Debates of June 3rd, 1998

This is page numbers 1573 - 1601 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 5th 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 community .

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Strategic Plan

Joint Nwtam/maca Municipal Finance Review

Memorandum Of Understanding, Partners In Compliance Program

Sport North Annual General Meeting

Improvements Needed To Workers' Compensation Legislation

Concerns With The State Of The Collective Bargaining Process

Mackenzie Delta Tourism Promotion

Recognition Of Inuvik Teacher, Rosie Albert

Decision To Establish The NWT Electoral Boundaries Commission

Inuvialuit Submission On Proposed Park Boundaries

Northern Lights As A Tourist Attraction

Recognition Of Iqaluit Pages

Concerns With The Collective Bargaining Process

Ending Of The Nhl Hockey Season

Return To Oral Question 542-13(5): Termination Benefits For Laidoff Employees

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Support For Mackenzie Delta Tourism

Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Ardicom Contract Concerns

Yci Inmate Allowances

Community Development Specialist In Inuvik

Departmental Digital Equipment Contracts

Board Memberships After Division

Coordinator For The Keewatin Pilot Project

Status Of Aurora Funds

Point Of Order

Supplementary To Question 633-13(5): Status Of Aurora Funds

Completion Of Keewatin Pilot Projects

Mayors' Support For Keewatin Pilot Project

Written Question 23-13(5): Agriculture Issues In Hay River

Written Question 24-13(5): Community Mental Health

Reply 6-13(5): Mr. Steen

Item 12: Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills

Table Document 110-13(5): Shaping Our Future, A Strategic Plan For Health And Wellness

Summary

Tabled Document 111-13(5): Submission To The Standing Committee On Canadian Heritage, Bill C-38

Tabled Document 112-13(5): Two Letters From Constituents Re: Collective Bargaining

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

44-13(5): Recommendation #1: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

45-13(5): Recommendation #2: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

46-13(5): Recommendation #3: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

47-13(5): Recommendation #4: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

48-13(5): Recommendation #5: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

49-13(5): Recommendation #6: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

50-13(5): Recommendation #7: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

51-13(5): Recommendation #8: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

52-13(5): Recommendation #9: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

53-13(5): Recommendation #10: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

54-13(5): Recommendation #11: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

55-13(5): Recommendation #12: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

56-13(5): Recommendation #13: Committee Report 8-13(5): Infrastructure (re: Maca Audit)

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Item 21: Third Reading Of Bills

Members Present

Honourable Jim Antoine , Honourable Goo Arlooktoo , Mr. Barnabas , Honourable Charles Dent , Mr. Enuaraq , Mr. Erasmus , Mr. Evaloarjuk , Honourable Sam Gargan, Mrs. Groenewegen , Mr. Henry , Honourable Stephen Kakfwi , Mr. Krutko , Mr. Miltenberger , Honourable Don Morin , Honourable Kelvin Ng , Mr. Ningark , Mr. Ootes , Mr. Picco , Mr. Rabesca , Mr. Roland , Mr. Steen , Honourable Manitok Thompson , Honourable John Todd .

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Oh, God, may your spirit and guidance be in us as we work for the benefit of all our people, for peace and justice in our land and for the constant recognition of the dignity and aspirations of those whom we serve. Amen.

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Item 1: Prayer

Item 1: Prayer

Page 1573

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Enuaraq . Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Ng .

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Minister's Statement 124-13(5): Strategic Plan

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1573

Kelvin Ng

Kitikmeot

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide Members with an update on the Department of Health and Social Services' strategic plan, Shaping Our Future: A Strategic Plan for Health and Wellness.

During the next few years, the people of the north face historic change. Shaping Our Future provides a framework for the governments of Nunavut and the Western Territory to develop effective and sustainable health and social services systems that will meet people's needs now and well into the next century.

This plan results from the department's strategic planning activities over the past 18 months. Creating the plan involved extensive consultations by boards and the department with the public, non-profit groups, associations and other departments. Shaping Our Future identifies the challenges to improving health and well-being. It provides a framework for making improvements to the delivery and management of services. Over the next few years when two new governments are developing, the plan will provide a focus on our most pressing health and social issues.

During our consultations, we heard from people across the north about what is important to them. We heard about their expectations and needs and about how we can improve the system. We also heard that we cannot wait to make changes to improve the health of our children, youth, families and communities. Mr. Speaker, we must address health and social issues today. Many people stressed the importance of fair and equal access to services. They want to take greater ownership of personal and community issues, supported by government.

The system must be managed so that basic health and social needs can always be met. The system must place the needs of individuals and families first. Mr. Speaker, services should be coordinated and integrated so people get the services they need when they need them.

Shaping Our Future is a commitment to make improvements where they are needed and to keep the things that are working well.

