Debates of Feb. 17th, 2012

This is page numbers 487 - 514 of the Hansard for the 17th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was communities .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Minister’s Statement 23-17(2): The Wise Women Of 2012

Minister’s Statement 24-17(2): 2011 – Zero Driving And Boating Fatalities

Minister’s Statement 25-17(2): 2012 Arctic Winter Games

Acknowledging The 2012 Arctic Winter Games Athletes From Mackenzie Delta

Congratulations To The 2012 Arctic Winter Games Athletes And Coaches From Hay River

Tobacco Tax Collection

“thank You For Making A Difference” Teacher Recognition Program

A New Energy Policy

Proposed Public Housing Rent Scale Effect On Seniors

Contribution Of Small Businesses In Nahendeh

Congratulations To The Wise Women 2012

Issues Affecting The Deh Cho Constituency

Emergency Protection Order Relief

Grand Opening Of Chief Jimmy Bruneau Community Library

Spring Carnivals In The Beaufort-Delta

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Canadian Rangers

Tobacco Tax Collection

Emergency Protection Orders

Renewable Energy Alternatives

Effect On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Reconstruction Of Highway No. 7

Lifejacket Program To Promote Water Safety

Teacher Recruitment

Appeals Tribunal Decisions

Effects On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Aboriginal Skills Employment Partnerships Program

Early Childhood Development Framework

H. Pylori Testing In The Sahtu

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery (Reversion)

Tabled Document 22-17(2): A Legacy For The North: Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Annual Report 2008-2009

Tabled Document 23-17(2): Northwest Territories Marketing Plan 2012-2013

Tabled Document 24-17(2): Interactivity Transfers Exceeding $250,000 For The Period April 1, 2011, To December 31, 2011

Tabled Document 25-17(2): Office Of The Northwest Territories Languages Commissioner Annual Report 2010-2011

Old Age Security

Recorded Vote

Aboriginal Languages Secretariat

Recorded Vote

Bill 3: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2011-2012

Bill 4: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2011-2012

Bill 3: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2011-2012

Bill 4: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2011-2012

Bill 3: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2011-2012

Bill 4: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2011-2012

Prorogation

Assent To Bills

The House met at 10:07 a.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Good morning, colleagues. It is with great pleasure today and an honour to have with us today both of our Legislative Assembly’s honourary table officers. We have with us today Mr. Dave Hamilton, former Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.

----Applause

And Mr. Anthony W.J. Whitford, also known as Tony –

---Applause

– former Speaker of the Assembly. The stars certainly must be aligned today, colleagues. It is an honour to have both gentlemen here with us as our table officers. Item 2, Ministers’ statements.

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Minister’s Statement 23-17(2): The Wise Women Of 2012

Ministers’ Statements

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, International Women's Day on March 8th is a global day of celebration to honour women's advancement towards equality in all areas of life.

In the Northwest Territories, the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories celebrates International Women’s Day by hosting the Wise Women Awards and celebrating the winners with the Bread and Roses Luncheon in the Great Hall of our Assembly. This year is the 20th anniversary of

the Wise Women Awards.

These women are role models in their communities and provide volunteer, counselling and caregiver service to others. The awards recognize their advocacy work and other efforts to improve the status of women in the Northwest Territories.

It is my great pleasure to announce recipients of the Wise Women Awards for 2012:

Beaufort-Delta – Greta Sittichinli Sahtu – Ethel Blondin-Andrew Deh Cho – Margaret Vandal South Slave – Therese (Dollie) Simon

North Slave/Tlicho – Marsha Argue

The council is celebrating this milestone with the publication of a booklet honouring present and past recipients. With this year’s recipients, 93 women have been awarded the Wise Women designation since 1992.

I extend this Assembly’s congratulations to the recipients and our appreciation for their lifetime works for the betterment of families and northern communities. Thank you. Mr. Speaker.

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Minister’s Statement 23-17(2): The Wise Women Of 2012

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Transportation , Mr. Ramsay .

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Minister’s Statement 24-17(2): 2011 – Zero Driving And Boating Fatalities

Ministers’ Statements

Kam Lake

David Ramsay

Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, the health and safety of our people is a priority for each of us here. I rise today to give you an example of what we can accomplish when individuals take up the challenge to be safer every day and make smart choices.

Prevention, education and awareness are priorities for this Assembly and the work is showing encouraging results. The year 2011 was a very safe year on our roads, trails and waterways. For the first time on record, there were no fatal collisions. There were no pedestrians or snowmobilers killed. No one was involved in a fatal ATV collision. And there were no drownings.

Moreover, the number of severe injuries related to vehicle collisions in 2011 was the lowest ever. You can, in fact, count them on one hand. All of this is good news and Northwest Territories residents can be proud of these safety records.

We can continue this positive trend by wearing our seatbelts, ensuring our children are properly restrained in an infant car seat, child car seat or booster seat, driving without distractions, and wearing our helmets while riding bicycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and skateboards. When on the water, we need to be wearing our lifejackets, instead of leaving them on the floor of the boat.

And while I am mentioning the importance of wearing lifejackets, I want to acknowledge the enormous contribution by the Member for Weledeh during the filming for our Drowning Prevention

program. I know that his willingness to speak on camera about his personal tragedy, the account of how a lifejacket saved his life while his father and a family friend perished, touched the hearts of everyone who saw it. I applaud his courage and I want to acknowledge and thank him for that service.

Drive Alive, the department’s public awareness and safety information program, will continue to remind us all to make smart safe choices throughout the year through campaigns such as Leave the Phone Alone and Buckle Up NWT.

At the same time, the department will continue to make improvements to the transportation system that will help keep travellers safe such as increasing signage, straightening and widening our highways and installing guardrails. The department will also continue to improve surface conditions and inform the travelling public of road conditions more quickly, efficiently and effectively.

I ask all Members to join me in congratulating NWT residents for contributing to the success in 2011, and committing to safe travel and recreation in 2012. Thank you.

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Minister’s Statement 24-17(2): 2011 – Zero Driving And Boating Fatalities

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs , Mr. McLeod.

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Minister’s Statement 25-17(2): 2012 Arctic Winter Games

Ministers’ Statements

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Robert C. McLeod

Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the 2012 Arctic Winter Games. This year the games are being held from March 4th to 10th in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Since 1970, the Arctic Winter Games have been bringing people from the circumpolar region together every two years for a celebration of sport and culture. We are proud to once again participate in this event.

This year more than 970 athletes from 26 communities tried out for Team NWT during the territorial trials. Of that number, 680 participants were from outside Yellowknife, confirming that there is broad interest and excitement for the Arctic Winter Games across the territory.

Team NWT, composed of 350 players, coaches and managers, will join over 1,900 other participants from the teams that will represent Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Nunavut, Greenland, Nunavik–Quebec, Sapmi and Yamal.

I would like to thank the Sport North Federation, their member organizations, the regional coordinators and the countless volunteers who organized the regional and territorial trials selection process. Their collective efforts have once again made it possible for young athletes to participate in

sport and to be connected to a special event like the Arctic Winter Games.

I would also like to thank the Aboriginal Sport Circle, the NWT Parks and Recreation Association, the Beaufort-Delta Sahtu Recreation Association, the Mackenzie Recreation Association, community recreation workers as well as the physical education teachers in NWT schools, who along with parents and volunteers provide the sport and recreation opportunities at the local level, that give our young people that first step towards trying out for the Arctic Winter Games.

The whole process of selecting and sending a team to the Arctic Winter Games supports the goals of the 17th Legislative Assembly related to

sustainable, vibrant, safe communities.

I also wish to profile our new NWT youth ambassadors who are accompanying Team NWT to Whitehorse where they will make their contribution to the celebration of northern culture and sport excellence.

