his staff for all the support they gave me over the last three and a half years. To my honourable colleagues, it was a pleasure to meet, discuss, argue and eventually resolve issues through our committee deliberations.

Mr. Speaker, four Members have decided not to run in the upcoming 16th Assembly. To Premier Handley, Ministers Bell and Dent and our very own dean, Mr. Braden , it was a pleasure to know and work with you and I wish each of you well for whatever the future leads in your life.

To my wife, Lucille, sons, Bertram and Darren, my brother Charles Pokiak in Tuk, thank you for all the support you gave me over the last three and a half years. More importantly, Mr. Speaker, the communities of Tuktoyaktuk, Ulukhaktok, Paulatuk and Sachs Harbour. Thank you for having the confidence and electing me to the 15th Assembly to represent you. When I ran I said what is needed is you needed the confidence of your MLA to represent and speak on behalf of your interests and, more importantly, to keep in contact with constituents. I think I have accomplished that.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to make one last effort and try to convince the Cabinet to fund construction for an access road to source 177.

---Laughter

Will they make a commitment today to fund this project? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Laughter

---Applause

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

Reflections On The 15th Assembly

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 551

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak . Members' statements. The honourable Member from the Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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

Listening To The Voices Of The People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 551

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, being the last day of our sitting of this Assembly, we've still got another week of work yet before the writ is dropped and the Ministers still have their caps on as Ministers until we get a new Cabinet sworn in in October. Mr. Speaker, I was thinking about things to say to the Ministers last night and I was tossing and turning. Gee, I had a hard time to sleep, tossing and turning about what to say to the Ministers.

---Laughter

So I go up and I read a book and, Mr. Speaker, in the book that I read there was a quote there by the author and the author said when you become a leader, you lose the right to think about yourself. I thought about that, what does the author say? I remember an elder in Tulita saying when you become an MLA, you speak for us. You use your talents, your gifts, your passion and you say things for us, not for yourself. If you say things for yourself, your words are weak; but if you say things for your people, your words are strong and can support 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

Listening To The Voices Of The People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 551

An Hon. Member

Hear! Hear!

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

Listening To The Voices Of The People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 551

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

So the Ministers, they represent all of us 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

Listening To The Voices Of The People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 551

An Hon. Member

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

Listening To The Voices Of The People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 551

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

You speak for us in terms of national, territorial issues that benefit all of the people in the Northwest Territories. I want to say that when this quote came up that it made so much sense.

As Ministers, I want to thank you on behalf of the people in the Sahtu for coming into my region for making some difference, making some impacts and having some sense of where the people in the Sahtu are coming from when

we come together in meetings, when you come to visit us at our homes. I know some Ministers came to some old people's homes and sat beside some old grannies or grandpas and sat and had tea with them and looked at them and talked with them, even had translators. The Minister, you know, this morning I went to see an uncle of mine in the hospital right now -- he's probably watching us -- and he said that the Minister made a good decision to support the moosehide tanning, he's supporting it. You don't know what type of decision you made for people in the Northwest Territories, for our culture.

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

Listening To The Voices Of The People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 552

An Hon. Member

Major.

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

Listening To The Voices Of The People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 552

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

It's a major decision and it will pay off in the long run, Mr. Bell .

---Applause

I want to say that Mr. Roland ...Mr. Speaker, I'd like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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

Listening To The Voices Of The People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 552

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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

Listening To The Voices Of The People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 552

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, honourable colleagues. I wanted to say to Minister Roland , Minister McLeod and Minister Krutko , and the other Ministers, you have made a difference in my people. I know there's some tough decisions and there's policies, but there's also heart. I wanted to thank you for looking in there and making those tough decisions sometimes. Our people really appreciate that.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I wanted to say to Mr. Handley , I really appreciated his statement yesterday saying I think we have to stop acting like little grandchildren of the Department of Indian Affairs and the federal government, and start being like a government and make our decisions. I think, Mr. Handley , that that's a voice that I've wanted to hear so long that we, as people of the Northwest Territories, have to stand up, like Mr.

Miltenberger said, recognize that we are a government, we're up here and we're going to do things in the northern way, made in the Northwest Territories and stop getting treated like a little orphan of the federal government. We are people, we need to be free. Set our people free, Mr. Harper. Thank you.

---Laughter

---Applause

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

Listening To The Voices Of The People

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 552

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Member's statements. The honourable Member from Kam Lake , Mr. Ramsay .

