Debates of Nov. 1st, 2024

This is page numbers 1497 - 1530 of the Hansard for the 20th Assembly, 1st Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was know .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Illegal Activity and Evictions in Public Housing

Worker's Safety and Compensation Commission Assessment Rates 2025

Fire Insurance

Remembrance Day

Rising Costs

Remembrance Day

Christmas Wish List

Conservation Inititatives

Economic Sustainability

Cell Service

Corbin Wilson - Basketball Nationals Tournament

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Business Incentive Policy Process

Economic Viability of Northwest Territories

Fire Insurance

NTPC Independent Board of Governance

Transitional Housing

NTHSSA Operational Concerns

Cell Service

Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns

Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Human Resources

Regulations for eScooters

Aurora College Transformation into Polytechnique

Carbon Tax

Written Question 10-20(1): Complaints in the Health Care System

Written Question 11-20(1): Ground Search and Rescue

Written Question 12-20(1): Cost of Living

Mrs. Weyallon Armstrong's Reply

Tabled Document 226-20(1): Budget Dialogues 2024: What We Hear Report, August-September 2024

Tabled Document 227-20(1): Fall 2024 Economic and Fiscal Update, October 2024

Tabled Document 228-20(1): Housing Northwest Territories Annual Report 2023-2024

Tabled Document 229-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority 2023-2024 Annual Report

Tabled Document 230-20(1): 2024-25 Health and Social Services Authority Budgets by Activity

Tabled Document 231-20(1): Hay River Health and Social Services Authority 2023-24 Annual Report

Tabled Document 232-20(1): NWT Department of Health and Social Services 2023-2024 Annual Report

Tabled Document 233-20(1): Tlicho Community Services Agency Health & Social Services Annual Report 2023-24

Tabled Document 234-20(1): Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission Northwest Territories and Nunavut Annual Report 2023

Tabled Document 235-20(1): Draft Northwest Territories Our Land for the Future Agreement

Tabled Document 236-20(1): Administration of the NWT Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act Annual Report 2023-2024

Tabled Document 237-20(1): Dashboard Example for ECE

Extended Adjournment of the House to February 5, 2025

Bill 16: Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), 2025-2026, Deemed Read

Bill 16: Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), 2025-2026

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Committee Report 18-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Report of the Chief Electoral Officer on the Administration of the 2023 Territorial General Election - Repeal and Replace Elections and Plebiscite Act

Committee Report 18-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Report of the Chief Electoral Officer on the Administration of the 2023 Territorial General Election - Local Authority and Election Activities

Committee Motion n/a-20(1): Motion to Amend Committee Motion 53-20(1)

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Bill 16: Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), 2025-2026

Recorded Vote

Assent To Bills

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Hon. Caitlin Cleveland , Mr. Edjericon , Mr. Hawkins , Hon. Lucy Kuptana , Hon. Jay Macdonald , Hon. Vince McKay , Mr. McNeely , Ms. Morgan , Mr. Morse , Mr. Nerysoo , Ms. Reid , Mr. Rodgers , Hon. Lesa Semmler , Hon R.J. Simpson , Mr. Testart , Hon. Shane Thompson , Hon. Caroline Wawzonek , Mrs. Weyallon Armstrong .

The House met at 10:01 a.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 1497

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Please be seated. I'd like to thank Marc Casaway for doing the blessing today.

Ministers' statements. Minister for Housing NWT .

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Minister's Statement 84-20(1): Illegal Activity and Evictions in Public Housing

Ministers' Statements

Page 1497

Lucy Kuptana

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, residents have noticed a significant increase in illegal activities across the territory and within public housing. In particular, there has been an increase in drug use and sales. I am concerned that this behaviour is a risk to public safety, especially to elders and children in our communities. Local housing organizations are actively looking for ways to address and report drug use and sales in public housing by working with the RCMP, the rental office, and residents.

Proving illegal activity can be challenging. Witnesses may be too frightened to formally complain for fear of retaliation. I am calling on Members of the Legislative Assembly and residents to report illegal activity in public housing so that local housing organizations can address the issues and help keep residents safe. Housing NWT has limited options to address illegal activity, but that is slowly changing. Last year, local housing organizations met with the RCMP and have built a relationship that allows the RCMP to share information that can support expedited rental office hearings.

As a result, the Inuvik Housing Authority has been successful in obtaining expedited rental office hearings due to illegal activity in public housing units.

But make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT does not evict tenants on a whim. Evictions are the last action in a long process seeking to address non-compliance with a tenancy agreement. At each stage of the eviction process, Housing NWT staff work collaboratively with tenants to recommend appropriate support services. If a tenant takes corrective action to follow their tenancy agreement, they can avoid eviction. If the agreed-upon actions are adhered to, the local housing organization may amend the application to the rental officer and continue to work with the tenant.

Mr. Speaker, people on waiting lists for public housing deserve fair treatment. Allowing tenants who continue to cause disturbances to stay in public housing after the rental officer has ruled that the tenancy should end is unfair to other people who are waiting to access public housing.

In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the rental officer issued 63 eviction orders to public housing tenants. 18 tenants were evicted. Of those evictions, three were evicted under

section 46 of the Residential Tenancies Act for illegal activities, and 13 of the evictions were due to disturbances.

As I mentioned earlier, illegal activity can be hard for local housing organizations to prove, but they often go hand-in-hand with repeated disturbances, which could lead to eviction.

So far, this fiscal year, there have been seven evictions from public housing. Two of those evictions were due to illegal activity, and three were due to disturbances.

Mr. Speaker, the 20th Legislative Assembly is committed to keeping residents and communities safe. We will continue to do this with the support of the RCMP, local housing organizations, the rental office, and communities. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 84-20(1): Illegal Activity and Evictions in Public Housing

Ministers' Statements

Page 1497

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT . Ministers' statements. Minister for the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission.

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Minister's Statement 85-20(1): Worker's Safety and Compensation Commission Assessment Rates 2025

Ministers' Statements

Page 1497

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, the Workers' Protection Fund provides no-fault insurance coverage for employers and benefits and care for workers in events of workplace injury.

All employers share the cost of this compensation system by making payments based on their assessable payroll, which is the amount of earnings they report for each worker, and the group rate for their industry. Each year's assessment rate must generate enough revenue to cover all current and future costs associated with workplace injuries occurring in the assessment year, including health care, rehabilitation, and wage replacement benefits.

Effective January 1, 2025, the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission will introduce two distinct years' maximum insurable remuneration, or YMIR values, for the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. YMIR is the maximum amount of salary or wages for which a worker is fully covered by the WSCC in the event of a workplace injury and sets a dollar limit on the amount of payroll that employers report per worker.

The decision to have separate YMIRs is based on changes to the average weekly earnings of each territory and the WSCC's goal is to ensure that a minimum of 70 percent of the NWT and Nunavut workforces have their earnings totally covered in the event of an injury. Employers will receive notification next month of their individual industry group rate for 2025, along with the YMIR value for each territory for the upcoming year.