The Youth Ambassador Program is founded on the principle that a guided and structured volunteer experience throughout the year, coupled with volunteer participation in major events, can develop significant life and job skills and build the confidence necessary for youth to deal with complex challenges.

As part of our commitment to the development of youth leadership and increasing volunteer capacity in our youth, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is sending 24 youth ambassadors to volunteer with the host society.

These young leaders are busy preparing for their meaningful roles during the games and I know they will proudly represent their communities and the NWT.

I invite all Members to join me in wishing Team NWT and the NWT youth ambassadors the very best of luck at the 2012 Arctic Winter Games.

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Minister’s Statement 25-17(2): 2012 Arctic Winter Games

Ministers’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 3, Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta , Mr. Blake .

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Acknowledging The 2012 Arctic Winter Games Athletes From Mackenzie Delta

Members’ Statements

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to acknowledge the 2012 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon, and congratulate the athletes that have been training to win their spot on Team NWT to represent the Northwest Territories.

We have such programs in place to help our athletes compete at national levels. We offer

financial contributions for athletes who need the extra training and we have endless amounts of resource material to assist our athletes in becoming the best they can be.

I have so much pride in acknowledging athletes that are coming out of the Mackenzie Delta riding. Please let me congratulate 41 Arctic Winter Games participants. From Aklavik: four Dene Games athletes, one ski biathlon athlete, eight cultural performers, two female hockey players, one juvenile dog musher. From Fort McPherson: two Dene Games athletes, two snowshoers, three cross-country skiers, four snowshoe biathlon athletes. From Tsiigehtchic: one Dene Games athlete. There is a total of nine coaches and staff from the Mackenzie Delta.

It gives me more pride to mention today that one of our respected elders in Fort McPherson, 81-year-old Mrs. Jane Charlie Sr., has supported her children and grandchildren throughout their years of growing up in all aspects of sports. She has attended many hockey tournaments and cheered on the sidelines for various other sports for members of her family. As a result of the extra support and encouragement, Mrs.

Jane Charlie has five of her children coaching for Arctic Winter Games and six grandchildren were participating: one in dog mushing, two in Dene Games, one in female hockey, one in snowshoeing and one in snowshoe biathlon, and she has one female great-grandchild participating in female hockey.

Members of the Legislative Assembly, please join me in congratulating a fine supporter of active living and promoting fair play, Mrs. Jane Charlie from Fort McPherson.

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Acknowledging The 2012 Arctic Winter Games Athletes From Mackenzie Delta

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Blake . The honourable Member for Hay River North , Mr. Bouchard .

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Congratulations To The 2012 Arctic Winter Games Athletes And Coaches From Hay River

Members’ Statements

Robert Bouchard

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to congratulate the 33 participants from Hay River who will be attending the Arctic Winter Games from March 4th to 10th . I’d also like to thank

all the coaches that helped them get there and those coaches that are helping them participate at the games.

Along with a few Members here at the Legislative Assembly, I have the honour of being a former member of the Arctic Winter Games team. I’d like to encourage all the athletes out there to go for gold, but remember to have fun, and go Team NWT!

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Congratulations To The 2012 Arctic Winter Games Athletes And Coaches From Hay River

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bouchard . The honourable Member for Range Lake , Mr. Dolynny .

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Tobacco Tax Collection

Members’ Statements

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tobacco is bad, period. We all agree that cigarettes contain known carcinogens that cost our health care systems millions of dollars annually. What kills me even more is that I don’t think we’re collecting all our taxes on this product, because I believe we have an open door in the tobacco tax collection process itself that is half open, and this half-open door could be potentially exploited. I will attempt to walk the Members here today down a very complex path in tobacco tax collection.

To start, there are a myriad of terms thrown in the collection of tax for tobacco such as Black Stock Tobacco, Alberta tax memos, tax rebates, tax rebate requests, treasury division, and wholesale dealer permits are just a few terms of the process. Placing all these terms together in a flowchart, you soon have yourself a very convoluted spaghetti chart. As complex as it may be, there is a flaw in this system that is easily identifiable.

The Minister of Finance is aware of this discovery, and I wish to thank him for his patience and his thoroughness with his investigation when I brought it forward. Furthermore, I am more than certain that the Minister will stand here before you today and indicate that all is okay, that hours were spent to obtain adequate evidence to assure that tobacco taxes were being remitted properly to the NWT.

The Minister may be accurate in his assumptions, but to be fair, providing assurances that the total tax revenues being collected are reasonable with the use of national averages for smoking rates are not, in my mind, the numbers we should be trusting. I think the people of the NWT deserve the utmost confidence that our tax collection system is foolproof and without the potential doorway of exploitation. Without the proper physical audits, this assumption with the use of smoking averages is futile.

Simply put, the Alberta tax memos that account for the tax being paid in Alberta are not the area of concern. These are audited and balanced throughout the purchase cycle from wholesaler to retailer. Where things get confusing are the means in which the self-reporting practice occurs for the GNWT tax portion and remittance. Admittedly, this is not an electronic submission but, rather, a manual remittance, hence self-reporting and the potential flaw in the system.

I will have further questions today for the Minister of Finance in asking him how we can close this potential loophole which could be costing the GNWT significant money in lost tax revenues.

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Tobacco Tax Collection

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny . The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Ms. Bisaro .

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“thank You For Making A Difference” Teacher Recognition Program

Members’ Statements

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It was an exciting visit to the House yesterday by the N.J. Macpherson Grade 5’s and I think we had a very successful Anti-Bullying Day in the House.

I’d like to remind everyone that next week is NWT Education Week. During the last 15 years, a very positive initiative has been run by the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Northern News Services and First Air. They have all partnered to run a teacher recognition program called Thank You for Making a Difference.

Every January through to mid-February, students and former students across the NWT have the opportunity to submit a nomination about an educator who has made a difference in their lives. Two names are drawn, and the teachers win an airplane pass and the nominating student wins a laptop computer.

The great thing about this initiative is that although only members of the NWTTA can win the trip, all educators who receive recognition from former students get a copy of the nomination. Every year nominations pour in for current and former teachers, and it’s tangible proof of the message in this statement: Research has proven over and over again that the single most important factor in a child’s success in school is a teacher who cares.

Over the last 14 years there have been more than 18,000 nominations submitted, all thanking an educator who’s made a difference to one of their students. Nominations have come from all ages of students, from a few words printed in smelly markers to long, heart-felt testimonies from former students struggling. In the first year of the program there were 26 submissions. This year there were 2,000.

I’d like to quote one example: “I like my teacher, because when I was in Grade 5 I was failing, but she said I don’t want to see you in summer school. I think you’re very smart. So I said, you’re right. I am smart. After that I changed.” An age 11 student.

The awards ceremony for the Thank You for Making a Difference campaign is next Friday here in the Great Hall, I believe.

Yesterday all Ordinary Members delivered statements dealing with the impact of bullying on our students in schools, our communities and our society. We know schools are doing their part to combat bullying and family violence, and we know that teachers can indeed make a difference.

I’d like to take this time and this opportunity to thank the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association, Northern News Services and First Air for this

worthwhile initiative. Most of all, I’d like to thank all those teachers who every day make a difference in the lives of students across the NWT. Thank you.

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“thank You For Making A Difference” Teacher Recognition Program

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . The honourable Member for Weledeh , Mr. Bromley .

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A New Energy Policy

Members’ Statements

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The biggest factor in cost of living and economic development is the cost and availability of energy. Yet, in terms of progressive energy policy, we are so misled by the use of fossil fuels, which are costly and cause climate change, that we are missing the boat and the world is passing us by. What we do or don’t do in energy policy and planning is pivotal to our success. Our challenges are clear:

Skyrocketing cost of fossil fuels, dangerous climate changes, shrivelling community economies, fossil fuel subsidies 10 times that for renewable energy, and uncertain availability of fossil fuels. In fact, the International Energy Agency now admits peak conventional oil occurred six years ago and “current trends in energy supply and consumption are patently unsustainable economically, environmentally and socially.”