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 552

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Obviously today is the last day we'll all be together as the 15th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, it's both a sad day, but also an exciting time for many of us as we head off, some seeking re-election, others seeking new pursuits in life, and I wanted to use my last statement in this House to say goodbye and to say good luck to all of my colleagues that are here today.

Mr. Speaker, I've learned something from each and every one of you over the past four years and I'll miss the team that we have assembled here today. Although, I doubt very much Cabinet is going to miss me as much as I will miss them, Mr. Speaker.

---Laughter

I hope to see many of you back here in six weeks to carry on the important work of the Government of the Northwest Territories and it's been an honour and a privilege to serve with each and every one of you.

I want to again thank my constituents for all of their support and encouragement over the past four years. Kam Lake is a riding that I thoroughly enjoyed representing. Kam Lake is undeniably the economic hub of our capital city, home to an industrial park, world-class dog mushers and sled dogs, two schools -- Ecole St. Joseph and N.J. MacPherson -- and, with the recently adjusted boundaries, the home to just over 2,700 people. It is a riding that I am going to again be seeking to be the MLA for in the upcoming election. I am very thankful for the opportunity the constituents of Kam Lake gave me four years ago, and I am looking forward to seeing and speaking with them in the very near future.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, this has the feeling today of being the last day of school. While it may seem like our last day of school, the real schools will be starting again soon in Yellowknife and in our communities. I want to wish all of our young people and the teachers heading back to school this fall a successful and enjoyable school year. Again, I want to wish everybody good luck and good bye, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

---Applause

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 552

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 552

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to close today's 15th Assembly statement by the same way I came into the Assembly almost four years ago. I have some special thank yous and acknowledgements. Mr. Speaker, although we all mention several times we can never mention everyone, there are certain people that I think that I am going to take the risk and highlight their performance. Mr. Speaker, the Members' secretary, Verna Currimbhoy, has been an incredible support. She has always been there to help every one of us; that is the Regular Members, Mr. Speaker.

She works diligently and always worries and makes sure everything is good and handled quite well. Mr. Speaker, her presence upstairs has been a huge asset to this Assembly.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, an MLA doesn't do their work alone. Sometimes, when you are knocking on those Ministers' doors, all you keep getting is shut doors and someone is ignoring your call.

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 552

Some Hon. Members

...(inaudible)...

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 552

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

However, Mr. Speaker, it is important to point out the executive assistants, some past and present

that I think have made an exceptional impact on some of the work that I have been able to succeed with. Mr. Speaker, I would like to make special mention to Katherine Robinson who worked for the honourable Mr. Dent for some time.

---Applause

Allen Stanzell, with his keen eye for detail in getting back to me.

---Applause

Mr. Doug Pon has worked for Minister McLeod for all the way through.

---Applause

They are fine, outstanding individuals. They made the work here so much more successful and rewarding with their assistance.

Mr. Speaker, the Legislative Assembly security staff are stalwarts: Ray, Dennis and Ian. They have always been great out front here. They are an important part of this Assembly.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, I can't forget to mention the valuable support the constituents of Yellowknife Centre have offered. I have always appreciated them bringing forward their concerns to me, from their advice to sometimes even their criticism on how this government should be doing better. Without that support, MLAs would be lost without that guidance. So thank you to them.

Mr. Speaker, Coady Summerfield has been my constituency assistant for the last two and a half years. His steadfast support and attention to detail has always been appreciated. Every smart man...Mr. Speaker, may I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement?

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 553

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 553

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, as I was trying to say, every smart man always makes special mention of his wife, because she is certainly the backbone of everything. To my two sons, McKinley and Hudson, although I won't be seeing you much for the next six weeks, I will still be thinking of you every day.

To all the Members here, thank you for your support. To all the constituents of Yellowknife Centre, thank you for your support, and good luck to everyone. It has been an exciting roller coaster working with everyone. I am sure I will see everyone back except for the retirees, that is. I will see everyone back in six weeks. Thank you.

---Applause

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 553

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake , Mr. Roland .

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 553

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is not too often, since becoming a Member of the 15th Legislative Assembly and serving as a Minister in this government, I have had an opportunity to stand up and reflect on the constituents of Inuvik Boot Lake or the work that I have done on their behalf. I felt this morning and my wife reminded me as she is back home and said, other people are doing it. You need to get up and say something as well.

I tend to try to leave things for back home and talk to the folks there, but I want to say to the people of Inuvik Boot Lake I have to most sincerely thank them for their support of sending me back here to be their representative in this government. It is truly an honour and a privilege to serve the people of the Territories because I do believe, as I first came here back three terms ago, that this is the people's government. The way we operate here in a consensus style is about the people and we represent their interests when we have our debates in this forum.