I am pleased to announce that through strong stewardship of this fund, the WSCC can maintain the average employer assessment rate for 2025 at $2.40 per $100 of assessable payroll, and the amount has not changed since 2020.

The WSCC will continue to monitor workplace safety trends to better determine where support and resources are needed to help workers in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 85-20(1): Worker's Safety and Compensation Commission Assessment Rates 2025

Ministers' Statements

Page 1497

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister responsible for the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission. Ministers' statements.

Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake .

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Member's Statement 421-20(1): Fire Insurance

Members' Statements

Page 1497

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak about the lessons learned from the 2023 wildfires regarding insurance. On May 27th, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs discussed the importance of having insurance and ensuring residents are aware that proof of insurance or prior refusal is required to be eligible for the disaster assistance program. I have questions about what exactly residents need to provide to show they have been refused coverage, Mr. Speaker. How can residents demonstrate uninsurability especially have homes have been destroyed by fire.

The Minister said, I quote, fire insurance is usually included in general insurance for residents and businesses and all homeowners, tenants, business owners, and organizations should check their insurance coverage with their provider.

But, Mr. Speaker, many residents do not qualify for insurance or cannot afford it. Home and fire insurability are major concerns in this territory now, and I know it's affecting a lot of residents in my riding. Insurance costs are skyrocketing and has become a big cost of living issue quickly, as if we needed another one. I would like to know what mitigation efforts the government can undertake to help reduce the cost of insurance.

The insurance corporation of British Columbia is a provincial Crown corporation in British Columbia that provides vehicle insurance. I am curious to investigate what we can do here in the territory. Could we establish a public insurance model for fire insurance or partner with another program to help reduce costs for residents?

We are waiting on the after action review of the 2023 wildfire emergency response. But, Mr. Speaker, I would like to know what this government plans to do about our insurance affordability problem. I will have questions for the Minister of MACA at the appropriate time.

And Mr. Speaker, while I have a few seconds left for my statement today, I just wanted to make a special acknowledgement of one of our staff, Cynthia James. I wanted to congratulate her on her retirement and thank her for her work. You know, I've worked with her very closely as chair of SCOGO for the past year and just really appreciate the perspective that she brought to the table and the wisdom that she was able to share with me and has helped me grow into the role and wish her all the best going forward. So thank you very much, Cynthia.

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Member's Statement 421-20(1): Fire Insurance

Members' Statements

Page 1498

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake . Members' statements. Member from Great Slave .

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Member's Statement 422-20(1): Remembrance Day

Members' Statements

Page 1498

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my constituency assistant has many wonderful talents, and I am thankful every day for his support. Today I would like to read a slightly edited opinion piece that he wrote for Lucky Mall in 2020.

I never knew my maternal grandfather. A veteran of the second world war, he did not give up his life open the field of honour but he never really came back either. Like many other Canadians who returned from the front as heros, he kept an indelible memory of the horror that he encountered. At a time when post-traumatic stress disorder did not exist, he served his country as a military nurse before being enturned for a few years upon his return to Canada. He died in a psychiatric hospital. War kills, but even when you escape it, it still leaves a lasting mark on your mind.

Both among the military and the civilian population, those who have experienced this terrible human tragedy are sometimes lastingly affected by it. You never really come out of war completely unscathed.

Mental health issues are a reality for many veterans who have participated in the missions of Bosnia, Afghanistan, Syria, and beyond. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs in 2019, there were nearly 25,000 veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and more than 33,000 struggling with mental health issues. And that's just those who had the courage to ask for help.

Trauma is a vector for other public health issues, including drug and alcohol abuse. When we fight the opoid crisis, we are also fighting for the well-being of our veterans.

Furthermore, as our country continues to welcome refugees from armed conflict zones, it's important to remember that some of them will also need psychological support. We must show compassion to all those who have experienced such trauma and do everything possible to ensure that care is available.

On Remembrance Day, let us remember all those who died defending our freedom but also those who are alive and continue to relive the horror. We do not forget, and our hearts are with you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 422-20(1): Remembrance Day

Members' Statements

Page 1498

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Great Slave . Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu .

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Member's Statement 423-20(1): Rising Costs

Members' Statements

Page 1498

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sahtu heating fuel emergency. Facing $50,000 for one heating season is terrifying. This, Mr. Speaker, is the sentiment of my riding according to the recent Cabin Radio

article and conversations I've had with numerous constituents. Today will bring our last fall sitting to a close and, again, I must raise the alarm bells regarding the issue of increased fuel prices in Norman Wells. I'm grateful to my colleagues who have voiced support towards the issue, many of whom realize it's just a matter of time before similar situations arise in their own ridings, and to the Minister of Finance for ongoing conversations with Imperial Oil and federal counterparts. However, there is a still a ways to go to bring relief to this situation.

Mr. Speaker, emergencies aren't anew to this territory in recent years. We have dealt with COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, and floods. In these instances, the government has adapted, innovated, and found ways to offer support. Innovation could or should not be a stranger, and it is needed now in Norman Wells. Currently, the cost of air freighting fuel in is approximately $5 million. This cost needs to be offset to help the Sahtu residents. Apart from declaring a state of emergency which could freeze prices, what can be done? How can we divert funding to offset these costs, Mr. Speaker? Are there options to pull from the carbon tax revenues or funding from devolution royalties for example?

Mr. Speaker, I'm worried about the outcome for my constituents if there is no further intervention or government support offered. I do not want to return to this House and having to speak about widespread devastation in my riding because no one could afford home heating oil. I want to ensure that the Premier and Cabinet grasps the severity of what this could mean in the hardships of winter pressures coming. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. And mahsi, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I implore the Premier to work with his Cabinet colleagues to introduce support for the people in my riding who will inevitably suffer in the coming cold months. And, Mr. Speaker, I assure residents I have every confidence. Mahsi.

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Member's Statement 423-20(1): Rising Costs

Members' Statements

Page 1498

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu . Members' statements. Member from Range Lake .

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Member's Statement 424-20(1): Remembrance Day

Members' Statements

Page 1498

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, these days we face a challenging global landscape with tense conflicts and political developments around the world. However, while the future may be uncertain, what we can be certain of is our country is safer thanks to the unimaginable sacrifices generations before us made to preserve the values of freedom and democracy during conflicts stretching back centuries.

Every year we wear these poppies over our hearts to remember the sacrifices of our armed service members, all of whom came back from world wars drastically changed mentally and physically, and tragically, too many paid the ultimate price. This tradition began immediately after the first world war as society came to terms with the scale of lives lost and the realization that war still stubbornly persisted into modernity and, if it anything, technological advancements made wars even more destructive.

While Remembrance Day has different names across the world and is celebrated on different dates, the spirit remains the same, a spirit of both profound grief and gratitude for those who gave everything in the line of duty. In many of these countries, they too remember the enormous contribution Canadian soldiers had on their own liberation from tyranny because we were not just fighting for ourselves but for nations around the world. We should share in our pride that Canada and Indigenous nations have always been home to so many young men and women who were ready to rise to the occasion when the world needed them.