Rather than accepting a fossil fuel future, jurisdictions the world over are switching to clean, abundant renewable sources proven feasible and commercially viable. How? Their secret is a simple but fundamental shift in perspectives. More than stepping away from our oil addiction, this is a commitment, a leap towards doing things better. Rather than a burden, it’s a huge opportunity.

Astounding unforeseen successes have been achieved through both public and commercial generation of renewable energy propelled through advanced policy. One key component is a government requirement for power corporations to purchase renewable energy at a set, relatively high price, or feed-in tariff. This promotes a move from highly inefficient service focused on maximizing consumption of power based strongly on imported commercial fuel, to one focused on the most efficient use of power generated from local and non-commercial fuels. It rewrites the economics of energy reduction from top to bottom.

A second key element is a smart grid. A smart grid uses the digital technology of your iPhone or BlackBerry to measure the flow of energy in both directions, depending on whether it’s being produced or consumed. This software also adjusts our appliances and energy sources to use or sell energy at times of day when it is either cheapest or most valuable, whichever gives the greatest benefit.

Tales of successes are building daily, but we need our own story to tell. The North is ripe for this approach because our energy prices are already so

high. The NWT cost of power is 70 cents per kilowatt hour and rapidly climbing.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

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A New Energy Policy

Members’ Statements

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

In contrast, jurisdictions where power rates are only 6 or 8 cents per kilowatt hour have required payments of 40 or 50 or 60 cents per kilowatt for wind, for solar, for biomass energy, and have turned their energy services around. Clearly, the potential for us to offer such prices for renewable energy and ultimately enjoy reduced costs is immediate. The annual GNWT subsidy for electricity is over $14 million, up 40 percent from 2009-10 to 2010-11 and rising. Why continue such silliness when alternatives are available?

We could choose to continue our headlong pursuit of an inefficient fossil fuel-based path, accepting the many costs while enjoying the last gurgling years of the oil bubble, or we could make the leap to proven sustainable energy systems with thriving local economies and healthy land. Like so many individuals in the North are doing, and as so many communities and jurisdictions are doing, I suspect we can see the potential and will make that big shift. Once made, the experience of others is that the benefits and realities far outweigh the estimated potential when they began.

We need an advanced energy policy that truly supports Northerners and their futures. Let’s get on with it. Mahsi.

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A New Energy Policy

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Proposed Public Housing Rent Scale Effect On Seniors

Members’ Statements

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I listened with great interest to the Housing Minister yesterday when he announced the proposed plans for the NWT Housing Corporation. During the 16th Assembly, I was among one of the Members that pushed Mr. McLeod for an overhaul for the rent scales for the young people who want to work and get a fair chance to make it on their own. I did this because the so-called economic rent being charged was too high. Basically, if someone got a job, they would have to pay so much rent. They wouldn’t have much money left for anything.

Mr. Speaker, I want to make it very clear, I did not ask the Minister to raise the rent for any seniors who live in public housing. These elders already have a hard time getting by. Many of them live in poverty or on the edge of poverty. It is not okay to raise the rent for our elders so we can lower the top rent scales in public housing. It shocks me that, after all he has heard in this House, it seems that this is what the Minister plans to do. The Minister

has already told us that his moratorium on eviction from public housing has not resulted in very many tenants making arrangements to pay back what they owe. Maybe in the future in the Sahtu, we are going to need a Betty House. I wonder why this is so, Mr. Speaker. It could be that those tenants don’t have their money to pay back. Could it be that they have so little income that they have no hope of paying the Housing Corporation back? How many of these elders will be affected with this proposed plan? It is supposed to be implemented on July 1st .

I don’t have those answers, Mr. Speaker, but I sure hope we can talk to the Minister about that. Maybe there is still time to exempt elders from any rental increase. That is what should be done.

A few days ago I spoke about penalized elders. We have someone living with them in their houses. We have not yet fixed that problem. And now the Housing Corporation plans to raise the rent for some of our seniors. Are we going from bad to worse, Mr. Speaker? I think so.

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Proposed Public Housing Rent Scale Effect On Seniors

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Contribution Of Small Businesses In Nahendeh

Members’ Statements

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The small business sector is one of the most critical to the health of the economy, especially in the Nahendeh riding. Small businesses make great contributions to Nahendeh communities. Although the population is small, these communities are the scene of a surprising amount of activity.

The Liard River crossing is the second busiest river crossing in the Northwest Territories. The Nahanni National Park, with the NWT’s highest mountains and largest glaciers, attracts close to 1,000 visitors every year. The oil and gas and mineral development is becoming increasingly important in the region.

Small businesses respond to the needs of a wide range of goods and services. Small businesses are community builders. They are owned and operated by people who invest in the community and make it their home. They offer employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities and valuable local knowledge. Many young people’s first employers are the local, small business owners. Local apprenticeship opportunities help create a sense of pride in their work and in their town.

In the 2006 Deh Cho Regional Development Strategy, it highlighted small business as one of the key areas for development. ITI committed to make resources available to hold small business workshops, promote entrepreneurship, facilitate meetings between industry, business and Aboriginal organizations and provide business

owners with access to capital. Right now businesses in the Nahendeh region and the Deh Cho region make up only about 6 percent of all businesses in the NWT, but that will change as we look forward to future development of the Prairie Creek Mine and other developments in the southern Northwest Territories. There is a great potential for further small business development in forestry and agriculture. Our people and our small businesses are at the core of our economy. I ask the GNWT to continue to do all it can to help small businesses throughout the NWT and especially in the Nahendeh riding.

I also would like to commend all the small business owners in my region and throughout the North for continuing to do their best for the residents of Northwest Territories. Mahsi cho.

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Contribution Of Small Businesses In Nahendeh

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake , Mr. Moses .

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Congratulations To The Wise Women 2012

Members’ Statements

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I was very happy to read in the Inuvik Drum yesterday, recognition of the Wise Women Awards, specifically a former worker, Greta Sittichinli. Mr. Speaker, we’re all here because of women in our lives that have supported us, that have encouraged us, motivated us. Women that are our mothers, our sisters, significant others, so that we can be sitting here today and assisting and leading the people of the Northwest Territories in providing good programs and services.

In my life as a worker in the public service, I’ve done a lot of good work and there’s a lot of work that I’m very proud of that I can say we’ve put a lot of action to. I can say that a lot of those actions happened because of the women that I’ve worked with in terms of committees and the work that they did, and the drive that they had to make change and create action in the Northwest Territories.

My campaign team, actually, for me to get into the Legislative Assembly, was made up of pretty well all women who made things happen, who got out there, got the work done. For someone who didn’t even have a campaign, they helped me to be who I am today.

Women have had a significant effect on my life in terms of being who I am today with the knowledge and experience that was provided to me. The Status of Women Council has been distributing an award, the Wise Women Award, since 1992 for the five regions in the Northwest Territories. The wise women recipients are role models who demonstrate wisdom, perseverance and dedication, while standing up for women, children and families in our

communities. They strive to make the North a better place to live, work and raise a family.

I’d like to take this moment to recognize one of those women: Greta Sittichinli. I’ve worked with her. She’s done a lot of good work, she’s one who has overcome adversity, who is a single mother, who goes above and beyond to make sure that the people of Inuvik thrive, and are healthy, and have opportunity to succeed and to live, much like all the other award recipients across the Northwest Territories. She’s the go-to person who spends a lot of countless hours volunteering for the church so that people who are less fortunate get a chance to succeed.