That is something I look forward and have to say thank you for their support. If the good people of Inuvik Boot Lake want to see me back here again, I look forward to their continued support, as I hope to return and serve the people of Inuvik Boot Lake and the people of the territory and returning here possibly for a fourth time.

More importantly, Mr. Speaker, I think along with the people that we represent, whether it is...I remember some grannies, as they say -- but not from Nahanni but from Inuvik Boot Lake -- in the way they talk to you; the elders of our community in giving you advice and telling you that you are doing a good job. Sometimes I have gone back home after being in this setting and feeling that I truly was starting to wear the job. As some people would joke, I entered rooms with a dark cloud over my head, the black hat and the black cape to give the bad news. But, Mr.

Speaker, when I go back home and they remind me you are doing a good job; keep working and keep representing us. It is good that I can come back here with a renewed spirit and drive. I hope that continues.

Mr. Speaker, when we are down here, as we have heard around this table, we can't do the job by ourselves. It takes a lot of commitment by other people in our areas. I have never done this as I can recall in the term of a Member of the Assembly, but I am going to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 553

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Roland . The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. For the first time, you may conclude your statement, Mr. Roland .

---Laughter

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 553

Floyd Roland

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. There may be a couple in there, but I always prided myself in sticking to two and a half minutes. I thought I might be able to do that, but I guess I have been a politician for awhile and I have gone on longer as the hair has gone whiter. I just want to say, without the staff that we have to help us do our job, to help us keep us on time, keep us on track and keep us moving, it would be a very long, arduous process. I have to thank them. From the front line staff I have had this term to staff I have had in Inuvik, they definitely help us do our job and help

represent the people that we are here to represent as well. Without them, the messages can be long and slow. We need to get back to the people we represent.

Mr. Speaker, as we have heard around here -- Members of the Assembly, many of us with families, some who have just got a hint of families -- as we started, I can recall in my first term as a Member when one of my children was in a bunting bag. The second term, there was another child in a bunting bag. This last term, no more bunting bags. I can say if I come back this time around, for sure no more bunting bags.

---Laughter

As Minister of Finance , I have done my part to ensure that, for the population statistics of the NWT, we get more money.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, seriously, without our families and the support of our families, we would not be able to do our jobs. I have to say to my wife, Shawna, without her support -- and my going back for forgiveness from time to time of missing times -- and respect, that this definitely wouldn't be worthwhile doing the job without family support. So I thank her for that.

Mr. Speaker, it is definitely a privilege to serve the Members in this Assembly and the people of the Territories. One thing I used to sign off with, I will sign off with one more time. Greetings back to my wife and children in Inuvik. Thank you.

---Applause

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 554

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you for that very short conclusion to your Member's statement, Mr. Roland . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Mr. Dent .

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 554

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, it's the last day for oral questions for me in this House. Can you hear the sigh of relief?

---Laughter

Mr. Speaker, the last day as I work in this House I would like to reflect a bit on the past 16 years and first of all, though, pay tribute to my role models, and I had two; they were my parents. Both were very politically active. My mother was a tremendous organizer and backroom strategist; while my dad was the politician. I learned from them. I learned the importance of applying common sense, listening to constituents and the public, and communicating. They taught me the importance of integrity and a principled approach. Their training has stood me very well in my work here and I think would stand anybody well as they seek to do the job in our Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to very quickly extend some thanks. Again, I'd like to thank my constituents. It's been an incredible honour that they have chosen me for 16 years to represent them. I'd like to thank particularly my Cabinet colleagues for the last four years. It's been a very interesting and exciting time to be on Cabinet and be in government in this Assembly.

I've enjoyed working with the Members of the Assembly, some for four years, some for eight years, some for 12 years. Yes, Mrs. Groenewegen , some for 12 years. I know you're hoping to come back as the dean of the Assembly, but we'll see. I hope they don't call you the oldest Member as they have been calling me.

---Laughter

I'd also like to, again, thank the Assembly staff. They have done a tremendous job of making sure that we could do our work here in this House. My ministerial office staff and constituency assistants over the years and, again, particularly my family. I was really surprised to see my wife, Eileen, and son, Tyler, in the gallery today.

---Applause

I'm sure they came just to make sure that I didn't change my mind and announce that I was running again. I also thought I'd better mention it now, Mr. Speaker, because I know that my wife doesn't like to be recognized and I think she might sneak out before recognition of visitors in the gallery, so I thought I'd better say something now.