So let's reflect once more on what it took to stand here today as democratically-elected representatives of the people doing our best to serve all our constituents no matter their identity or their ability and strive to support the veterans who bless us today with their presence. We will remember them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 424-20(1): Remembrance Day

Members' Statements

Page 1498

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Range Lake . Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Member's Statement 425-20(1): Christmas Wish List

Members' Statements

Page 1498

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we won't be meeting again now until after Christmas, but I wanted to ensure everyone certainly the work will continue. Mr. Speaker, I've decided to put together a little wish list for Premier Santa and the Members of his workshop that I'd like to see accomplished and hopefully when we get back in February, we'll be discussing a positive change to those items.

The list, Mr. Speaker, would be way too long, and I wouldn't have time in my Member's statement to say them all, but I will highlight a couple, Mr. Speaker:

First of all, I wish for relief for the people of Norman Wells with the issue they're having with the cost of living and their crisis with fuel, as my colleague from the Sahtu has mentioned;

Mr. Speaker, a solid plan to ensure we stand by our commitment, again, to prioritize housing for all the residents in the Northwest Territories;

That we continue to provide action to support and curtail the ongoing drug crisis that many of our communities are facing, Mr. Speaker;

That we see meaningful action to deal with the issue facing and our continuing health care crisis, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank my colleagues for this week. It's been a trying couple of weeks, obviously, in this House. I'd like to thank them for their hard work, their dedication, and their passion as we work through the issues, we work through the capital budget and other things that we've had to do this session.

I'd like to say certainly a Merry Christmas to all our staff, to my colleagues here, to the residents of Inuvik and the residents of the entire Northwest Territories, and I look forward to getting home, doing some work in my constituency, and seeing everyone again. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 425-20(1): Christmas Wish List

Members' Statements

Page 1498

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake . Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Member's Statement 426-20(1): Conservation Inititatives

Members' Statements

Page 1499

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last night we passed a bill to allow the creation of a trust that would provide resources to support Indigenous-led conservation initiatives long into the future. Now, we were all so tired by that time last night that we kept our comments relatively short, so I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the incredible potential of this initiative not only in terms of conservation and Indigenous self-determination over Indigenous lands but also its economic potential.

We often struggle to find our competitive advantage as a territory in terms of things that can drive our economy. We focus on all our disadvantages, all the things that we don't have, like I was speaking about in my Member's statement on Wednesday. Our territory is a vast 135 million hectares with many remote communities and very little infrastructure. But we can also turn those challenges into an economic advantage. And that's exactly what project finance for permanence has done.

To quote the project's strategic plan, few places on Earth offer the opportunity to build on existing momentum to support local Indigenous-led objectives and achieve globally significant conservation and economic development outcomes. The NWT is one such place.

Now, under Our Land for the Future Agreement, Canada will invest $300 million to be matched by $75 million in private funds. So that's a total of $375 million for the exclusive use of Indigenous governments. It is expected to create over 5,000 jobs, and every dollar in investment will create more than $4 in economic impact.

Now, this will not be a fly in/fly out workforce. This is something where only our own people are the ones who can do this work. For example, the Indigenous guardians programs which have already taken off and shown to be very successful. Conservation is a sector where we with truly capture all of the socioeconomic benefits, and it goes far beyond wages, to physical health by keeping people active, and cultural health through the everyday practice of culture and traditional knowledge.

Now, Indigenous communities and governments have been working hard for so many years on this initiative to get us to this point where we're signing this momentous agreement, so I commend them on --

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Member's Statement 426-20(1): Conservation Inititatives

Members' Statements

Page 1499

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Yellowknife North, your time is up.

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Member's Statement 426-20(1): Conservation Inititatives

Members' Statements

Page 1499

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Mr. Speaker, may I have unanimous consent just to conclude my statement. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 426-20(1): Conservation Inititatives

Members' Statements

Page 1499

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Member from Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Seeing no nays -- we have a nay. Sorry, Member from Yellowknife North .

Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Member's Statement 427-20(1): Economic Sustainability

Members' Statements

Page 1499

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Burgundy recently released a letter which some could say was completely unfortunate on their approach. They could have gone about this a little bit differently. The criticism they received was basically targeted at the author. They viewed it as a large business wanting their way, and they attacked them on their pocketbook. But what was ignored is the message within the letter. Here was a bell being rung by an industry partner that underpins our economy and who's saying we have a path for economic opportunity for the next 25 years.

Mr. Speaker, they are saying we could do things. It was profound, their letter, if you actually read the text. 2040, they're saying we could keep things going. But even more exciting, Mr. Speaker, was the statement that said, in fact, the Jay pipe alone represents one of the largest undeveloped kimberlite pipes on the planet. This is a statement that should have been the headlines of every newspaper in the world. They are seeing opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, Burgundy isn't looking for a pass; they're looking for a path forward. Mr. Speaker, they went so far as saying here we're giving some ideas. They throw several easy-to-read headlines such as mine reclamation provisions, and they talk about the cost of holding money back. And what they're really asking for is can we do a progressive return of their deposit. Any situation of asking, if you've done 50 percent of the work why are you holding on the money, as an example. Return some of it. Find a way. They're concerned about valuation, can we speed up the process, all within the GNWT's reach.

The Mineral Resource Act, they're not asking to say we don't want to have regulations. They're just saying can we be grandfathered, but more importantly, if you read the message saying MRA regs have been out for years and years to come, we're just looking for some transparency about the hidden unknowns.

Mr. Speaker, under environmental permitting, they're not saying change the system and dump the system. They're just saying they view it conflicted, would the GNWT work as a partner, acknowledge they have challenges, and they want to meet them. I don't hear they don't want to be permitted or regulated; I hear we want to do things differently but progressive. Mr. Speaker, the water management is the same argument. They want to work with the Northerners to achieve a good end.

Mr. Speaker, ultimately, no one is saying that big business should get a pass. This big business isn't saying they want a pass; they say they want to be a partner in the future. 25 years ahead with the biggest diamond mine pipe should not go ignored. Mr. Speaker, this is a true and genuine opportunity for economic sustainability of the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 427-20(1): Economic Sustainability

Members' Statements

Page 1499

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre . Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Member's Statement 428-20(1): Cell Service

Members' Statements

Page 1499

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this year I brought the issue up about the cell service in the community of N'dilo. Public safety is a mandate of this government. And in N'dilo, we have completely poor service in the cell towers we have there. So I have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure as to how we can help resolve that issue.

But, Mr. Speaker, I would just like to take this time to also -- as the session comes to an end, I just want to quickly thank my beautiful darling wife for taking care of the home while we serve as the MLA for the Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh riding. Also, I want to thank my constituents Taylor Pagotto and Warren Delorme who work hard behind the scenes to bring forward all constituent issues and concerns to my attention as the MLA for the Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh riding.

Most importantly, I also want to thank all the translators here today, the Legislative Assembly staff, caterers. And also I want to say thank you to Ms. Cynthia James in her retirement and obviously a big mahsi cho to you.

Finally, and I just want to say Seasons Greetings to all my colleagues and all the residents in the NWT and to my constituents in the Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh riding. This is the time of year where we want to take care of each other, watch other our families, and have a safe holiday. And, Mr. Speaker, thank you.