At this time I’d like to celebrate all women across the Northwest Territories that are doing significant work and making a positive impact in their families, in their communities and across the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Congratulations To The Wise Women 2012

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses . The Member for Deh Cho , Mr. Nadli .

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Issues Affecting The Deh Cho Constituency

Members’ Statements

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Here in this session, like my colleagues, I have supported the interim supplementary appropriations. Of particular significance was my support to the Inuvik to Tuk highway. While I realize that in the absence of industry activity in those areas of the North to create jobs and opportunity, the GNWT has an overall responsibility to serve the needs and interests of all Northerners.

The communities that I represent, K’atl’odeeche, Enterprise, Kakisa and Fort Providence, are comprised of Dene, Metis and non-Aboriginals, like the rest of the Northwest Territories. We call these communities our home. Everything is not trampled, though, as we want it to be. My constituents have particular concerns and issues regarding health, housing, education and training, rates of crime and sometimes struggling to make ends meet. In the next few months I will be seeking support for the Deh Cho constituency.

I believe there are potential areas that this government and the Deh Cho communities could discuss. I’m confident that this House and government will continue its support of business growth. It plays a vital role in the life of our communities. I would like to see the continued progress towards a sustainable forest industry that could create jobs and opportunities in the Deh Cho and also the Northwest Territories.

I, too, would like to take an opportunity, Mr. Speaker, just to acknowledge the Wise Women Award for my community, Margaret Vandell, or Auntie Margaret, as we all know her. Margaret has been married to Norman and raised five boys. She’s got grandchildren right now that she enjoys. She’s heavily involved with the school, the Deh Gah School. In fact, there’s a camp along the winter road they call the Ena’s Camp. She is very active in traditional medicines. She’s very active also in community gatherings and ceremonies. I’d like to take this opportunity to say mahsi and congratulate her.

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Issues Affecting The Deh Cho Constituency

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Nadli . For May/June I’ll remind the Members that Members’ statements are one topic. But it’s our last day here today. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Emergency Protection Order Relief

Members’ Statements

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve spoken in the past about protection against family violence and the emergency protection order. These orders are essential in protecting domestic violence victims and in many cases they are a very valuable tool in our society. I should make sure it’s clear on the record that I have no issue, whether personally or in my pursuit on this topic, that we should take away EPOs. My concerns are based on the fact that they have to be built around and based solely on the truth. Which now brings me to the issue.

We have seen that emergency protection orders can be issued based on false information. When it happens, it causes great damage to the person who has been falsely accused. The falsely accused person even has to cover their own legal costs. Then they have to seek restitution from the courts themselves; again more costs. We have to really hope and pray that the restitution actually follows through, which in all cases, in my belief, is very unlikely.

We don’t account for the mental duress or social duress placed on the falsely accused; yet another part that’s ignored about this new-found victim. It is much the same the victim of perjury, liable or slander. All they want to do is seek civil remedies here with the support of the Department of Justice.

It is not fair that unintentional circumstances cause us to further penalize this new-found victim.

The Justice Minister , if you had heard earlier when I’d asked him to help me look for solutions, has now become the champion of the status quo. All I’ve asked for is a remedy so the falsely accused can help themselves. Their answer is: Go to court, and you pay, by the way.

I’m not a lawyer and I certainly don’t have all the answers, but the problems are pretty obvious. We, as legislators, must work hard to make sure fairness is there for all citizens who go to court. The falsely accused are being railroaded by our system and someone has to stand up. I would have thought the Justice Minister would be one who would be interested in this.

Lady Justice may be known as being blind when it comes to choosing which side of justice, but I can tell you, she can clearly see that there is a wrong here.

Later today I will be asking questions to the Minister of Justice about the falsely accused and about what he can do to finally take some serious action on this particular issue, because we cannot stand for the falsely accused to become further victims.

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Emergency Protection Order Relief

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

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

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Grand Opening Of Chief Jimmy Bruneau Community Library

Members’ Statements

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

...reality, that’s what happened here. The community of Behchoko wanted a public library, so community members worked together to find a solution. The solution was to provide public access to the existing library at the Chief Jimmy Bruneau School. CJBS has always found ways to be innovative and creative.

Hours of operations are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday to Friday, and evenings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is exciting news for the community of Behchoko and a great opportunity for community members to take advantage of the community library. I’d like to thank the Chief Jimmy Bruneau School staff, the resources and community members for coming up with this solution.

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Grand Opening Of Chief Jimmy Bruneau Community Library

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes , Mr. Robert McLeod .

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Spring Carnivals In The Beaufort-Delta

Members’ Statements

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I start my Member’s statement, I want to use this opportunity to wish my uncle Abel Tingmiak happy birthday. Abel is in his 60s and he’s still flying around on the blanket toss.

Spring carnivals are just around the corner. Up in the Beaufort-Delta we’re very fortunate that we’ve got four or five communities that are very closely linked and we’re able to travel between the communities to take

part in the carnivals up there. We have the carnival in Tsiigehtchic, and the Peel River Jamboree in Fort McPherson, the Mad Trapper Rendezvous in Aklavik, the Beluga Jamboree in Tuk and the Muskrat Jamboree in Inuvik. It’s always a good opportunity for people to get together and meet old friends, compare their snowmobiles to see who’s got the fastest one and race their dog teams. Every community has a talent show and the talent in the Beaufort-Delta is the best in the Northwest Territories. So they always have a great time doing that.

I think all these carnivals are not possible without the hard work of so many people behind the scenes. Every year they volunteer, the same people over and over. So I think they need to be commended for all the work that they do.

They also wouldn’t be possible without the corporate citizens we have in our communities that contribute to these carnivals year after year. We have them right across the Northwest Territories. We have good corporate citizens in the Northwest Territories. Even with the slow economic times, they’re still freely giving of their money every year. I think all these people need to be commended for the good work they do supporting these carnivals. I thank all the people that put these carnivals together, the volunteers and the ones that do it year after year.

I would encourage all the people in the Beaufort-Delta and all the people across the Northwest Territories to take advantage of these great times. I would encourage them to take advantage of them and I would also encourage them to be very safe when they’re driving to and from these carnivals.

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Spring Carnivals In The Beaufort-Delta

Members’ Statements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize two Pages that have come from the small community of Jean Marie River. Miss Alisha Grossetete and Miss Kyla

Norwegian are in Grade 9. Thank you for your hard work this week.

Also to the chaperone, my cousin Ms. Yvonne Norwegian, who was here helping them throughout the week.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The honourable Premier , Mr. McLeod.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Yellowknife South

Bob McLeod

Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m very pleased to recognize today in the gallery Lorraine Phaneuf, the executive director for the Status of Women Council; and Gail Cyr, special advisor to the Minister responsible for the Status of Women.

I’d also like to recognize Gaetan Caron, chair of the National Energy Board; Susan Bedouin, leader of paralegal service of the National Energy Board; and, of course, David Hamilton, member of the National Energy Board.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Weledeh , Mr. Bromley .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d also like to recognize our table officers today. I recognize Mr. Anthony “Tony” Whitford as the resident of Weledeh.

In the gallery, I believe, is Amanda Mallon, who was there earlier. She is a resident of Weledeh and city councillor.

Also there is Gail Cyr, who has been mentioned, a recent recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Also, if memory serves, also perhaps a past Wise Woman Award winner and most importantly, of course, a resident of Weledeh.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Ms. Bisaro .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize a Page who worked with us last week and has been working with us again this week: Brenda Joyce-Hotte. Thank you very much for all the work that you’ve done.

As well, I would like to recognize two members from the NWT Teachers’ Association who are with us today: Mr. Dave Roebuck, the executive director; and Ms. Gayla Meredith, who is the communications officer with the NWTTA.