The plan focuses on three areas:

1. increasing partnerships between different agencies at all levels to provide better services;

2. involving all of the government in improving health and well-being by dealing with the underlying causes of health and social problems, such as

-low income and education,

-unemployment,

-poor lifestyle choices,

-addictions,

-abuse, violence and crime,

-inadequate housing and environmental pollution; and finally

3. improving the network of programs and services.

The plan will be distributed to MLA's, boards, departments and interested agencies over the next few weeks. A

summary of the plan will be available to the public at their local health and social services office or from their board. The plan will also be posted to the department's world wide web.

We will, Mr. Speaker, collaborate with our partners to move this plan into action. Some work is just beginning. For example, we are developing a Mental Health Strategy and a Health Promotion Strategy to address coordination and gaps in service delivery for these areas.

Other work is well underway. Health Suite and the Child Welfare Information System are two new information systems that will improve our management and use of the information we collect. These new systems will be installed once new computers are available in local and regional offices.

These activities highlight the department's commitment to improve health and well-being as well as our public system of programs and services. These activities show that we are prepared to act on the directions spelled out in our strategic plan.

The work that went into this plan and the work that continues will allow a stable start for the two new governments. In the future, we need to keep our commitment to the people by keeping health and social issues a government priority. Mr. Speaker, we look forward to working with the public and our partners to meet the needs of northerners with innovation, cooperation and collaboration.

Mr. Speaker, later today I will table a

summary of Shaping Our Future: A Strategic Plan For Health And Wellness. For further information on the plan and related activities, I invite Members to visit the display set up in the Great Hall. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Minister's Statement 124-13(5): Strategic Plan

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1574

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Ms. Thompson .

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Minister's Statement 125-13(5): Joint Nwtam/maca Municipal Finance Review

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1574

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise Members today of the progress that has been made on the Municipal Finance Review. This review is being done by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, in partnership with the NWT Association of Municipalities. Members may recall this was an initiative highlighted in MACA's 97-98 and 98-99 business plans.

Mr. Speaker, community governments have raised concerns with the current provisions of MACA's funding programs. The NWT Association of Municipalities also requested this review in a resolution at their 1996 Annual General Meeting.

Mr. Speaker, last Friday the NWT Association of Municipalities and MACA presented the first two public consultation documents to community governments at the association's annual general meeting in Hay River. I will be providing copies of these two documents to Members of this Assembly today. The first document is called the Municipal Finance Review portfolio. It is intended to be a consultation primer and provide stakeholders with a brief overview of the issues, components, possible outcomes and consultation schedule. The second document is called

Part 2, Building Key Concepts. It discusses issues that are important for early consideration, before proposals to revise existing funding arrangements are fully developed. In September a third document called, Understanding the Funding Distribution Options, will present stakeholders with proposals for a new financial relationship with community governments. It will also include analysis of how these possible changes could affect the funding available to each community and their financial bottom line.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all Members to take the time to review these documents and discuss them with their constituents. Any comments, concerns or other feedback from Members would be very much appreciated. In addition to consultations with community governments, a number of other stakeholders will be consulted by MACA and the Association. These include band councils and Metis locals, the Office of the Interim Commissioner, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and other First Nations organizations.

Mr. Speaker, consultation on the Municipal Financing Review will continue through to mid-December. Then the feedback and advice received will be combined. Final proposals will be developed for joint recommendation by the association and the department for presentation to the two new territorial governments on April 1, 1999. It will be up to the two new governments to decide when and how these recommendations might then be implemented. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Minister's Statement 125-13(5): Joint Nwtam/maca Municipal Finance Review

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1574

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine .

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Minister's Statement 126-13(5): Memorandum Of Understanding, Partners In Compliance Program

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1574

Jim Antoine

Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise this Assembly that a number of productive discussions have recently taken place between my department and the Alberta Department of Transportation and Utilities. With the participation of the Regulatory Reform Secretariat and the Minister responsible for the Regulatory Reform Secretariat, the focus of these discussions has centred on the areas of regulatory harmonization and the reduction of barriers to trade for the motor carrier industry. The aim is to provide a seamless program between the two jurisdictions with the goal of increased highway safety, a smooth flow of goods across borders and ultimate cost benefits to our consumers.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the first step toward harmonization with Alberta was taken on May 29, 1998 when Premier Don Morin signed a Memorandum of Understanding on my behalf for the Partners in Compliance Program. The Partners in Compliance Program started as a joint and innovative program between Alberta Transportation and Utilities and the Alberta Trucking Association in 1995. Under the program, transportation carriers, including truck and bus operators, commit to a high level of compliance and safety performance based on a system of benchmarks reporting and general monitoring.