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Member's Statement 428-20(1): Cell Service

Members' Statements

Page 1499

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 429-20(1): Corbin Wilson - Basketball Nationals Tournament

Members' Statements

Page 1499

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Colleagues, last session, I spoke about a startup Basketball Program in Fort Liard. Today, I would like to add to the story.

Corbin Wilson is a 17-year-old Fort Liard student who was selected to play on the Basketball NWT team that travelled to the Nationals tournament held in Toronto in August. This is quite an accomplishment for Corbin who started to play basketball regularly less than a year ago. He was one of a group of boys who began playing on the Fort Liard outside court and with one hoop back in the summer of 2023. The boys evolved into the Fort Liard Warriors, Fort Liard's first organized basketball team in many years, which gained players as the 2023-24 season went on.

As the closest community is Fort Nelson, British Columbia, their first tournaments were played there. The school principal and teachers in Fort Nelson were immensely supportive in encouraging and contributed volunteer coaches when the Warriors had no coaches to travel with them. Corbin displayed excellent playing skills and leadership early on and became the Warriors team captain.

MACA sponsored a regional travel basketball clinic in the fall of 2023 and Fort Liard was fortunate to have a coach come in. Fort Liard's recreation was able to bring the same coach back in the spring of 2024 which further developed the players' skills and prepared them for the annual Wolf Pack Tournament that was held in Fort Simpson.

In May 2024, him and four of his teammates travelled to the basketball NWT nationals and Canadian Summer Games selection camp and Corbin was chosen as the first alternate for the team.

With strong family support, he was able to attend the YK training camp for the whole month of July where he impressed the coaches with his dedication and hard work. He moved from an alternate to a full-fledged team member within a couple of weeks. In the end he was able to fully experience the national tournament in Toronto, truly a life-changing opportunity.

Corbin's family and the community rallied to fundraise for him through activities like Chase the Ace and Jail and Bail, and the hamlet council donated to his considerable costs. Corbin also participated fully in team fundraising activities while at the training camp in Yellowknife.

As Corbin completes his grade 12 this coming year, he will continue to play on the Fort Liard Warriors team and has committed to coaching young youth to help grow the basketball program. Thank you, Corbin, it is great to see young people pay it back. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Range Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my constituency assistant, Mr. Taylor Pagotto, who is in the gallery with us today. I couldn't let -- I share him with the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh , and he mentioned him in his opening statement so I couldn't be remiss not to recognize him for the amazing work he does for the Range Lake riding to help all the constituents out there. Thank you so much, Taylor. You work very hard every day, and we're very lucky to have you. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Range Lake . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too want to recognize Taylor Pagotto who I share as a CA with the Member from Range Lake . Also, I just want to say that our CAs that we use in this House, they do a lot of work behind the scenes, the research, and especially taking calls on the weekends and nights from my members in my riding. So I just want to recognize Taylor Pagotto and Warren Delorme. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from the Sahtu .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too want to take this opportunity to share my recognition of the staff in this House - the interpreters, the pages that have come and gone, and my colleagues here for the Christmas holidays that are coming up, and have a safe season until we meet again here February the 5th, and special congratulations to retirement to Cynthia. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Colleagues, recognition of visitors in the gallery are for people here in the gallery. Please remember this moving forward. Thank you.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Frame Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just want to recognize -- we got lots of pages in the house today from the Frame Lake riding. I recognized her earlier this week but wanted to recognize and thank again Lucy Mackay. We've got Emereigh Moffatt returning, so thank you to her for her service. And also Tika Ristau. So thank you to all three of our Frame Lake pages this week. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, it could never be said enough that our interpreters and translators do an important job, and sometimes I don't know how they keep up with us when we get going but acknowledging one particular translator, Ms. Sarah Cleary, she's a constituent and she's a translator extraordinaire, grateful for her services and her kind friendship. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Hay River South .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize Elise Scott, chief governance officer with WSCC.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Hay River South . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife South .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize a resident of Yellowknife South, also a fellow hockey parent, fellow soccer parent Nicole Sok here today. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1500

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife South . Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Colleagues, if we've missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your chamber. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. It is always nice to see people in the gallery.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Question 412-20(1): Business Incentive Policy Process

Oral Questions

Page 1500

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Northwest Territories businesses expect the government to fulfill its commitment to maximize benefits of spending of public dollars in the North for the North. This is why we have the business incentive policy, Mr. Speaker. The Stanton audit states that we cannot prove that the single biggest project in the history of this time achieved this goal.

Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of ITI . How do we assure northern businesses that the BIP is being used? Thank you.

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Question 412-20(1): Business Incentive Policy Process

Oral Questions

Page 1500

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member for Boot Lake . Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Investment .

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Question 412-20(1): Business Incentive Policy Process

Oral Questions

Page 1500

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, a few things, businesses have to meet the eligibility requirements of BIP and then those businesses, of course, are audited on a biannual basis. And then also we have our vendor performance management policy as well as the -- which was put out in 2023. And then in 2024, the guidelines were put out so that both the staff of the GNWT would understand what is expected and required, and staff do undergo training. And then in future we will be putting out training for contractors as well. Thank you.

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Question 412-20(1): Business Incentive Policy Process

Oral Questions

Page 1500

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Minister. And, yes, I was aware in 2023 certainly the BIP had had some changes. I attended the workshop in Inuvik when they implemented -- they were talking about implementing goes. So I guess my question is who was watching? And previously, Mr. Speaker, people would fill out the BIP application but how are we now, I guess, being a little more robust in monitoring that and ensuring that those businesses that fill out that form are actually following through on the commitments they make to northern businesses in that form. Thank you.

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Question 412-20(1): Business Incentive Policy Process

Oral Questions

Page 1500

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, the change that was made was specific to start off for construction contracts over $250,000. And so those contracts, they're really what we are focusing on to start with the vendor performance management policy to ensure that those contractors are meeting their BIP requirements. All of the contracts that are put out by the government then undergo review, along with the contractors, and there are penalties that are applied to contracts where BIP is not followed within that financial bracket. And I'd be more than happy to answer any other questions about enforcement of BIP certification for the Member as well. Thank you.

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Question 412-20(1): Business Incentive Policy Process

Oral Questions

Page 1500

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And in the past, there has been issues where the following up has kind of taken place halfway through the contract where it puts us in a position oftentimes not to be able to make a change because of the cost associated with that. I guess, can the Minister maybe speak a little more on the penalties and on monitoring these contractors early on in the contract versus previous years it's been a little later in the project. Thank you.

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Question 412-20(1): Business Incentive Policy Process

Oral Questions

Page 1500

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, well the contractor is the one that is making a commitment off the hop on a commitment they are making through a contract and through a bidding process to the government. So they would, I would hope, would know what commitments they're making in their own tendering process right from the hop.

That being said, one of the things that we will be implementing coming up here is training for contractors so that they understand the expectation of all contracts, they understand how businesses are registered and comply with BIP, that they understand what penalties will be applied to them.