I'd like to wish all of my colleagues good luck, whether you're seeking re-election or retiring to other pursuits as I am. It's been fun working with everybody here; I really enjoyed it. Mr. Speaker, it's been an extremely interesting time to be in government, in this Assembly and I'm extremely thankful that I've had the opportunity for this public service.

---Applause

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 554

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Dent . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 554

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I'd like to thank my constituents in the Mackenzie Delta and the people of the Mackenzie Delta for allowing me to serve for the last 12 years. More importantly, my constituency staff which included Liz Wright, Sue Ellen Wilson, Elaine Blake from Tsiigehtchic, and Jean Pascal from Aklavik. Mr. Speaker, in regards to the support that we all get as Members of this House, we can never forget our community leaders, our elders, and, more importantly, our constituents who are the ones that drive us and ensure the reason that we're here is to serve them.

Mr. Speaker, it has been a real honour over the last 12 years in this House in regards to dealing with issues such as the water rise that we had to battle with from floods in our communities, to the crisis of programs and services being delivered. More importantly, Mr. Speaker, again working with our community leaders and our community municipalities to find solutions by working through communicating with each other and finding solutions to these problems. More importantly, working with Members in this House along with our government.

Mr. Speaker, in the last 12 years of this House, there were the four amigos and I think the four amigos, like I

mentioned, Mrs. Groenewegen , Mr. Miltenberger , Mr. Roland and the dean of the House, Mr. Dent . Again, I'd like to wish Charles all the best in regards to his new career in regards to getting out of politics. I think most people think that's the easy part, but the problem is: don't get back into it. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing colleagues along with Mr. Bell , Baby Bell as he's better known, and I'd like to thank him for his hard work and his efforts that he has put into a lot of initiatives in this House.

Again, I'd like to wish him all the best in his endeavours wherever it takes him. Along with the Premier , Mr. Handley ; under your leadership you have made a difference to the Northwest Territories and the people of the Northwest Territories and also for bringing our communities, our regions and our community together. Again, that's a challenge on its own. So mahsi cho. Bill Braden , I'd like to thank you for the opportunity for serving with you. Again, I'd like to wish you all the best. I can always recall all those many, many questions that you asked. Mr.

Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 555

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 555

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Braden , again, I'd like to wish you all the best in your endeavours in moving forward. Again, it was an honour serving with you but, more importantly, responding to the many, many questions that you've asked over the last while. But I think it's more importantly your wisdom, your knowledge and the importance of the issues that you took to this table in trying to find solutions for the people of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to thank the staff of the Legislative Assembly along with the staff throughout government, because without them we know our jobs would not be completed.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Members of this Legislative Assembly for giving me a chance to serve as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for a short term, and I would like to thank Mr. Speaker for taking on that role and leading us to this point.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff that I had in the different roles that I played along with the Clerks of the Legislative Assembly, with Mr. Hamilton at the reign and now Mr. Mercer, Mr. Inch and Mr. Schauerte. I think it's you people that make us look good and think a lot of times people have to realize that it's the people in the back rooms that are doing all the work. All we're doing is playing to the cameras.

---Laughter

Again, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my staff Clarence Emberley, Corrine Kruse, and, more importantly, the many people I worked with in the different departments: Workers' Compensation Board, the Power Corporation and the Housing Corporation, for all their efforts. So with that, mahsi cho. Thank you.

---Applause

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 555

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Krutko . Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 555

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, I would just like to say that back in 2003 during the election, I was glad to be elected to the Legislature. At that time I didn't have good use of my aboriginal language and people always said go to the communities, go visit the elders, and that's what I've done. Now I can visit them, drink and have tea with them and listen to them and to their stories. I receive lots of guidance from them. I am very happy to say that there is an actual granny from Nahanni. I have spoken with her and she is very happy, Mr. Speaker, to see that in some small way, I guess, that her voice has been heard.

I pride myself and the community that that's how our consensus government works. We're able to go to the communities and listen to the people and sit with them and move their issues and their concerns forward and bring them to this Legislature.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to say, as well, I had the honour and privilege of being on the Regular Members' side for three years. I've gained lots of experience on that side working with the Regular Members and I'd like to tell them now good luck in their terms to come and the things they're about to do, Mr. Speaker.