Carriers who participate in this voluntary safety program are rewarded with a number of operational and administrative considerations, such as reduced random inspections and less paperwork, in return for their increased commitment to highway safety. Government benefits from greater regulatory compliance, improved highway safety and the ability to refocus enforcement efforts and resources on those carriers requiring greater attention.

Mr. Speaker, the signing of this agreement means greater cooperation between Alberta and the Northwest Territories, as this program expands to include the Government of the Northwest Territories and the NWT Motor Transport Association. It is seen as the first step toward national and international participation in the Partners in Compliance program.

I am pleased at the cooperation shown between Alberta and the Northwest Territories and further, Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to implement a program aimed at improving motor carrier safety through the cooperation, trust and good judgement of responsible carriers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Minister's Statement 126-13(5): Memorandum Of Understanding, Partners In Compliance Program

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1575

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Ms. Thompson

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Minister's Statement 127-13(5): Sport North Annual General Meeting

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1575

Manitok Thompson

Aivilik

Mr. Speaker, on May 23rd and 24th the Sport North Federation held its Annual General Meeting in Yellowknife. Representatives from 32 territorial sport organizations, along with recreation leaders from across the Northwest Territories attended the meeting.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the delegates made preparations for the future of Sport North. The delegates formed Nunavut and Western Caucuses. They discussed the future of Sport North for the Western Territory and the creation of Sport Nunavut for the Nunavut territory. The Western Caucus reviewed how Sport North is currently organized and considered recommendations for the future.

The Nunavut Caucus supported an interim constitution and bylaws, which form the working documents that will guide the creation of Sport Nunavut.

Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut delegates elected an Interim board to work on incorporating the Sport Nunavut Federation as a society. The Interim board is expected to submit a draft Sport Nunavut proposal to the Interim Commissioner, to me and to the Nunavut Deputy Minister of Community Government, Housing and Transportation. Meanwhile, Mr. Speaker, Sport North will continue to represent the territories until the founding Sport Nunavut meeting is held. Sport North will also work with the Interim board to ensure a smooth transition between the two sport organizations.

Through the combined efforts of Sport North, the territorial sport organizations, community governments and MACA, more northerners are benefiting from sport programs than ever before.

Mr. Speaker, this will be an exciting year for all partners involved in sport across the territories. The challenge today is to continue the development of sport programs for our children and youth at the grassroots level, while preparing and planning for the future. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs will continue its support by providing healthy lifestyle choices and recreation activities to all northern residents. We are committed to:

-providing the necessary sport and recreation facilities to communities,

-fostering the development of sport and recreation programs throughout the territories,

-assisting Sport North in carrying out its mandate, and

-helping to make Sport Nunavut a reality.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker

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Minister's Statement 127-13(5): Sport North Annual General Meeting

Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1575

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ootes .

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Member's Statement 494-13(5): Improvements Needed To Workers' Compensation Legislation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1575

Jake Ootes

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about the Workers' Compensation Board. The NWT is the only jurisdiction where the Workers' Compensation Board can sue on behalf of a third party. That is not possible in any of the other provinces, to my understanding. For example, in Igloolik recently, the Workers' Compensation Board investigated a construction accident under the NWT Safety Act and then laid a complaint to courts under the same act. Subsequently, the company was fined $60,000.

Employers pay the Workers' Compensation Board dues on behalf of the workers, but if a company is hit with a third party liability, then that company is going to start buying third party liability insurance, and the costs will be passed on to the general public in the Northwest Territories. In other words, costs will escalate for construction and so forth, but for the company and its employees, it is a game of double jeopardy, Mr. Speaker.

On the one hand, they help pay the assessments, but in the event of an accident, the company and its individuals will, in all likelihood, have to be superassessed for several years to recover the money that was paid out. Also now, Workers' Compensation Board turns around and sues the same company or individuals as a third party. In other words, the company and individuals are penalized both ways. I understand also, Mr. Speaker, that in the event that there are dollars recovered, it goes into the general fund of the Workers' Compensation Board and not to the individuals. Mr.

Speaker, I have to leave the House for a period of time, but if I return in time during item 7, written questions, I will be presenting written questions on this matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Member's Statement 494-13(5): Improvements Needed To Workers' Compensation Legislation

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1575

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Member's Statement 495-13(5): Concerns With The State Of The Collective Bargaining Process

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1576

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned with the current state of negotiations with the UNW on the new contract. I question the government's insistence on tying the pay equity issue to the collective bargaining process. Mr. Speaker, if, as the government insists, the signing of a collective agreement without dealing with the pay equity issue leaves the government in a precarious legal quandary, how were the last four or five collective agreements signed off by this and other governments?