So if BIP commitments are not achieved and -- so sorry, the payment adjustment applies only if BIP commitments are not achieved and is equal to 15 percent of the amount by which a contractor failed to meet their commitment for NWT content and 20 percent of the amount by which the contractor failed to meet its commitments for local content. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 412-20(1): Business Incentive Policy Process

Oral Questions

Page 1500

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of ITI . Final supplementary. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Question 412-20(1): Business Incentive Policy Process

Oral Questions

Page 1500

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for that. I'm glad to hear that. Again, my only concern, and my question would be, that it's great that we have penalties in there but if no one is watching, what's the incentive for a company to follow through? So my concern is, again, that not only are we saying it but that we're doing it and that we're following up early on in the contract to ensure that these businesses that say they're going to use local businesses but, maybe for cost saving measures, get halfway through the contract and say I'm going to flip that and buy that product in the south instead. Are we watching that early on in the contract?

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Question 412-20(1): Business Incentive Policy Process

Oral Questions

Page 1501

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this essentially is the point of this policy and this program is, first of all, penalizing financially the companies that aren't adhering to BIP and then at a certain point if companies are being nonresponsive, then they are going to end up with consequences and especially in a place where government contracting is so important to contractors, you know, as the -- my other hat, the MLA for Kam Lake, very much understand that government contracting is very important. If government's not putting out contracts, you better believe that I hear about it.

So making sure that we are ensuring that there is benefit to Northerners, it helps everybody, and that is really what we are trying to do with this policy. Thank you.

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Question 412-20(1): Business Incentive Policy Process

Oral Questions

Page 1501

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister for Minister for ITI. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 1501

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member's statement today, I talked about the Burgundy letter, and if I remember correctly, I think I even read somewhere that the Premier had reached out or had some conversation with them. And if I'm incorrect on that understanding, I would hope that the Premier would clarify. But that said, what has the Premier done in response to the open letter Burgundy has written, I guess the Government of the Northwest Territories, about trying to be a partner in the longer-term solution of our economic viability as a territory? Thank you.

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Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 1501

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre . Mr. Premier .

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Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 1501

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did receive a letter from Burgundy, and I did meet with the senior executives from Burgundy maybe sometime in October. Also at that meeting were the Minister of ITI and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change . Was the Minister of Finance there? The Minister of Finance was there as well as well as the Minister of Infrastructure . So we had a number of Ministers there.

And when it comes to these types of files, I'm not the lead on the regulations on access to lands, those securities, things like that, but I felt it was important for me to attend because economic development in the territory, creating a strong climate for economic development and for industry is important to me. But ultimately, the leads on those files are the Ministers and I made sure that Burgundy knew that, made sure they had connections into the Ministers. And there were officials at that meeting as well who made commitments to work further with Burgundy. So we are working with them to address their issues.

Thank you.

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Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 1501

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The reason I'm going to the Premier is, first, he's the head of the government in the context of Cabinet; it also sews over many departments and it's difficult -- I'd be here for weeks and months if not trying to get every Minister through the cycle of asking questions hence I'm trying to point them.

So what type of Cabinet direction is being provided or what could be provided with respect to the concerns raised? I could go through them. I think the Premier 's well versed in them or at least aware of them, generally speaking. But I want to emphasize just on one micro statement which is the Jay pipe alone represents one of the largest undeveloped kimberlite pipes on the planet. Mr. Speaker, does that inspire the government to call to action ways to work with Burgundy? Thank you.

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Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 1501

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

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Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 1501

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, Ekati's been in business approximately 25 years. They're proposing they could be here another 25 to 2040. They hire at least 350 Northerners, according to their letter, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's not attracting them. It's trying to find ways to keep them here in the North working and employing as well as the endless contributions to communities and community governments or organizations.

Mr. Speaker, does the Premier see the significance of this partner in their economic future? And if he doesn't, does he have another alternative? Because mining cannot easily be replaced with forestry, et cetera, et cetera. Thank you.

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Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 1501

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, yes, of course, I see the benefit of having Burgundy here and all of the direct employment that they provide to northerners as well as all the spinoff employment, all the services provided by contractors across the territory. So yes, we're very committed to continuing to work with industry and making the erritory -- continuously improving the territory so that it is a better place to do business. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 1501

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Mr. Premier . Final supplementary, Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 1501

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I read every word in this letter very closely. I did not see we're big business, we need a big pass. What it says is we see opportunity and we need a partner. Mr. Speaker, would the Premier commit to updating us on progress on all of these initiatives outlined by the Burgundy letter in a way that even Members can see where we can help support this industry to employ Northerners and to help continue to make the territories an economically viable place to live and work. Thank you.

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Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 1501

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think this is a great opportunity to offer committee a briefing on what the territory is doing on this file and on regulations in general to help spur development and to continue development in the Northwest Territories. And so I'd like to make that offer to the standing committee. I believe the Member might be the chair. And we'd be happy to provide that update and have that conversation. Thank you.

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Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 1501

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Premier . Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake .

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Question 414-20(1): Fire Insurance

Oral Questions

Page 1501

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of MACA as mentioned in my statement.

Can the Minister explain what documents residents must show to demonstrate prior refusal for insurance in order to be as eligible for the disaster assistance program? Thank you.

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Question 414-20(1): Fire Insurance

Oral Questions

Page 1501

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake . Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs .

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Question 414-20(1): Fire Insurance

Oral Questions

Page 1501

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Residents who are obtaining insurance must obtain documents from their insurance company to state that what their insurance covers. And I think it's important for all residents that, you know, we all look at our insurance documents. They're pretty thick, and I'm sure probably most of us here have never read the fine lines of the insurance documents. I know I have after the last couple years. But it's important to go through them and get the information you need out of your insurance documents. If you have documents that are showing that you're refused uncertain coverage, it's important to have those ready. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 414-20(1): Fire Insurance

Oral Questions

Page 1501

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what is MACA doing to help residents understand the steps that they need to follow in order to have proper insurance documentation? Certainly, I have residents I'd like to get this message out to. So what can I share with them, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

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Question 414-20(1): Fire Insurance

Oral Questions

Page 1501

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know the last year we've -- MACA has done a good job promoting the Be Ready campaign which also included making sure that you have insurance available for your assets. We have staff, like the Pathfinders, who work with residents to make sure they have their documents or assist them in getting documents from insurance companies. So it's important that, you know, residents reach out and even just work with Pathfinders that are available to see what they need. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 414-20(1): Fire Insurance

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Page 1501

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And if the Minister doesn't mind following up with an e-mail or something with some information I can share with residents, I'd appreciate it.

Mr. Speaker, the issue of affordability seems to be one of the most difficult items. Can the Minister describe how residents who can't afford insurance in particular need to document their efforts to obtain eligibility for disaster assistance? Is there something that can be done to help residents who simply can't afford the insurance quotes that they're receiving and are not necessarily being refused? Thank you.