As well, I also had the honour and privilege to serve one year in this Legislature as a Minister of our government. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 555

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 555

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. In my one year as a Minister, I've learned quite a bit and that bureaucracy has a lot to play with here too. I would also like to share my funny story. My first act as a Minister in this government was to sign a letter to Mr. Kevin Menicoche , MLA for Nahendeh.

---Laughter

I said, well, what's going on and they told me that I have to finish a loop. But I, too, would just like to say goodbye to Mr. Handley , Mr. Dent and Mr. Bell , who I've had the honour and pleasure of working with and wish them the best on their endeavours. As well, to Mr. Braden who I've had the pleasure of working with too. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.

---Applause

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 555

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . Members' statements. The honourable Member from Deh Cho , Mr. McLeod.

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 556

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wasn't planning to make a statement today, but I didn't want to be the odd man out. So in the last day of our session I wanted to say a couple words. First of all, that it's been a real pleasure to be here for my two terms and it's been, I guess, quite surprising that we lasted the whole eight years that I've been here, because getting into this job was a real eye opener. I looked at it from the outside for quite awhile before I made the decision, along with my family and my friends.

When I got here I realized that there was a lot of people here for the same reasons that I was here: because I wanted to see change, I wanted to see a better community, I wanted to see a better life for my constituents. However, after meeting a lot of different people I started to wonder because one of my colleagues that I met, one of his past times I think was to read the dictionary and find new words to use in the House. I also met some of the more experienced MLAs of day like Mr. Krutko , who taught me how to ask question after question after question...

---Laughter

...whether the Minister was going to give me an answer or not. Of course, Charles Dent , who was here for some time already. I learned to take the opposite position of everything he said...

---Laughter

...and we got along quite fine.

Mr. Speaker, I know everybody here is really keen on seeing this day come and also to get out there to start campaigning. Mr. Speaker, I'm quite anxious to get out there and start campaigning. I was planning to start tomorrow, but unfortunately we've got a bridge signing ceremony to do.

---Laughter

So I'll probably start on Monday or sometime after that.

Mr. Speaker, there's been a number of people that I have been gifted or very happy to meet along the way and a lot of them are leaving in the next while and not coming back. First of all, the guy that I sat next to for eight years on the Regular Members' side and on Cabinet, Mr. Brendan Bell , who has been recognized by a lot of our colleagues here as very sharp and very hard working. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 556

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 556

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I don't know if everybody recognizes, but Mr. Bell really has a very wild sense of humour. In the last while we've been sitting together and we're just like the two old men from the Muppet Show.

---Laughter

We've watched as people stood up to ask questions and tried to predict what they're going to say and Brendan usually wins and he won more money off me today.

---Laughter

We talk about people's clothes, we talk...

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 556

Brendan Bell

Yellowknife South

Okay, okay.

---Laughter

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 556

Michael McLeod

Deh Cho

So it's really been interesting sitting next to him and I wish him all the best.

Mr. Dent is also leaving us and he's been really a great person to ask for advice on rules and some of the history and I'm sure we're all going to miss his expert little opinions on a lot of things. Although, I've been finding out over the years that some of the rules that he's been telling me I had to follow were not always correct and were sometimes in his favour. So I wish him all the best.

Mr. Speaker, our Premier is also moving on and I really want to thank him for setting a work ethic that I've tried to follow over the years. I've never been able to beat him to work, even though I've tried to come in earlier and he's got a half-hour drive and he's always here, he has the coffee on and he's provided some very good advice for me that I really appreciate and I want to thank him.

I also want to wish Mr. Braden the best of luck. I didn't always like his questioning and his line of questioning, but Mr. Braden has always been very sincere and very respectful and I really appreciate that and I want to wish him the best of luck.

Everybody else here, I'd like to also wish you all the best and hope you do well on your campaigns. Thank you.

---Applause

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 556

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Members' statements. The honourable Member from Weledeh , Mr. Handley .

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 556

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wasn't going to say anything today either because I'm not good at saying goodbye, but I, like Mr. McLeod, didn't want to be the odd man out and this would be pretty obvious, especially after he said that.

---Laughter

Mr. Speaker, almost eight years ago I decided to leave my job as a deputy minister after 14 years and run for office to represent Weledeh. I used to joke, I said I did it because I wanted the food, because I heard that these people ate shrimp and all sorts of things in here.

---Laughter

So I found out that that really wasn't worthwhile. So I said, well, I did it because I wanted to make a difference in the world and that seemed kind of lofty and pretentious. So I gave that one up.