I understand, Mr. Speaker, the fiscal reality that is driving the Minister of Finance to push for the acceptance of the combined settlement. It is, as he said, Mr. Speaker, an affordable northern-made solution to the pay equity dispute, but I can also appreciate, Mr. Speaker, the UNW's hesitation to sign off on a pay equity methodology that they have serious reservations about. It appears, Mr. Speaker, that both sides in the dispute are unwilling to compromise. However, Mr. Speaker, I believe that if the pay equity issue is separated, we could at least move on the collective bargaining, which is, as I understand, close to being completed.

The union must keep in mind that the days of unlimited government funding are over, and the pay equity dispute must be settled at a reasonable cost. The services this government provides to the public cannot be compromised any further than they already are. The union would garner little public support or sympathy should a settlement be imposed on the government by the proposed tribunal and government services have to be cut back as a result. There is no benefit to union members if the settlement of pay equity dispute results in cutbacks to the quality of education and health care that they and their families receive.

Mr. Speaker, the Finance Minister has a job to do, to resolve the pay equity issue with the best interests of the constituents that we represent kept in mind. The union executive also has a very understandable job to do, protecting the interests of their membership that they represent. There is no doubt in my mind that the strategic position of the Finance Minister to tie pay equity to the collective bargaining process was predetermined to get the pay equity deal done.

I believe that the $40 million, however, that is on the table is sufficient to resolve the dispute. The union might not believe that the money is correctly apportioned to deal with the pay equity dispute, but they should at least be willing, Mr. Speaker, to work with this government to resolve this issue. Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 495-13(5): Concerns With The State Of The Collective Bargaining Process

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1576

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Member for Hay River is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Do we have any nays? Mrs. Groenewegen , you have unanimous consent.

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Member's Statement 495-13(5): Concerns With The State Of The Collective Bargaining Process

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1576

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, both sides must move. The union must be willing to at least look at the proposed Hay Job Evaluation System, and the government must be willing to attempt to address the concerns that the union has with the government's proposed solution to the pay equity dilemma. Failing that, Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, I think the government should show good faith and separate the pay equity issue from the collective bargaining process and, if necessary, go to an independent binding arbitrator.

If the Minister is confident that the $40 million is a fair and equitable solution to the pay equity problem, then he should have no problems with this.

Mr. Speaker, the reality is simple. We have to get this pay equity issue off our plates before division complicates this matter even further. We have to broker a solution that is affordable to the government and fair to union members without impacting on the already stretched services that this government provides to the general public. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge the union and the government to get back to the table, so we can all get to work on improving the lives of the residents of both of our future new territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Member's Statement 495-13(5): Concerns With The State Of The Collective Bargaining Process

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1576

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Krutko .

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Member's Statement 496-13(5): Mackenzie Delta Tourism Promotion

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1576

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to address the issue of tourism, in particular, in the Mackenzie Delta. As you may all be aware, Fort McPherson is the first community that is seen after travelling the Dempster Highway and the Yukon by tourists. The residents of Fort McPherson feel that they act as ambassadors for the rest of the Northwest Territories due to the impression that is left with tourists once they arrive. Mr. Speaker, I feel this matter has to receive the attention of this government, so that we do promote tourism, especially in the Mackenzie Delta region and when it comes to being ambassadors for the rest of the territories.

Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie Delta seems to pale in regard to the amount of money that is being spent, especially from the Yukon government when it comes to tourism. In regard to our neighbours in the west, the Yukon spends in the range of $30 million on tourism a year and yet we are lagging when it comes to hosting people from other territories and other parts of the world. Mr.

Speaker, the people in the Mackenzie Delta feel that an initiative such as hosting individuals through programs such as the Northern Most Host Workshops, additional tourism training dollars and initiatives to improve how to deal with tourists and how to access tourism dollars to assist in developing the tourism industry for the Mackenzie Delta.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I would like to ask this government if they cannot access more dollars for such an important initiative and look at the long term viability of this business and develop the appropriate infrastructure that is going to be needed to develop such an important industry. Mr. Speaker, I, for one, feel that this initiative is important enough that the Mackenzie Delta should receive its own tourism planning officer to work for the three Mackenzie Delta communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Member's Statement 496-13(5): Mackenzie Delta Tourism Promotion

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1577

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Roland .

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Member's Statement 497-13(5): Recognition Of Inuvik Teacher, Rosie Albert

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1577

Floyd Roland

Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to recognize the dedication of one of Inuvik's finest teachers, Mrs. Rosie Albert. Mrs. Albert began employment as an Inuvialuktun instructor at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School on January 7, 1985. She teaches Inuvialuktun to the grades one to six classes at SAMS. For the Inuvialuktun Program, she made all her own class materials and did her own resource development until 1996, when publication on the Inuqatigiit was finished.