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Question 414-20(1): Fire Insurance

Oral Questions

Page 1502

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The issue of affordability is getting to be worse. It's not just -- you know, it used to be hard to get insurance for some folks, and now it's continuing to be harder and harder for most of us to get insurance for certain things. And that just relates to a lot of the disasters that have happened throughout Canada. You know, with the affordability, you know, there's documentation that's needed to show that it's not affordable for them to have insurance.

You know, if you can't afford it, make sure you have that documentation so that it can help you in an event of emergency and disaster, the DFAA may be applied if it's not affordable. So when it comes down to the insurance, I know it's tough, but DFAA is really strict on the fact of affordability is not necessarily a point of coverage. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 414-20(1): Fire Insurance

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Page 1502

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister for Municipal and Community Affairs . Final supplementary. Member from Frame Lake .

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Question 414-20(1): Fire Insurance

Oral Questions

Page 1502

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And it seems the Minister is identifying a bit of a gray area here that I think we need to dig further into, and certainly I'll be doing that with research over the coming months preparing for the next session.

Mr. Speaker, has the Minister considered what measurements the government might be able to take to assist residents who are unable to obtain insurance due to affordability considering the federal government doesn't necessarily consider this to be reason enough to make residents eligible for disaster assistance? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 414-20(1): Fire Insurance

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Page 1502

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The territorial government is on a working group with the federal government that is talking about insurance and affordability, also insurance coverage that is not available. For an example, some flood insurance is not available depending on the type of flood. So there is a working group out there to work on insurance coverage. And to mention to the point of the gray area, there is a lot of confusion about insurance and what can and cannot be covered. So there is a federal working group, and the government is part of it. Also, I believe the NWTAC is also part of that working group. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 414-20(1): Fire Insurance

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Page 1502

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs . Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Question 415-20(1): NTPC Independent Board of Governance

Oral Questions

Page 1502

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we've all seen the news about the intention of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to apply for a general increase that would lead to a 25 percent hike in electricity costs, which is obviously a huge blow to both the residents and businesses. My constituents, and I'm sure that many of my colleagues' constituents, are very concerned about the governance of the NTPC. So my questions are for the Minister of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation .

First, what are the Minister's plans to create a truly independent NTPC board instead of a board made up of deputy ministers and ADMs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 415-20(1): NTPC Independent Board of Governance

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Page 1502

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, member from Yellowknife North. Minister responsible for NWT Power Corp.

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Question 415-20(1): NTPC Independent Board of Governance

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Page 1502

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is something that is a commitment from the very end of the last government in carrying forward and one that I'm certainly happy to action. One of the first things that we do need to do is make sure we design what an appropriate and professional board and non-deputy minister board is going to look like. So the intention there is to ensure that we are outlining what the criteria will be for an expression of interest.

That is right now underway, determining what that should look like -- it is being led by the Department of Infrastructure -- to ensure that we are maintaining regional representation and a degree of expertise in the subject matter area. So that's the first step, and then we'll be going out to begin the recruitment process. Thank you.

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Question 415-20(1): NTPC Independent Board of Governance

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Page 1502

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So what is the timeline for implementing those changes? If the Minister can explain. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 415-20(1): NTPC Independent Board of Governance

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Page 1502

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my understanding is that the expression of interest that should be going out for the public will be ready in 2025, early 2025. That then goes out to seek the expressions of interest. We're hopefully going to be looking to get four to eight new members on. That will help to then transition off several of the existing board members who obviously do have other responsibilities. And we'd be keeping, of course -- I shouldn't say of course, we are looking to keep at least two GNWT members on the board; we are the sole shareholder.

But that transition process will begin again once we've hopefully recruited a good slate of four to eight members in 2025. Thank you.

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Question 415-20(1): NTPC Independent Board of Governance

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Page 1502

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So how will the Minister ensure that the new NTPC board has the appropriate expertise and experience in both the electricity business and in public energy policy to ensure that we can create a modern, forward-thinking, efficient, and accountable board? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 415-20(1): NTPC Independent Board of Governance

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Page 1502

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is exactly the importance of ensuring that we get now a process as well that's clear and that's well thought out in terms of what we are looking for before the expression of interest goes out, designing a matrices of board composition.

This is actually the kind of work that's been happening slowly over the last few years in the GNWT, is to move a lot more boards towards having a matrices of what competencies are required for success, what kinds of backgrounds, what kinds of education, what kinds of regional representation, to ensure that the board is diverse, which promotes better decision-making, but has the expertise.

So that is the time that's taking to make sure that that piece of what is the matrix we're looking for is done clearly because then the expression of interest can flow from it, and then ultimately board selection can flow from that, aligning who's applied back to the skill set we're looking for. So that's literally the work underway right now. Thank you.

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Question 415-20(1): NTPC Independent Board of Governance

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Page 1502

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister responsible for NTPC . Member from Yellowknife North . Final supplementary.

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Question 415-20(1): NTPC Independent Board of Governance

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Page 1502

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So given the challenges that we often speak about in this House around accountability of independent boards, whether it's education, health, housing, how will the Minister ensure that an independent NTPC board can be held completely accountability to NWT residents? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 415-20(1): NTPC Independent Board of Governance

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Page 1502

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, thank you. I've certainly been present in the House when we've had some discussions of late around challenges in terms of the interplay between independence and accountability as entities and creatures of the GNWT, and, Mr.

Speaker, I can say that I've actually recently directed the Department of Infrastructure, who are leading this work, to take that into account expressly indicating that while we want to ensure there's independence obviously with non-GNWT members on this board, I've asked that there be a very express and clear connection back to likely the Minister because that is my role to be responsible here and maintains the line of accountability back here. So that was an expressed direction and should hopefully alleviate any misunderstandings or lack of alignment between the priorities of this House. Thank you.

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Question 415-20(1): NTPC Independent Board of Governance

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Page 1502

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister responsible for NWT Power Corp. Oral questions. Member from Great Slave .

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Question 416-20(1): Transitional Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1502

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Premier spoke a bit the other day about a newly formed governance and service integration division under EIA. So my questions are to the Premier about that. Specifically, he spoke to the fact that the division will focus on increasing transitional and supportive housing options. My question is would he be considering housing options for women and families fleeing domestic violence in those housing options? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 416-20(1): Transitional Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1502

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Great Slave . Mr. Premier .

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Question 416-20(1): Transitional Housing

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Page 1502

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And there's been interactions with homelessness and other aspects of life. Someone might be homeless because they have to flee the home that they've been living in. Right now that funding sits with health and social services, but it would only make sense to ensure that the departments are working together and that at least the left hand knows what the right hand is doing. That's one of the things we want to do with this division, is improve the culture of integrated services and cross-departmental coordination. Thank you.