You know, as people talked to me in Weledeh and said, well, why do you want to run, we think you should run, but why do you want to, and I said, well, because I enjoy working with people. Certainly to me the most satisfying part of this job has been when you're able to help a person. It's something as simple as helping somebody to get their son's employment straightened out and you can tell that they're very thankful.

Those things are more important to me than is building a bridge or something, and I hope to be remembered for those kind of things where we made a difference to I'll say the little people that we all represent and I hope we can continue to do that in future governments. That's what government is about.

Mr. Speaker, I think the hardest part for me has been when you're not able to help people, you just have to say no. That's hard, especially when it may seem small to us but it's really important to someone. Again, it may be a very small thing, but that's the hardest part. The second hardest part, of course, is we all have had tough days and when you have to open a newspaper and you know it's not good, maybe oh my God, that's got to be one of the toughest pieces of this job. Certainly the nicest

part is when you're able to anticipate it's going to be good news and then you get fooled.

I want to thank everybody here. I want to thank all of you, Mr. Braden , Mr. Dent , everybody, the people who are not running again, Mr. Bell , but those who are coming back as well. You've been great people to work for and the thing that I've appreciated most in here is the honesty and the openness with which people ask questions, make statements and so on. I believe that what you say is what you mean and I've certainly tried to operate...

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 557

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Mr. Handley , your time for Member's statements has expired.

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 557

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Can I seek consent to conclude my statement? 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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 557

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

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

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 557

Joe Handley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the leaders across the Territories that I've had the pleasure of working with, and that's everybody from chiefs and mayors and so on, to Nellie, to Fred, to Frank, to all the people up and down the valley and in Yellowknife, Mayor Van Tighem and everyone.

I want to thank the people in Weledeh in particular. I hope I have not disappointed you over the past eight years. I think there's been great improvements in the very diverse, very dynamic and very vibrant constituency.

My friends; my old friend Michel Paper, I have to mention him. He's a great man and he's a man I've always enjoyed meeting with and talking to. Particularly Hilda. Hilda has been in this Legislative Assembly longer than any other person and I know she's going to be staying on because lots of people will want her to work with them because she's a great person and a great source of advice to Rick, to Lisa, to the others who have worked with me.

And last of all to my wife, Theresa. I don't know what it is going to be like if I hang around the house too much. I think she will get pretty tired of me pretty fast. She will be wanting me to get out of there and go get a job or something. To her, I look forward to the days that we have to spend together and do stuff around the house and so on, or whatever we are going to be doing. We will see how that works out.

---Laughter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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

Appreciation And Best Wishes

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 557

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Handley . The Chair has noticed that Members on my right have been out of making Members' statements for quite awhile because they have no idea what two and a half minutes is.

---Laughter

I guess I will settle for being the odd man out. Thank you, Members. Reports of standing and special committees. The honourable Member for Monfwi, Mr. Lafferty .

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

Committee Report 7-15(6): Report On Transitional Matters

Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 557

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Introduction

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

Committee Report 7-15(6): Report On Transitional Matters

Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 557

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight is pleased to present its Report on Transitional Matters. As the 15th Assembly draws to a close, this report captures our recommendation for improvements to the committee processes as well as our thoughts on several ongoing and emergency issues we expect or require attention of the next Assembly.

Committee Processes

Mr. Speaker, many people think of session as the time when Members of the Legislative Assembly do most of their work. However, much of the detail, discussion and decision-making that results in changes to legislation, policies, programs and spending happens in standing committee meetings. Throughout this Assembly, Members have been concerned that many of our constituents seem unaware of the work that committees do, in particular the opportunities they have to influence their work through written submissions and presentations at public hearings.

One of the major obstacles to public awareness and understanding the work of standing committees is that so many of our meetings are held behind closed doors. There are times when information must remain confidential; the meetings must, therefore, take place in camera. However, there have been many discussions when committees have met with Ministers to receive briefings or updates that could easily have taken place in public.

The committee believes it is time that closed door meetings are made the exception rather than the rule. We respectfully recommend that the 16th Assembly establish at the outset a convention that all meetings of standing committees be open to the public unless the committee is satisfied that there is a compelling reason to hold

meetings in camera. The details of the convention should be developed and agreed to by both the Regular Members and Cabinet.

We also believe that more focussed effort is required to promote public awareness and understanding the role of the committees. The soon-to-be launch of the legislative broadcasting system will provide an excellent tool to achieve this as it has the capacity to bring committee meetings as well as formal sessions to the television and people across the Northwest Territories. We respectfully recommend that the 16th Assembly take full advantage of the new broadcast system in order to make committee meetings accessible to all NWT communities.