In addition to teaching the Inuvialuktun language to her students, she also teaches them other skills such as how to make muqbarak (which is Inuvialuktun for bannock) and beading. Mrs. Albert's muqbarak is famous in the Delta as everyone loves her delicious bannock. Many of her students have gone home with her bannock and beadwork and to proudly show their parents their own work.

Mrs. Albert and Mrs. Bella Kay also host a feast for their students and parents at Christmas time. When asked, her coworkers had this to say about Mrs. Albert: Rosie is always there for anyone who wants to learn Inuvialuktun. She does not laugh at you when you make a mistake. She loves teaching the students and has a lot of patience. Despite her arthritis, Mrs. Albert walks to and from school every day without complaint.

Mrs. Albert has shown incredible dedication to her work by not only developing her own materials and resource development but by teaching her students other skills as well. She has shown a strong commitment to the preservation and promotion of the Inuvialuktun language.

Mrs. Albert will be retiring from her position as Inuvialuktun instructor at the school. Her last day will be June 26, 1998. Her funny stories, her famous muqbarak and her ready smiles will be missed by all at the Sir Alexander Mackenzie School, most notably, the students she has taught to take pride in their language and culture. I would like to thank Mrs. Albert for all the hard work she has done for the students, the parents and for the school. I wish her a happy retirement. You deserve it, Mrs. Albert. Quyanini.

--Applause

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Member's Statement 497-13(5): Recognition Of Inuvik Teacher, Rosie Albert

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1577

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger .

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Member's Statement 498-13(5): Decision To Establish The NWT Electoral Boundaries Commission

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1577

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to rise and speak briefly on the decision to strike a Boundaries Commission and the debate that took place in this House yesterday. It was a very interesting debate, and it was a lesson relearned for me of the fluid nature of the politics of this Assembly. Mr. Speaker, the firm ground I thought I was standing on turned out to be a piece of melting ice that disappeared under me faster than food in the Members' lounge. I now have a better understanding of how the Captain of the Titanic felt after he clipped that iceberg.

Very clearly, this is an important debate, and a significant decision has been made in this House, which I accept and support. I would encourage people of the western Northwest Territories to take full advantage of the opportunity to appear before the commission when it appears in your community to make your views known on the type of government, and concerns you may have in regard to government and suggestions for any improvements.

I will also look forward to having this motion passed in the House tomorrow that will allow us to initiative the commission so that it may get on with the important duties it has before it in the coming months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Member's Statement 498-13(5): Decision To Establish The NWT Electoral Boundaries Commission

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1577

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Steen .

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Member's Statement 499-13(5): Inuvialuit Submission On Proposed Park Boundaries

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1577

Vince Steen

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling the submission by the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Paulatuk Community Corporation and the Inuvialuit Game Council to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage as part of its review of Bill C-38, a bill to establish the Tuktut Nogait National Park. As Members will recall, in February of this year the various Inuvialuit organizations requested a review of the boundaries of the proposed park to take into consideration new mineral information arising from an aeromagnetic survey flown last fall. The Government of the Northwest Territories agreed to that request, making five of the six signatories willing to consider a change.

The possibility for a review was foreseen under

Section 22.1 of the Park Agreement which allows any party to request that the other parties to the agreement review any matter. Unfortunately, the federal government did not see fit to accept this request. In fact, what Ottawa did was to speed up consideration of this bill even though no legislation has been forthcoming to create the Aulavik National Park on Bank's Island, a park which was agreed to several years before the Tuktut Nogait Park agreement was signed.

As the submission covers all the necessary points, I will not repeat them today. However, I do believe one issue of importance to all northerners must be underlined. That is the matter of one set of rules for land and parks south of the 60 and a different set north of the 60. As Members may be aware, Parks Canada just approved a large increase in the number of visitors and hotel facilities permitted in Banff National Park. In effect, this has just shrunk the size of that park significantly.

I wonder if the Inuvialuit had Canadian Pacific Hotels as a partner and their land was located closer to Banff and Lake Louise, would the decision on their request be any different? Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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Member's Statement 499-13(5): Inuvialuit Submission On Proposed Park Boundaries

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1578

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Member for Nunakput is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? Mr. Steen , you have unanimous consent.

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Member's Statement 499-13(5): Inuvialuit Submission On Proposed Park Boundaries

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1578

Vince Steen

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, honourable Members. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would urge all Members and all concerned northerners to read the material carefully which will be tabled as it contains important lessons for the economy of the north and the lack of respect for aboriginal land claims settlements. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Member's Statement 499-13(5): Inuvialuit Submission On Proposed Park Boundaries

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1578

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Henry .