I cannot ignore two acquaintances who are sitting at the Clerk’s Table. It’s an honour to have you two gentlemen here today: Mr. David Hamilton and Mr. Tony Whitford. Welcome, everyone.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me pleasure to recognize a constituent in the gallery: Lorraine Phaneuf.

I’d as well like to recognize on this occasion our very favourite table officer, albeit two, I should say, today; I should make sure that’s correct. I’d like to recognize my mentor, of course, the honourable Anthony W.J. Whitford. I’d also like to do special recognition to Mr. David Hamilton. He’s been a friend as well as a mentor of mine for so long I remember when he was taller than I was. I’ve known him that long.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Member for Range Lake , Mr. Dolynny .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to thank two Pages here from the area of Range Lake. We have Naoka Blondin and MacKinley Moore. Thank you for your assistance, guys.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny . The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake , Mr. Moses .

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize Lorraine Phaneuf and Gail Cyr, whose names are very familiar and common when it comes to efficient, healthy and positive programs across the Northwest Territories and in the communities. I’ve heard these names ever since I’ve been in the workforce, and I’m very glad to have finally met both of them and have them both in the House today.

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Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses . Colleagues, I’d like to welcome again Ms. Danielle Bryan, a visiting student from the University of Toronto. This is her last day here with us, so all the best to you, Ms. Bryan.

I’d like to welcome all the visitors in the public gallery here today. Thank you for taking an interest in our proceedings here today.

Item 6, acknowledgements. The honourable Member for Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Acknowledgement 4-17(2): Canadian Rangers

Acknowledgements

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On January 26, 2012, the Canadian Rangers welcomed its 59th patrol to the Northern Canada

Group. Based on their website, the Canadian Rangers are the military eyes and ears in the North, hence their motivation. They’re watchers. There are 163 patrols across Canada. Many are Aboriginal and speak a native language. I want to acknowledge those people who make this a reality in the Northwest Territories and those who encourage them.

The Canadian Rangers provide a vital service to our country. It is important their commitment and dedication is acknowledged by everyone.

Deline has 16 volunteer Canadian Rangers and are now part of a larger family of over 1,500 in the Northern Canada Patrol Group. Congratulations, Deline, for setting an example through hard work and being role models for others to follow.

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Acknowledgement 4-17(2): Canadian Rangers

Acknowledgements

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . Item 7, oral questions. The honourable Member for Range Lake , Mr. Dolynny .

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Question 105-17(2): Tobacco Tax Collection

Oral Questions

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today in my Member’s statement I made reference to a potential open door in the tobacco tax collection process. Specifically, the manual self-reporting remains portion of the GNWT tax. As stated, I have highlighted a potential problem which fails to ensure we are indeed getting the maximum tax of what tobacco comes into the NWT for sale. In order to put accountability and public trust into the system as it stands today, would the Minister of Finance consider having a one-source of distribution for all tobacco coming into the Northwest Territories so that we can ensure that all cigarettes are accounted for and that all taxes are collected?

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Question 105-17(2): Tobacco Tax Collection

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny . The honourable Minister responsible for Finance , Mr. Miltenberger .

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Question 105-17(2): Tobacco Tax Collection

Oral Questions

Thebacha

Michael Miltenberger

Minister of Finance

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government’s internal Audit Bureau spent over 600 hours of man time to investigate the allegations that have been raised in regard to tobacco, and they reached the following conclusions, which I will quickly outline:

• that there was a reasonable assurance that the

GNWT was collecting the required tobacco tax revenue;

• there was no evidence to support assertions

that collectors were under-reporting their sales volume to the GNWT;

• there was no evidence that the Northwest

Company was incorrectly reporting sales to the NWT to avoid paying the higher tax rate; and

• some small retailers were circumventing the

NWT tobacco tax collection process by making purchases from an unlicensed wholesaler in Alberta.

Thank you.

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Question 105-17(2): Tobacco Tax Collection

Oral Questions

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

I appreciate the summation, as I know I heard from the Minister before. But going back to the suggestion of a single distribution wholesaler in the NWT to mitigate this manual self-reporting structure as we see today, I think it’s a

wise move on behalf of the GNWT and I think it’s also a smart business decision. I guess the question is: What’s holding the Minister back from considering a solution so we can put accountability and public trust back into the system?

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Question 105-17(2): Tobacco Tax Collection

Oral Questions

Thebacha

Michael Miltenberger

Minister of Finance

We’ve spent a lot of time looking at this issue. There are a number of questions and areas, of course, for further discussion. Is the issue on the wholesale side and setting up a single wholesaler, or is it on the retail side, which is where I believe the problem is, and the issue of while we can have a good system like most laws in the country, which is why we have jails and police. If people want to try to circumvent the system, as they do with tobacco, there are many ways to try to do that. Our job, as the Member has indicated, is to try to make sure that we have as airtight a system as possible.

I would, of course, look forward to continued discussions on this issue with the Member and committee, as we move through business planning processes, as a way to keep this issue under the magnifying glass for a thorough discussion. Thank you.

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Question 105-17(2): Tobacco Tax Collection

Oral Questions

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

I do appreciate the Minister for his summation again here, but I don’t believe the Minister today is clearly seeing the potential for this exploitation, this manual remittance portion. It’s clear that there is a viable solution out there with a single-source distribution of a wholesaler and it appears that it’s just not in his language. At least it’s not in a language that I think will address the issue. I have highlighted a potential problem in our tax collection process, and in doing so, if the Minister isn’t going down this pathway, what measures will he put forward so that we can put accountability back into the system?

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Question 105-17(2): Tobacco Tax Collection

Oral Questions

Thebacha

Michael Miltenberger

Minister of Finance

I could repeat the findings of the internal Audit Bureau, which has given me comfort that the system overall is working. Are there improvements? Absolutely. I’m sure if we had more resources and more ability, we could have more folks on the ground.

The issue of the one wholesaler, that’s one potential way to look at things. Will it deal with the issue of retailers? I’m not convinced that it will. Am I prepared to have more discussion? I am.

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Question 105-17(2): Tobacco Tax Collection

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . Your final, short supplementary, Mr. Dolynny .

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Question 105-17(2): Tobacco Tax Collection

Oral Questions

Daryl Dolynny

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister for leaning towards the direction of a single-source distribution centre, but to go further now, I believe that the issue being raised today puts some doubt in the way we’re doing our tobacco tax. In doing so, I’m asking the Minister: Could we have a whole disclosure to the House with the internal Audit Bureau so that we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that we are indeed 100 percent confident that we’re collecting

this tobacco tax, and would the Minister agree to reporting these findings to this House? Thank you.

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Question 105-17(2): Tobacco Tax Collection

Oral Questions

Thebacha

Michael Miltenberger

Minister of Finance

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The assertion initially was that we were missing up to $12 million to $15 million a year in lost tax revenue because of unreported tobacco sales. We put a significant amount of manpower onto that issue to follow up on that matter. As Finance Minister , the thought of us missing that kind of revenue, given our fiscal circumstances, immediately got my eye. We spent months doing the work. We’ve come back. The first finding is that there’s a reasonable assurance that the GNWT was collecting the required tobacco tax revenue.

The Member has some ongoing concerns. I’m prepared to look at and discuss those further. He’s made a suggestion. I don’t believe there’s a silver bullet that will provide the type of certainty that the Member asks for, and in the businesses that we’re in, I don’t think we could point to any that provides 100 percent certainty in anything we do. Thank you.