---Applause

Ongoing And Emerging Issues

Legislative Agenda

Early in the 15th Assembly term, Members agreed to strive for completion of a number of legislative items. Several were achieved. For example, the new Liquor Act, the Tourism Act, the Northwest Territories Hydro Corporation Act, the Workers' Compensation Act and the Public Health Act, as well as substantial amendments to the Child and Family Services Act. However, the government failed to bring several others forward despite consistent probing from committees. These include: the Species at Risk Act, the Wildlife Act, the Planning Act, the Residential Tenancy Act, and amendments to the Maintenance Enforcement Act.

We encourage the next Assembly to keep these initiatives as priorities and introduce these items early in the term.

Review Of Boards And Agencies

During the 15th Assembly, a joint Cabinet and AOC Working Group completed a tremendous amount of data, compilation of and policy work towards better coordination of our government's 112 assorted boards and agencies. Further progress on this initiative stalled because the government chose not to allocate the recommended resources. Given the efficiencies that can be realized through better administration of boards and agencies, we encourage the next Assembly to pursue this issue at the earliest opportunity.

Support For Front-line Agencies

Throughout our term, we have heard repeated concerns from front line agencies that they are near or have reached a crisis point as a result of the inadequacy of government support. While some improvements have been made over the life of this Assembly, particularly in the area of multi-year funding, these improvements are not consistent across all the departments and are not adequate to ensure continued operation of many agencies the government depends on to deliver essential services. We expect that this will continue to be a critical issue for the 16th Assembly.

Loan Guarantees

Mr. Speaker, the committee has had several concerns for the provision and management of loan guarantees by the government, most recently for the diamond manufacturing companies and the Deh Cho Bridge project. Concerns centre on how much risk the government undertakes with taxpayers' money in granting these guarantees as in the case of the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation and conversely how it goes about protecting its exposures as in the case of Arslanian Cutting Works. Regular Members received advanced notification of loan guarantees but do not have an opportunity to vote on them.

We would encourage the Regular Members of the next Assembly to approach proposed loan guarantees with caution and to ensure they hold the government accountable for its handling of them.

Corporation Capital Planning And "Carry-overs"

Mr. Speaker, the committee has observed a disturbing potentially crippling trend of soaring cost overruns and delays on capital projects. This makes prioritizing and decision-making about infrastructure investment extremely difficult. The budget voted by the Assembly often bears little resemblance to what is actually spent over the course of the fiscal year.

A consequence of this is that projects are often delayed or extended. This results in carry-overs or previously approved projects have to be re-approved by the Assembly; over $70 million in 2007-08. The greater impact, however, is for staff that must handle ever increasing workloads.

We encourage the Regular Members of the next Assembly to press the government to develop a new corporate capital planning process that demands more accurate costs and time estimates to allow the Legislative Assembly to make better informed decisions about infrastructure investments and priorities. A review of the causes and consequences of carry-overs would also insist in more efficient project completion.

Infrastructure Projects

At the time of this report, two massive infrastructure projects requiring some level of government investment are being contemplated: the expansion of the Taltson hydroelectric facility and the construction of the Deh Cho Bridge. We would encourage that Regular Members of the next Assembly to press the government to provide a cost-benefit analysis business cases for these projects before endorsing any further investment of public dollars.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to hand it over to Mr. Braden to continue with the report. 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 submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Committee Report 7-15(6): Report On Transitional Matters

Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 558

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Member for Great Slave , Mr. Braden .Environment And Sustainable Development

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

Committee Report 7-15(6): Report On Transitional Matters

Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 558

Bill Braden

Great Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker and Mr. Lafferty . The committee expects that the environment and sustainability will be some of the leading concerns of the 16th Assembly as resource development continues to grow within the NWT, demand for water by upstream industries increases and the impacts of climate change continue. Earlier this year, committee members initiated formal motions to recognize water as a human right, to recommend the government adopt a comprehensive strategy to address climate change and the important work of the Inuvik Caribou Summit. We encourage the Regular Members of the next Assembly to pursue these issues with the government.

Implementation Of Land Claims Agreements

The Government of the Northwest Territories has many outstanding obligations under land claims agreements, some dating as far back as the Inuvialuit Final Agreement which was signed over 20 years ago in 1984. We strongly encourage the next Assembly to make it a priority to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the government's outstanding land claim obligations and to develop a firm plan and timeline for fulfilling these responsibilities.