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Member's Statement 500-13(5): Northern Lights As A Tourist Attraction

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1578

Seamus Henry

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following up on my colleague, Mr. Krutko 's statement today on tourism, I would like to share with you a news

article that was printed in The Weekly Telegraph, which is a paper published in London, England. The article, in their May 14th issue, found under their international news

section was entitled, "Chasing the Canadian Light Show of Love" and was written by Robert Uhlig of Yellowknife.

I would like to read this brief article, Mr. Speaker.

The northern lights season is ending in Yellowknife, Canada, the self-proclaimed aurora borealis capital of the world, ending the annual pilgrimage of thousands of Japanese honeymooners who hope their marriages will be blessed under the celestial light show. As summer approaches, a last consignment of Japanese tourists has flown in to view the aurora before the nightly display ends. Since Christmas, 40,000 have arrived in Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, 350 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

Each night they travel 30 miles to search the sky for the astronomical phenomenon that used to occur over northern Japan. Japanese tradition says a child conceived under its glow will have good fortune. However, over the past 40 years the magnetic North Pole has moved northwards and the lights are no longer seen over Japan. Newlyweds wishing to continue the tradition, fly to Canada. The aurora occurs when the earth's magnetic field interacts with solar wind, particles coming from the sun.

Mr. Speaker, it is nice to learn we are worthy of such international attention, especially when it is positive and promotes the North. Tourism is important to the North and I would like to thank Mr. Uhlig for writing this

article and for The Weekly Telegraph for this free advertising. I hope we can attract even more tourists next year than the 40,000 who have come our way this past winter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Member's Statement 500-13(5): Northern Lights As A Tourist Attraction

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1578

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statement. Mr. Picco .

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Member's Statement 501-13(5): Recognition Of Iqaluit Pages

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1578

Edward Picco

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the Pages who have been with us all week. Tiena Rose will be obtaining her grade 11 next fall in Bolivia. Tiena is also the student council vice-president of Inukshuk High School in Iqaluit and has been eyeing your Speaker's chair.

Charlotte Kusugak is a relatively newcomer to Iqaluit via Rankin Inlet. On her way over to Yellowknife, half of Rankin's population turned out at the airport to say, hi to her.

Meghan McKenna is a very quick study. She was able to do an on-the-spot evaluation of the Members at a moment's notice. She would make an excellent clerk. Watch out Mr. Hamilton, perhaps I should say, John Quirke.

Heather McGregor is a very strong soccer player and her presence will be missed next year by Inukshuk High School because Meghan will be going south to further her studies.

Allison McKury is one of the few Pages who has the love of her uniform. She will also be attending school in the south next year.

Jonathan Levy says he would never involve himself in politics because he would not be able to stay awake long enough. Perhaps he is trying to tell us something.

Kipinik Eegeesiak, better known as Kip, is another page who has trouble staying awake. On the first day in the visitor's gallery with the sum beaming down, he had an afternoon nap. Way to go, Kip.

Mr. Speaker, the Page Program is an excellent opportunity to allow our young people an excellent view of politics. I would like to thank all the billets in Yellowknife and Legislative Assembly staff, Canadian Airlines, again, for giving me a good rate to bring all the Pages from Iqaluit and the Sergeant-at-Arms and Eliza Kingdon, who is in the gallery and again has taken on the job of chaperon for the Pages, and to you, Mr. Speaker, for the continuing good work and, hopefully, for hosting a lunch for us tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Member's Statement 501-13(5): Recognition Of Iqaluit Pages

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1578

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca .

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Member's Statement 502-13(5): Concerns With The Collective Bargaining Process

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1579

James Rabesca

North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address the issue of the bad state of affairs between the UNW and this government. In reviewing the final proposed settlement brought forward by our government, I feel it is more than fair and equitable, so hopefully, progress can be made on it. The UNW is taking a strong stance on the issue of pay equity and rightfully so. However, they seem not to be too interested in what their membership is saying. I have talked to number of staff members in my riding and am happy to say, most are pleased with the offer and I hope the union will listen to its membership.

As I have stated previously, in this day and age of tight budget restraints and cutbacks, we must all cooperate to ensure our staff and membership is the main party that wins in the end. Our staff is, our most important asset. They should have this contract negotiation settled, so life can go on and everyone can concentrate on the other just as important issues that are currently at hand. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Member's Statement 502-13(5): Concerns With The Collective Bargaining Process

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1579

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas .

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Member's Statement 503-13(5): Ending Of The Nhl Hockey Season

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1579

Levi Barnabas

High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make an emergency statement on behalf of a significant proportion of my constituents. Mr. Speaker, there is a little less than a month left in the NHL Hockey season and I am worried about the potential ramifications for the people of the territories who cannot face the week without their Saturday night fix. One positive thing is, at least with the elimination of all of the Canadian teams, there will be no threat of an NHL players' strike this year.