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Question 105-17(2): Tobacco Tax Collection

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger . The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre , Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 106-17(2): Emergency Protection Orders

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement today I raised, once again, the emergency protection order issue. This does cause grave concern, as far as I’m concerned, when it comes to the falsely accused, and the justice by itself, by nature, seems to be ignoring them as now becoming a victim. My question for the Minister of Justice is: Does the Minister of Justice believe at this particular time the policies and procedures put in place to issue an emergency protection order are fair and balanced? Thank you.

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Question 106-17(2): Emergency Protection Orders

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins . The honourable Minister of Justice , Mr. Abernethy .

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Question 106-17(2): Emergency Protection Orders

Oral Questions

Great Slave

Glen Abernethy

Minister of Justice

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The emergency protection order is an incredibly valuable tool to battle family violence in the Northwest Territories. I’ve had an opportunity to talk with RCMP, NGOs and the department about the importance of these EPOs, and I’ve had an opportunity to look at the policies that exist and talk about those policies with the department and others. I believe that there are some recommendations that came forward in the report that was done in the last Assembly. We are looking at those recommendations and we will make corrections and improvements where appropriate. Thank you.

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Question 106-17(2): Emergency Protection Orders

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

I’m glad the Minister referenced the report, because if he had a chance to read it – not to say he didn’t – but if he did read it, he’d also note that on page 28 of the report it talks about why

RCMP like EPOs. They’re a good tool because they don’t require any investigation to issue an EPO. Forty percent of the officers suggested that. But at the same time RCMP have also noted and they feel that further information to confirm the victim’s accusation to ensure that the applicant’s legitimates are applied on good grounds. Pointing at those two variances noted in this particular report, I’d like to ask the Minister again: Are the policies and procedures designed in a way to provide fairness for the accused person for whom an EPO needs to be issued? Thank you.

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Question 106-17(2): Emergency Protection Orders

Oral Questions

Great Slave

Glen Abernethy

Minister of Justice

The Member has quoted from the report. The report is under consideration and we will make improvements to the EPO process as we move forward. The EPOs are supported by a significant number of different groups in the Northwest Territories and they have saved lives. I had an opportunity to talk with the RCMP in Inuvik when we were up there in January, and they said very clearly that EPOs save lives. At the end of the day, that’s an incredibly important thing. Thank you.

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Question 106-17(2): Emergency Protection Orders

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

I’ve never said, to the contrary, what the Minister just stated. So I want to make sure that that’s ultimately crystal clear, that I too do believe that EPOs will save lives and are an important mechanism in our justice system. But the way the report was written, it went further on to discredit the RCMP’s position by almost suggesting – I’m being clear here – that they may be biased on their pursuit. On one hand we talk about issuance of why; because we need safety and protection.

On the other hand, we have a credible force or agency in our system that says there are problems and we need to investigate them, and then they discredit them. We have a bit of a challenge here. So what is the Minister of Justice going to do to ensure and issue an edict to ensure that there is fairness and relief for people who have been falsely accused? Thank you.

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Question 106-17(2): Emergency Protection Orders

Oral Questions

Great Slave

Glen Abernethy

Minister of Justice

The act is designed in such a way, and EPOs are designed in such a way, that there are checks and balances. When an individual comes in to file or prepare an EPO, they sit down with people who have been trained on what an EPO is and how it’s supposed to be filled out. Those individuals, through the training – and I have confirmed this with the department – are required to explain to the individual the ramifications of lies, which the act does cover as well. The act says if you lie and you’re charged, you can receive jail time or fines.

There are checks and balances in place, and at the end of the day, the act didn’t create the victims, it’s the person who provided false information or lied, and those individuals can be charged under the Criminal Code as well.

The system is designed to encourage people not to lie, but we can’t stop people from lying. There will always be people who abuse systems. In this case, the case that happened earlier, that did in fact happen, and the person was charged and convicted.

But the program is important. It provides value. It needs to continue and we support it. Thank you.

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Question 106-17(2): Emergency Protection Orders

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . Final, short supplementary, Mr. Hawkins .

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Question 106-17(2): Emergency Protection Orders

Oral Questions

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the little leeway you have given me on this particular problem, because it is a big problem. The justice system, the Supreme Court has noted about the potential for people using EPOs is a tool for custody battles and divorces. The last thing I will point out is the report is built around three things: increasing awareness, improve access to emergency protection and to improve protection. Nowhere in this report does it support findings that are crystal clear that say that EPOs can be abused. There is not one recommendation to say we need to make sure it is fair. What is the Minister going to look at when it cites these and then discredits them? Thank you.

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Question 106-17(2): Emergency Protection Orders

Oral Questions

Great Slave

Glen Abernethy

Minister of Justice

Mr. Speaker, the report is before us and it is being reviewed by the department. I had directed the department to review the training programs that they have in place, that people who assist people prepare EPOs go through to ensure that they make it very clear to individuals the ramifications of perjury. We need to make sure that people understand the ramifications of using a tool like this to hurt as opposed to help. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 106-17(2): Emergency Protection Orders

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy . The honourable Member for Weledeh , Mr. Bromley .

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Question 107-17(2): Renewable Energy Alternatives

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of New Energy Initiatives , Mr. Bob McLeod . As mentioned in my Member’s statement earlier today, fossil fuels are failing us in both supply and price, and the trends indicate that those are only going to get worse more rapidly. In contrast, jurisdictions are switching to renewable energy and proving the naysayers wrong in every case, surpassing targets big time. Will the GNWT take steps to inform themselves of this trend and implement such policies here? Mahsi.

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Question 107-17(2): Renewable Energy Alternatives

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bromley . The honourable Premier , Mr. McLeod.

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Question 107-17(2): Renewable Energy Alternatives

Oral Questions

Yellowknife South

Bob McLeod

Premier

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is a priority of this government. We have taken initial steps in the 16th Assembly where we invested approximately

$60 million over the lifetime of the 16th Assembly to

that very end that the Member has raised. We are following all of the developments. We have looked at what Ontario has done. We looked at other jurisdictions. It is our intention to do so. Of course, our main concern is to make sure that we continue to provide energy and that we do it at reasonable rates. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 107-17(2): Renewable Energy Alternatives

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thanks to the Minister for that response. I wish it was completely accurate, but unfortunately many of those $60 million, of course, were directed to irrational subsidies of fossil fuels. Many of our people across the Northwest Territories want to reduce their energy costs. They have motivation and infrastructure suitable for generating renewable energy for their own use and for sale, but first a fair price is needed. A feed-in tariff price is fair because it recognizes the benefits and savings of renewable energy. Will the Minister commit to considering a feed-in tariff policy and requiring all NWT power companies to purchase renewable energy at a fair feed-in tariff price? Mahsi.

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Question 107-17(2): Renewable Energy Alternatives

Oral Questions

Yellowknife South

Bob McLeod

Premier

Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate that the Member suggests that we are irrational, especially since all of those expenditures were approved by this House. Nevertheless, we spent a significant amount of money to look at solar, geothermal, biomass, all of those alternatives, and we have, through the Public Utilities Board, worked with the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to establish a process for net metering. We are quite prepared to go down that road. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 107-17(2): Renewable Energy Alternatives

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Mr. Speaker, I do indeed appreciate the investigation of that metering by the Power Corporation. Unfortunately, it has set a purchase price at a ridiculously low price and will go nowhere until we establish a feed-in tariff price. I appreciate the Minister’s commitment there to investigate this feed-in tariff and put one in place.

The smart grid and time of day pricing have proven to reduce costs and usually increase efficiency of energy systems. An example of that is putting down, taking off the peak power requirement that reduces energy efficiency in our systems to about 20 or 25 percent; very inefficient. Will the Minister commit to learning about this tool and promoting its application in the Northwest Territories, the smart grid? Thank you.