NWT Housing Corporation Audit

In early 2006, Mr. Speaker, committee members initiated a request for the Auditor General of Canada to conduct a performance audit of the NWT Housing Corporation. A request was made as a result of several serious concerns with the corporation, many of which were documented in our 2006 Report on Pre-budget Consultations. Unfortunately, the audit was not completed during our term. However, we expect the report will be submitted early in the life of the next Assembly. We have found the reports of the Auditor General to be insightful and extremely useful in pointing to areas requiring action and hope that Regular Members of the next Assembly will find likewise.

Whistleblower Protection

At the committee's urging, the Department of Human Resources has recently issued a public discussion paper to explore the options for implementing whistleblower protection. We encourage the Regular Members of the next Assembly to pursue this matter with the government to ensure the work on this issue progresses and public consultations are undertaken.

Review Of Power Rates And Subsidies

Over our term, Mr. Speaker, we have seen both increases in power rates and continuous unsustainable growth in a Territorial Power Subsidy Program. A review of rates and subsidies by the government is underway. We expect that this matter will require the attention of the 16th Assembly early in its mandate.

Auditor General Investigations

Mr. Speaker, further to Auditor General investigations, the Auditor General for Canada is also the auditor for all GNWT accounts. The Auditor General's office is also well versed in audits and investigations of other matters as demonstrated, for example, by its 2006 audit of the Workers' Compensation Board. However, in any given four-year term of the Assembly, perhaps only two of these in-depth audits can be undertaken. Committees of the 16th Assembly might carefully consider which departments or agencies will benefit from compliance, performance and value-for-money audits by our reviews by the Auditor General.

Further, Mr. Speaker, provinces and the federal government are also trending toward automatic five-year performance and compliance audits, especially of their Crown corporations in addition to the annual fiscal audits. With the exception of the NWT Power Corporation, which is covered under the Public Utilities Act, no NWT Crown corporation is subject to this kind of review. It will be well worth considering.

Access To Information And Protection Of Privacy

Every year, Mr. Speaker, the committee meets with the Information and Privacy Commissioner to review her annual reports and has made recommendations to the government as a result of these meetings. The government has yet to move on several of these recommendations, some of which date back to the 14th Assembly. Of particular concern to committee are the gaps in information in privacy legislation for community governments and for the local private sector. The committee encourages Regular Members of the next Assembly to pursue these and other information and privacy issues with the government to ensure they are addressed.

Addictions

Throughout our mandate, this committee has voiced concerns about the need to direct more resources to the prevention and treatment of addictions. Earlier this year, committee members initiated a motion recommending the government implement a strategy to denormalize alcohol abuse, building on the success of its tobacco action plan. The need for such a strategy was most recently confirmed for us as we undertook public consultations throughout the NWT on the Liquor Act and again heard firsthand about the devastating impact of alcohol abuse on individuals, families and communities.

We encourage the Regular Members of the next Assembly to press the government to make the denormalization of alcohol abuse a strategic priority.

Mr. Speaker, to conclude the committee's report, I will return it to the chair, Mr. Lafferty . 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

Committee Report 7-15(6): Report On Transitional Matters

Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 559

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden . The honourable Member for Monfwi, Mr. Lafferty .

Conclusion

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

Committee Report 7-15(6): Report On Transitional Matters

Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 559

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this concludes the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight Report on Transitional Matters. We wish the members of committees of the 16th Assembly success in tackling the issues and meeting the challenges they will face during their term in their service to the people 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

Motion To Receive And Adopt Committee Report 7-15(6), Carried

Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 559

Jackson Lafferty

North Slave

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave , that Committee Report 7-15(6) be received and adopted. 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 submission. Please try again later.

Copy Copied

Motion To Receive And Adopt Committee Report 7-15(6), Carried

Item 4: Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

Page 559

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Committee Report 7-15(6) is received and adopted.

Reports of standing and special committees. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

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

Item 6: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 6: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 559

The Speaker

Paul Delorey

I am going to take the prerogative to go first in this one and recognize somebody I don't get a chance to do so in the House very often, but I am very happy to see her here today. I would like to introduce my wife, Davida, who is in the gallery today.

---Applause

Along with her is my constituency assistant, Debbie Mageean...

---Applause

...and my executive assistant, Sue Tkachuk.

---Applause

They are all a very great help to me in doing my job. I am very happy to see them all in the gallery today. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Krutko .

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

Item 6: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 6: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 560

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the worker's advisor, Colin Baile. Welcome to the House.

---Applause

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