On a sad note, Mr. Speaker, it has been five years since a Canadian team won the Stanley Cup, which believe it or not began its life as the emblem of Hockey supremacy in Canada. Of course, the lack of Canadian teams left in the hunt for Lord Stanley's Cup has actually saved the lives of a few Fox Network Sports Executives. If there were three Canadian teams left, I am sure that there might be a few very nervous Network Executives wanting to fall onto their swords, so to speak.

I am brave enough to ask the question, Mr. Speaker, can adequate Constitutional debate continue in this country without Don Cherry having his Saturday night soapbox? I am sure that there are a few members of the Quebec National Assembly who are convinced that the stiff collars Mr. Cherry wears have cut off the circulation to this brain.

Mr. Speaker, I also envision that there are Reform Party members who have adopted Don Cherry as the poster child for the politically challenged. Personally, I think, Mr. Speaker, the new beard that Mr. Cherry is sporting makes him look like a slightly demented version of KFCs Colonel and that the only reason he wears the collars is to hide his red neck. In any event, Mr. Speaker, this Member's statement is starting to make about as much sense as a back-checking Swede or Don Cherry, getting a fleur-de-lis tattoo. I will end on a serious note. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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Member's Statement 503-13(5): Ending Of The Nhl Hockey Season

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1579

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Member for High Arctic is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? Mr. Barnabas , you have unanimous consent.

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Member's Statement 503-13(5): Ending Of The Nhl Hockey Season

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1579

Levi Barnabas

High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my colleagues, for allowing me to conclude my statement. The hockey playoffs in Canada have always been a time to get together with your friends, have a little party and cheer on your favourite team. If you are going to drink, please leave your vehicle at home, walk or take a cab. Thank you. Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Member's Statement 503-13(5): Ending Of The Nhl Hockey Season

Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 1579

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Morin .

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Return To Oral Question 542-13(5): Termination Benefits For Laidoff Employees

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1579

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by the honourable Member, Jake Ootes on May 26th on the termination benefits for laidoff employees.

During the period when the Government of the Northwest Territories was restructuring, an employee in the Personnel Secretariat, Department of the Executive was designated and tasked with overseeing the administration of termination benefits of laidoff employees. The central specialist was in this position for the time that the government was undergoing major downsizing in the number of staff.

In September of 1997, individual departments assumed full responsibility for all aspects of layoff administration. The Personnel Secretariat was available to provide advice and assistance during the transition to ensure consistency across departments, revised guidelines and procedures for layoffs have been implemented. Thank you.

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Return To Oral Question 542-13(5): Termination Benefits For Laidoff Employees

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Page 1579

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. I would like to remind the Members when they are addressing other Members that they do not use their first name. It is either Mr. Ootes or the Member for Yellowknife Centre . Returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mrs. Groenewegen .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1579

Jane Groenewegen

Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I have the pleasure of recognizing my mother-in-law and father-in-law. They have five children. Their second is my wonderful husband. They also have 19 grandchildren and grandchild number three is graduating from St. Patrick's High School on Friday. They are here for Jordan's graduation. I also would like to recognize my two lovely sisters in the gallery today, Joanne and Janet. Thank you.

--Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1580

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Barnabas .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1580

Levi Barnabas

High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to recognize my CA in Yellowknife, Ms. Atsinak Bishop. She is also a lay leader at Holy Trinity Church here in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1580

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Picco .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1580

Edward Picco

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to also welcome to the gallery, Janet Ostler. I thank Janet for her tips on successful yard sale bargain hunting in Yellowknife. Thank you.

--Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1580

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Krutko .

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1580

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Pat Thomas and all the other people who have not been recognized at this time. Welcome to the Assembly.

--Applause

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Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 1580

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Steen .

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Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1580

Vince Steen

Nunakput

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Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1580

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Premier .

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Return To Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1580

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Renewable Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is ill today. He is not available to answer this question, so I will try my best. Our government is on record as in support of the Inuvialuit people to review that park and the boundaries in the Inuvialuit land claim area. Our government is on record that we ask the federal government to reconsider the moving ahead with this bill until they look at reviewing the park with the Inuvialuit people and our government as well.

I am on record as the Premier of the Northwest Territories, who represents the Northwest Territories people as saying, let northerners decide what happens in the north. I will be pleased to forward the Member's arguments to the federal government requesting them to slow down on the bill which affects this park and once again, listen to what northerners have to say. Thank you.

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Return To Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1580

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Steen .