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Question 107-17(2): Renewable Energy Alternatives

Oral Questions

Yellowknife South

Bob McLeod

Premier

The smart grid as described sounds very exciting. This is something that we would very much want to investigate and explore. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 107-17(2): Renewable Energy Alternatives

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Bromley .

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Question 107-17(2): Renewable Energy Alternatives

Oral Questions

Bob Bromley

Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister’s commitment once again. We need to move from an outdated energy system

that is costing our people in every way, to one that promotes healthy land, people and economies. What steps will the Minister take to get all of this done during our term? Thank you.

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Question 107-17(2): Renewable Energy Alternatives

Oral Questions

Yellowknife South

Bob McLeod

Premier

Mr. Speaker, we intend to continue to build on work that was started in the 16th Assembly, where we undertook a number of

pilot projects and a number of new initiatives. As part of the 17th Assembly, we will continue to work.

We will be looking to identify resources through the business planning process. We will want to continue to increase our use of alternative and renewable sources of energy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 107-17(2): Renewable Energy Alternatives

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for the Sahtu , Mr. Yakeleya .

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Question 108-17(2): Effect On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I received several phone calls last night. I want to ask the Minister of Housing on the announcement of including elders on this rent scale. How many elders would be affected on this new announcement to have them start paying rent by July 1st ?

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Question 108-17(2): Effect On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya . The Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. McLeod.

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Question 108-17(2): Effect On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have approximately just over 700 seniors right now that are currently paying zero. Thank you.

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Question 108-17(2): Effect On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, how many of these 700 seniors are in the Sahtu that there is going to be an impact by this announcement?

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Question 108-17(2): Effect On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, I don’t have the numbers broken down as per region. However, I can gather that information and share it with the Member. Thank you.

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Question 108-17(2): Effect On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Mr. Speaker, first initial reaction for some of the constituents of mine were saying, what is happening? What is going on? Why are they charging rent now or planning to charge seniors this rent scale? What is the thinking behind these changes to the rent scale for the elders who are going to be paying rent if it all goes through on July 1st ?

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Question 108-17(2): Effect On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, this has been a discussion that has been going on for a number of years. Seniors have been very fortunate in the past where they have had to pay no rent. It is still costing the Housing Corporation an average $16,000 to $24,000 a year to maintain these units. The thinking behind it is during the engagement process there were a lot of seniors that had

expressed a willingness and they don’t mind paying their fair share. There are some that were reluctant to phone for maintenance services because they don’t pay any rent. Some of this was brought on by the seniors themselves. The fact is that, with everything going on and declining funding and everything, it is just not sustainable anymore to be doing this. Our population is aging. We are looking at probably double or triple the amount of seniors by the time the federal funding expires. It is something that is just not sustainable anymore for the NWT Housing Corporation. Thank you.

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Question 108-17(2): Effect On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya .

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Question 108-17(2): Effect On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Oral Questions

Norman Yakeleya

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Certainly what I have heard from the Sahtu elders certainly didn’t relay that message to me. Really it was the younger people who were working that want to make sure the rent scale was adjusted. Our elders in the Sahtu certainly didn’t convey that to me, and I don’t think that’s an accurate picture that the Minister is saying, that some of the seniors want to pay their rent. So, Mr. Speaker, I know the government may not agree with me, but I cannot sit here and agree with this principle of charging the elders rent coming in July. It’s just unacceptable, Mr. Speaker.

I don’t know what to do about it, but why should I sit here and pretend that it’s okay to start charging or plan to charge our elders rent in my region when the cost of living is so high?

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Question 108-17(2): Effect On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Oral Questions

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you. I can understand the Member. He’s listening, obviously, to his constituents, and we didn’t expect this to be a very popular move, but it’s one that we felt needed to be made. There will be some adjustments.

Looking at the overall rent scale review, I think there’s been a lot of positive changes in there that are going to effect a lot of people across the Northwest Territories. So when we undertook this exercise, we looked at all aspects of how we deliver housing and we tried to improve on them. We’re in a situation where we need to make best use of our money for investments, and we’ve also added an exemption in there for seniors. So their money that can be assessed is a lot higher than the regular tenants. So we have made some conditions for seniors, so a lot of those seniors living on fixed incomes will be paying the minimum, not based on what they actually make. Thank you.

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Question 108-17(2): Effect On Elders Of Public Housing Rent Scale

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The Member for Nahendeh , Mr. Menicoche .

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Question 109-17(2): Reconstruction Of Highway No. 7

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Last week I made great efforts to represent Fort Liard, the Nahendeh constituents, with Highway No. 7. I would like to continue and

ask the Minister of Transportation about Highway No. 7 once again.

The Conference Board of Canada recently released an

article on closing the transportation infrastructure gaps in Canada, and they made note of highlighting Highway No. 7 that’s been closed every year for the last three years for at least two weeks, indicating that it interrupts mail, grocery supplies, as well as disrupting emergency medical services.

I’d like to ask the Minister, I know that last week in Committee of the Whole I made great strides to get commitments to work on the road this spring. However, the second part of my initiative was to get the Minister to raise the issue in Ottawa and also to make it a priority of our government. So when is the next opportunity that he will be meeting with his federal counterparts? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 109-17(2): Reconstruction Of Highway No. 7

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche . The Minister of Transportation , Mr. Ramsay .

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Question 109-17(2): Reconstruction Of Highway No. 7

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The condition of Highway No. 7 is important to the Government of the Northwest Territories and the folks who live in Nahendeh and the Deh Cho region. We certainly will be trying to set up a meeting with my counterpart, Minister Lebel. I will be in Ottawa from the 27th to the 29th , and I’m

hoping to have the opportunity to sit down with Minister Lebel at that time. Thank you.

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Question 109-17(2): Reconstruction Of Highway No. 7

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much. It’s clear that our territorial government knows that they need to rebuild the road, but it’s got limited resources, as well as it’s clear, also, that Cabinet must address the northern transportation infrastructure and the financial gap that we have. Also, I’d like if the Minister would raise it with the federal Minister and also indicate that because of our low population density, it’s not a reason to defer projects and expenditures in our riding.

So I would like to ask the Minister what type of strategy, how he will raise the issue with the federal Minister. Thank you.

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Question 109-17(2): Reconstruction Of Highway No. 7

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

If we are going to grow our resources and our economy here in the Northwest Territories, an integral part of that is having a transportation system and infrastructure built here in the territory that is going to support the growth of our economy and lead us in that direction. We’ve been stressing this point to the federal government for a number of years and will continue to stress the importance of our transportation infrastructure to the federal government any chance we get. Thank you.

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Question 109-17(2): Reconstruction Of Highway No. 7

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

I’d like to ask the Minister what strategy he is developing, in that previous administrations have created documents, such as Connecting Canada and other documents. I’d like to know what the Minister’s strategy is when he’s

meeting with the federal government, because the development of our northern roads, particularly Highway No. 7, is critical to the economic development of my region and the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

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Question 109-17(2): Reconstruction Of Highway No. 7

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

We are in the process of putting together another plan that will just lead again to stressing the importance of our transportation infrastructure here in the Northwest Territories and how we can avail ourselves of some substantial capital dollars to carry out the work that is required there. So I think the Member can look forward to us continuing to pursue that. Thank you.

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Question 109-17(2): Reconstruction Of Highway No. 7

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Your final, short supplementary, Mr. Menicoche .

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Question 109-17(2): Reconstruction Of Highway No. 7

Oral Questions

Kevin A. Menicoche

Nahendeh

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Once again, the Prime Minister’s office is also aware of Highway No. 7. I had a resident of Fort Simpson advocating with the Prime Minister of Canada as well. So I’d like to ask our Minister and our government to do the same, to make it a highlight of the federal government and to press it in that light and give us at least one line in the federal budget with Highway No. 7. Thank you.