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Question 416-20(1): Transitional Housing

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Page 1502

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I can accept that. I just want to draw attention specifically to the need for housing for folks who are fleeing violence. It's great, it's gotten greater since the pandemic, and so I would like to see if the Premier will commit to looking into how this new division will be best supporting those folks through whatever department is holding the pockets of the purse. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 416-20(1): Transitional Housing

Oral Questions

Page 1502

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I think it's go od for me to have that very specific information, so I will look into it. I would also like to offer a briefing to the standing committee, the appropriate standing committee, on the new division and how it's going to be -- how it's going to operate and the work that is currently happening. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 416-20(1): Transitional Housing

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Page 1502

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Premier . Member from Great Slave . Oral questions. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 417-20(1): NTHSSA Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1502

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one thing I hear from frontline health care workers time after time again is the poor state of their morale. In fact, this is something the Minister and I talked about yesterday in the hallways here. What is -- what it is is certainly tied to the cohesion of their workplaces and the accountability of their managers. Is the Minister of Health and Social Services receiving proper feedback from her frontline staff and does she have the tools to assess morale in order to work on the improvements they need? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 417-20(1): NTHSSA Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1503

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member for Range Lake . Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 417-20(1): NTHSSA Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1503

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the make-up of the authority for the operations, which are the frontline staff which we hear a lot about from the Members of this House, lies within the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services. They are -- they have a governing council. So within the authority, where the Minister's relationship is is I get to work with the governing council over that authority.

And, you know, when these issues are raised, I, you know, will have those conversations, not just with my own -- with the governing council chair but with my own deputy minister to be able to keep reiterating some of the issues that we're hearing in this House. You know, we've heard -- a lot of the issues that are raised in this House on morale are, you know -- have stemmed from, you know, MLAs from Yellowknife. You know, and I appreciate that that's being highlighted.

However, you know, the -- there are many, many employees throughout the Northwest Territories that fall under NTHSSA, and they are hardworking employees. And I know the Members do, you know, agree with that. However, you know, there are -- you know, from my end -- like, from the information that I'm getting is a lot of it is that there's -- there's a lot of vacancies, and they have just recently signed their new collective agreement so maybe some of those changes that they negotiated in that collective agreement will help with this.

But, again, they have just signed that collective agreement, and I'm hoping that we'll see some changes with employees and in recruitment in that area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 417-20(1): NTHSSA Operational Concerns

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Page 1503

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to reassure the Minister that it's not just Yellowknife Members who are advocating for our health care workers; it's everyone on this side of the House up and down the Valley. So, Mr. Speaker, it's important as well that health care is not understaffed. The Minister just spoke to this. The staff that we do have are being forced to work long hours, sometimes 12-hour shifts without breaks. How is the Minister going to ensure frontline staff, such as emergency room doctors and nurses, are not overworked and not tired, burnt out, and unable to provide high quality care? Thank you.

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Question 417-20(1): NTHSSA Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1503

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you know, I appreciate that question because the process for the NTHSSA is, you know, they have the authority; we've been questioned on how the money is being spent in there. We have a deficit. So over the years, in order to deal with some of those issues, has been they are running a deficit because they're trying to fit in areas where there's not -- you know, where the staffing vacancies are, where there's only a certain amount of staff per unit, there's -- you know, and so there's a process for that. And right now, what the process is is they run a deficit.

You know, we've also heard from the other side of the House is we need to figure out this deficit. So that's what we're doing. We've created the health sustainability unit to figure out where all the money is going that we approve in this budget, in the budgets, like, in the operating budget that goes to the health authority that goes to the department, what are those -- all those positions, are they funded? Are they not funded? Why aren't they funded? Where do we need to find that funding?

You know, right now, you know, we've heard that we're projecting a $63,000 deficit for next year's budget, you know, and so we have to figure out all that out. And in order to increase the support for those staff, we need to bring those things forward. They need to come from somewhere. We've heard from from the Minister of Finance that we're reaching our borrowing limit. You know, so we have to start to find that money from within and, you know, and that's the work that we're trying to do with the health sustainability unit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 417-20(1): NTHSSA Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1503

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, the Minister and I absolutely agree that -- but where perhaps we disagree is that there's two issues here. One is the good value for money and financial management of the health care system, and the other is the operational management where frontline workers are not feeling heard. The common thread here is management. How can leaders be held accountable within the health system, and will the Minister commit to implementing manager evaluations and reviewing organizational structures that aren't working? Thank you.

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Question 417-20(1): NTHSSA Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1503

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, as the Member is saying this, right now there is actual leadership training going on within the NTHSSA to support those managers to do the work that the Member is asking for. Why this is only happening now? I can't speak as to what happened in the past or what changes. But we know that our managers are taxed with a lot -- we know our frontline staff is taxed with a lot. How do we support our managers to help, you know, to work with their frontline staff to let their frontline staff feel supported? That's the work that's going on right now.

It might not be out there nice and shiny and being able to say this but, you know, I think -- I'm hoping that that will try to help to support those managers to continue to support their frontline staff. And, you know, and I think the time management between them and the recruitment parts of their jobs is taking effect on their time being able to support their frontline staff.

So all those things are being looked at and that was taken away from the town hall that we had, especially because the town hall that we had was at Stanton, and those things have been taken away to try and figure out ways to resolve some of those things internally. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 417-20(1): NTHSSA Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1503

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 417-20(1): NTHSSA Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1503

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I've spoken to many of the participants in that town hall. Many of those staff have mentioned their concerns that they do a lot of work mentoring other staff, helping them with their concerns, and they feel like there's not a transparent, non-biased staff person whose job is to go back and specifically take their feedback and issues with an open mind. Last budget, we asked the Minister to explore the implementation of an office of practitioner experience or some sort of dedicated ombud-like role that staff can bring their concerns to that can get worked on.

That's not the role of the current office -- the current patient experience unit. That's more for patients. We need something for practitioners. The Minister committed to look at it. Can she update the House on how far they've come so we can get that unbiased person for our staff to speak to when they have a concern? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 417-20(1): NTHSSA Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1503

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is a process internally for all staff, you know, and I think that's the tool that they need to use. And from when I speak to the senior staff, they're not hearing. And so if that's an issue, then, you know -- and this is what I recommended to the staff. If they're not getting an answer from their immediate direct supervisor, then they go to the next level. And, you know, and I mean, coming to the -- directly to the Minister's office, a lot of this stuff is operational.

A lot of it is staffing, you know, and the things that the Member, like, brings up, they also have a union that is independent and that is there to protect them that they do pay for. So they can also use that tool. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 417-20(1): NTHSSA Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1503

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Oral questions. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 418-20(1): Cell Service

Oral Questions

Page 1503

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the 20th Assembly set four priorities, and the fourth one is safe residents and communities. Mr. Speaker, all communities in the Northwest Territories have fire cell towers that they have access to in the event they need for emergency purposes. Mr. Speaker, my constituents in N'dilo struggle to have cell services for an emergency. My question is to the Minister of Infrastructure . How can the GNWT infrastructure work with CRTC cell phone providers to provide much needed cell towers in the community of N'dilo for emergency purposes? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 418-20(1): Cell Service

Oral Questions

Page 1503

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh . Minister of Infrastructure .

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Question 418-20(1): Cell Service

Oral Questions

Page 1503

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can speak for the work that's happening within the Department of Finance and that has been underway for sometime. We have advocated and continue to advocate to CRTC, as well as to federal colleagues, in ISED responsible for the broadband fund, that these funding pots need to be available to support telecommunications around the territory, around remote communities, and to better support these access points. So this was an opportunity when we saw some increases in funding.