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Question 109-17(2): Reconstruction Of Highway No. 7

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Again, I appreciate the Member’s passion for Highway No. 7 and the need to get those capital dollars that are required for the reconstruction of that highway. I will continue to work with the Member to see that that happens. Again, we are going to have to pursue capital dollars wherever we can find them. Thank you.

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Question 109-17(2): Reconstruction Of Highway No. 7

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The Member for Inuvik Boot Lake , Mr. Moses .

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Question 110-17(2): Lifejacket Program To Promote Water Safety

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Transportation in regard to his Minister’s statement that he made earlier today. It just goes to show that prevention, promotion and education works, and that he’s doing a great job with the Department of Transportation. It’s something that all departments should look into doing, to cut down on the costs in the Northwest Territories.

With the programs that he mentioned, we have a lot of communities up and down the Mackenzie River and I just wanted to ask the Minister of Transportation , has he or his department done any work on doing a lifejacket borrowing program between the communities that sit on the Mackenzie River, seeing as a lot of people do travel that river as a mode of transportation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 110-17(2): Lifejacket Program To Promote Water Safety

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses . The Minister of Transportation , Mr. Ramsay .

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Question 110-17(2): Lifejacket Program To Promote Water Safety

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That’s a great idea and that’s how ideas are born. I think we need to be looking to Regular Members to supply us with ideas on how we can enhance public education and awareness when it comes to safety on the water, on our roads, on our trails. Certainly as we move forward, we’ll be looking for partners to help us deliver that safety message. I appreciate the Member’s comments.

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Question 110-17(2): Lifejacket Program To Promote Water Safety

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

We’re in the middle of February here and we’re getting ready for our summer breakup and the ice melting away. That’s a lot of time, plenty of time from now until people get onto the waterways. It’s a good opportunity, as well, for the department to start looking into a possible program like a lifejacket borrowing program, like I said, in all the communities that do sit on waterways. Would the Minister commit to look at such a program and putting funds away so that we can ensure that our residents who travel the Mackenzie River, that our modes of transportation are safe? Thank you.

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Question 110-17(2): Lifejacket Program To Promote Water Safety

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

We’ve got a number of initiatives that we’re looking at for next year, and certainly incorporating something like a lifejacket borrowing system is something that I believe we can look at. I do appreciate the Member bringing that issue up today.

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Question 110-17(2): Lifejacket Program To Promote Water Safety

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Further to that I just wanted to ask the Minister of Transportation if he’s done any work with our five sport and rec organizations in the NWT who do provide kayak programs, canoe programs, skiing, on-the-land programs that do transportation. Has the Department of Transportation done any work with these sport and rec organizations to provide safety to people who enjoy going out on the land?

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Question 110-17(2): Lifejacket Program To Promote Water Safety

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

I know we do work with the Department of Health and Social Services, the Department of ECE, and to the specifics of whether we’re working with the rec associations around the Northwest Territories, again, I think if we’re going to have continued success in delivering safety, it is important that we work with partners around the Northwest Territories. I again will commit to getting back to the Member on how we have interacted with those organizations.

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Question 110-17(2): Lifejacket Program To Promote Water Safety

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . Final supplementary, Mr. Moses .

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Question 110-17(2): Lifejacket Program To Promote Water Safety

Oral Questions

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We do want to continue to see these encouraging results going into the next fiscal year and beyond. Just in regard to the zero driving and boating fatalities, I’d like to ask the Minister how the new proposed legislation on hand-held devices with driving has been going and have there been any infractions on that.

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Question 110-17(2): Lifejacket Program To Promote Water Safety

Oral Questions

David Ramsay

Kam Lake

I think the legislation as it pertains to distracted driving is another tool that

keeps our roads safe. There have been a number of tickets issued for folks driving with cell phones and things like that. We’re encouraged that people are putting their phones away when they’re driving. I know me personally, before the new legislation came in, I was guilty of using my cell phone, but now that the new legislation is in place, I, too, leave the phone alone when I’m driving and I encourage anybody else out there to do the same.

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Question 110-17(2): Lifejacket Program To Promote Water Safety

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay . The honourable Member for Frame Lake , Ms. Bisaro .

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Question 111-17(2): Teacher Recruitment

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would encourage the Minister of Transportation to take the pledge to leave the phone alone and post a sticker on his window.

My questions today are addressed to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, and I would like to say that we heard a great deal about bullying yesterday and I think we heard also about the impact that teachers can have on their students. It was an excellent discussion, as I mentioned. One of the things that we struggle with is to get and keep teachers in the Territories and in our communities, particularly in our small and isolated communities. One of the hindrances and one of the difficulties that we have is that we don’t have adequate housing for our teachers in our small communities.

Recognizing this problem – and I do believe the Minister recognizes the problem – I would like him to advise us at this point, because we’ve had things on and off for awhile, but at this point what is the Department of Education and what is the GNWT in general doing to try and solve this issue of housing capacity for teachers in our communities?

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Question 111-17(2): Teacher Recruitment

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro . The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Lafferty .

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Question 111-17(2): Teacher Recruitment

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. We were fortunate enough for 2011-2012 for those individuals - the teachers coming to the North and also from the North - finding a suitable accommodation. It is a challenge. It’s a struggle at times for those teachers to find accommodations in the communities, especially isolated communities. This is an area that we’ve been working on in a coordinated approach with the Housing Corporation, my department, and also Health, because we have to deal with other professions as well. There is a review on the way, as Mr. McLeod alluded to, of the Shelter Policy review. This is an area that has been targeted as well.

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Question 111-17(2): Teacher Recruitment

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thanks to the Minister for that response. I know a number of years ago there was a defined program between the Housing

Corporation and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to try and encourage communities to take the responsibility and for the community to provide some housing for teachers and professionals in general, I guess. My understanding is that program didn’t work very well. I’d like to know from the Minister of Education if there’s a particular explanation as to why that program hasn’t been all that successful.

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Question 111-17(2): Teacher Recruitment

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

There has been some uptake on the application process. As the Member stated, it hasn’t been very successful to date. We are exploring those areas. We explored that area as an option and we are also exploring other areas where the Shelter Policy review would capture some of the discussions we’ve had in the 16th Assembly. Now we’re into the 17th Assembly,

how to deal with the housing shortage in the communities, especially for staff or professions that we need to take care of.

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Question 111-17(2): Teacher Recruitment

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thanks to the Minister again. One of the other hindrances for getting and keeping teachers in our communities is their feeling that they’re not safe within the schools or within the community. I know that a number of years ago… Sorry. I should back up. Some of the boards and district education authorities do have a policy, a Safe Schools Policy, but we don’t have one across the GNWT. I believe in 2009 there was a memorandum of understanding between the teachers’ union and the GNWT to develop a Safe Schools Policy.

I’d like to know from the Minister whether or not that goal has been accomplished, has that memorandum been finalized, and is there a Safe Schools Policy all the way across the NWT that all schools should abide by.

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Question 111-17(2): Teacher Recruitment

Oral Questions

Jackson Lafferty

Monfwi

I totally agree with the Member that we need to safeguard our teachers and professions in the school. I know there are some policies in place at the regional and community schools about zero tolerance on staff abuse. The Safe School Policy, I need to look into the status on that, if it’s been completed, if it is a Northwest Territories-wide initiative. I’ll get that information and the recent update and provide that to the Members.

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Question 111-17(2): Teacher Recruitment

Oral Questions

The Speaker

Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty . Final supplementary, Ms. Bisaro .

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Question 111-17(2): Teacher Recruitment

Oral Questions

Wendy Bisaro

Frame Lake

Thanks to the Minister. I really appreciate that commitment. I know, from my understanding, there’s been no respons