For example, when the broadband line went up to Whati, it was an opportunity for the Tlicho government, a project on their lands. There could be opportunities here for YKDFN, projects on their lands. And we certainly do want to see those opportunities made available with funds that are otherwise available on the table. So we'll continue that advocacy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 418-20(1): Cell Service

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Page 1503

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I brought this issue up in the 19th Assembly, and I'm glad that there's some movement now to look at ways as to how we could deal with this problem. My question, Mr. Speaker, is that can the Minister work with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to come up with an emergency backup plan for the residents in N'dilo in the event they have to call for an emergency for fire, ambulance, and police protection? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 418-20(1): Cell Service

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Page 1504

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can perhaps start by saying that I'll work with my colleague, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs , on this area. It's one that I know is dear to his heart, to ensure that all residents have appropriate access to emergency services, and I'm more than happy to do so. I think he, and also my other colleague, the Minister of Health and Social Services , similarly share that we want to ensure folks have access to such services.

So happy to begin to have that conversation or perhaps join their conversation so that we are all working towards that common goal and, similarly, to ensure that we are involving the Yellowknives Dene First Nation given that it would be for the benefits on their land. So absolutely, Mr. Speaker, we can move that forward. Thank you.

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Question 418-20(1): Cell Service

Oral Questions

Page 1504

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure . Colleagues, before I turn to the question again, please be very specific to the departments. Don't go multi-departments because I sometimes have a question of where you're asking the question. So Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 418-20(1): Cell Service

Oral Questions

Page 1504

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I did say the Minister of Infrastructure . But anyway, I just want to -- I'm looking forward to work with the Minister and also the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to come up with a plan. But it's really important that we need to address this issue because this issue's been ongoing for a very long time. And I just want to just leave that there, and it's just a comment. So I want to say mahsi.

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Question 418-20(1): Cell Service

Oral Questions

Page 1504

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

So thank you. Colleagues, first and foremost, when you ask questions for Infrastructure and you include MACA and health in it, it means -- doesn't matter just because you asked the question for Infrastructure, the Minister for Infrastructure cannot answer the questions for the other ones.

As well, I don't need commentary. If you don't have questions for a third one, please pass it on to the other one. I think I've said this numerous times so I'm going to reissue it again.

Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 419-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1504

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

All right, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the opportunity for a second round. Mr. Speaker, my questions will be directed to the Minister of health for clarify and surety that the House knows where the questions are going.

In previous sessions, I've raised the issue of licensing requirements of nurses who have received training outside of the country. The hours weren't the issue. The gatekeeper of the nursing association is controlling who can be qualified under their rules to practice here. Mr. Speaker, I referred a specific case to a situation where Ontario has approved a license, Alberta's approved a license, but NWT has no pathway to approve this. So in short, Mr. Speaker, while we have cost of living going up and industry is packing up, we can't risk losing nurses who want to work here. It's that simple. What has the Minister done to help solve or resolve this issue? Thank you.

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Question 419-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1504

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Member from Yellowknife Centre . Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 419-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns

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Page 1504

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last discussion that I had on this was that the CAN was actually working on the solution, and I know that the Minister and I have touched base again to follow up on further discussions to have another updated meeting with them to where this is. I know that they're looking at the same model that -- they're looking to work with BC on the model that they have because of the -- to try and shorten the process of the assessment of the nurses that are -- international nurses that are coming into Canada to be able to come to work in the Northwest Territories. So as for the details of that, I will have to get back to the Member. Thank you.

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Question 419-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1504

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will accept the details in writing. Mr. Speaker, the BC model, if I remember correctly, is to further train and assess them at their cost. Is that how it is going to -- is that how the model's intended to roll out under this leadership of this Minister and working with CAN and the NWT Nursing Association, or will there be a bridging support program to help these individuals? Because the last time I was told this person, this family, was instructed to move to Alberta, go get your hours there, then hey, move back. We have to have a reasonable model. So, please, can you elaborate on the BC idea. Thank you.

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Question 419-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1504

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Colleagues, I would appreciate you looking to me instead of the Minister that you're asking the questions. Please and thank you.

Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 419-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1504

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, within this, what I would suggest is is that I will work with my counterpart, Minister of ECE , to get a follow-up and an update on where we are with this as to, you know, with the hours and the practice. The one thing that I would like to say is that, you know, in -- it's just been mentioned in this House that the staff are taxed with supporting other staff, mentoring. You know, we have a nursing program here that's a four-year degree program. They go into the system, they have to be mentored by nurses in the hospital.

We are trying to create training for those nurses, those senior nurses, to -- you know, to support them in their duties as mentoring. So we're trying to build that capacity within the authority right now. As for bringing on new international nurses to do this, that support would have to be built into this. So this would be a new, like added on to the NTHSSA where we are currently.

Not necessarily will, you know -- as for more of the details, this is something, again, that I would offer a briefing on standing committee, and I would -- we could send a letter once we've had an update from CAN where they are with this. Thank you.

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Question 419-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1504

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I think it's fair to say -- at least I know I've been briefed to death on this particular initiative, I'm not speaking for the social development committee, I'll let them make their own decisions -- but that said, Mr. Speaker, would the Minister show some leadership by either, A, eliminating the hours required on qualified nurses, obviously, because they've gone to school, or immediately issue a directive to the nursing -- in writing, in other words, direction that they co-partner with either BC -- sorry, Alberta or Ontario that if nurses qualify there, by defacto they qualify here in the Northwest Territories to practice. Thank you. Two ideas.

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Question 419-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns

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Page 1504

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will not commit to our territory doing what Alberta can do and support or what Ontario can do and support. We are very different than those two provinces. What I do know that in hearing from what's going on in Ontario, they're now having to build in supports within their health system to support their quick transition of allowing international nurses into the system. So now they're having to build in supports for that. That is not something that we can just turn around and do. We already have a taxed health care system and frontline workers that would need to do this.

So what I will commit to is getting more information as to where we are ready for this and, again, providing that. You know, whether the Member has been -- is fully aware of this, you know, standing committee may and some of the Members, the other Members, you know, we would love to have more nurses into our system. And how we get there, we need to make sure that Northwest Territories and the frontline staff that are going to be mentoring them can support that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 419-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns

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Page 1504

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 419-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns

Oral Questions

Page 1504

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, we have genuine qualified professionals who want to live here in the Northwest Territories. They want to be contributing to the fabric of who we are and where we're going to be to care for Northerners. Mr. Speaker, they view this, in short, is protectionism without creating opportunities that we're inviting. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister be willing to assess and recommend the elimination of those hours required to practice assuming they qualify in all other areas of education and experience? Thank you.

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Question 419-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns

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Page 1504

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that has been my direction. It has by been my direction to look at what -- in what circumstances can those hours be limited to reduce those barriers. As I can't commit to it across the board for all staff coming in from different parts of the -- like, you know, international educated nurses come into Canada, I'd have -- like, that's where I have to draw the line because I have to ensure that, you know, the staff that are coming in are going to be supported, are g