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Supplementary To Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1580

Vince Steen

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Inuvialuit people in my riding, I wish to thank the Premier and Cabinet, in general, for the support they have shown on this particular situation. As I have stated earlier, for whatever reason, the federal government feels compelled to rush this bill through the House. It may require, at this point in time, a fairly urgent call from the Premier to the federal government in the very near future, to have an effect before the bill is actually passed. I request again, would the Premier consider doing it in the next few days?

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Supplementary To Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1580

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Morin .

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Further Return To Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1580

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member knows, the government is very quick in responding to the majority of the concerns raised in this Assembly. As Members know, we do have very effective and efficient staff in our offices upstairs watching these procedures, so through those processes I will request my staff immediately to contact the Department of Renewable Resources and Economic Development to pen a letter immediately for my signature to the federal government, so that within an hour or two I can fax it off. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Question 621-13(5): Request To Slow Legislative Progress Of Bill C-38

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1580

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger .

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Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1580

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

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Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1580

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Minister of the Financial Management Board , Mr. Todd .

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Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It would be fair to say, there has been a continued concern expressed, not only by some of the community-based providers of communications, but also others within the constituency at large. My staff has had numerous meetings with NorthwesTel and impressed upon them the need for them to move aggressively and meet the deadlines that we have set. If my memory serves me correct, the deadline I had said at the time was we would have this whole system up and running in the majority of the communities by April 1, 1999. Certainly, that was the intent.

I do not have before me an up-to-date record to provide my colleague as to where we have successfully or unsuccessfully concluded the digital communication network system, but certainly the intention is and the direction I have given to my department is to put the right kind of pressure and to work in coordination with NorthwesTel to achieve that overall goal of having this communication system up and running by April 1, 1999, in all communities within the territories. Thank you.

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Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger .

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Supplementary To Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In addition to the missed deadlines, there is the issue of Ardicom, in fact, downgrading from fibre optic cables to the existing telephone systems and copper lines and running in direct competition to local service providers contrary to the indication that was given earlier on when this whole project and contract was initiated. Could the Minister, in fact, speak to those concerns? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Mr. Speaker, I am not aware of where that is occurring, but if it is, I think I can probably say I would be disappointed. I do not want to prejudge whether, in fact, that is happening. All I can tell you is that I fundamentally believe a year, a year and a half ago that we would be the anchor tenant, in respect to this communication system and that we would get it up and running. If ever there was a place that the advanced state of the art digital communication system would work, it would be in a country like this.

I will check with my staff and see what the status is and if there has been any attempt to downgrade or to give us any less than what we requested, then I will take the appropriate course of action to correct that. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral question. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger .

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Supplementary To Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the fundamental issues arising out of this contract is through the back door, the government, NorthwesTel and Ardicom consortiums are, in fact, being given a monopoly and the use of government money to go into communities and undercut local businesses, which I do not think was anybody's intent. Could the Minister also undertake to have his officials look at that very serious consideration? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

John Todd

Keewatin Central

I know in the previous discussions that were brought to my honourable colleague and my colleague from Inuvik as well, there was some concern about the impact of this overall digital communication network. There was some concern how it would impact upon the local Internet service providers. Again, I would hope that in the discussions that were undertaken with my department's officials and the community providers that we had reached some accommodation here that would not impact on their services.

I will have to be brought up-to-date on this issue to determine if, in fact, there is validity to my colleague's question and if there is, I will take the appropriate action necessary to correct it. I will also look into some of the concerns he has expressed with respect to the technology because if we are getting any less than what we have asked for, you have my assurances corrective action will be taken. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger .

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Supplementary To Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister for that response. Could he also add to his list the fact that apparently there was no follow-up from the initially very fruitful gathering of the service providers, Ardicom and government people in Yellowknife, though it was promised? I have forwarded a detailed letter of the concerns to the Minister as of today. Could the Minister commit to responding to me in as timely a fashion as he could to the itemized concerns in that letter when he has an opportunity to review it? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1581

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Thank you. Yes, Mr. Speaker, I will make every effort to do that. I would again, suggest, I am not up-to-date on this file as of today. I will look into it. There were supposed to be ongoing discussions that were to take place. Now, in any debate, of course, you never satisfy all of the people all of the time. Sometimes, hopefully, you satisfy some of the people, some of the time. It may be a situation like that. As we speak, Mr. Speaker, I am sending a note to my office to get a full briefing tomorrow morning. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Question 622-13(5): Ardicom Digital Network Contract

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Krutko .

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Question 623-13(5): Support For Mackenzie Delta Tourism

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

David Krutko

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier regarding my Member's statement on the ability of communities to take on more responsibility in regard to tourism and looking at developing tourism plans and the tourism infrastructure in the communities. Mr. Speaker, regarding my Member's statement, I mentioned the amount of money that is spent in the Yukon for tourism, but in the Northwest Territories, especially in the Mackenzie Delta, we seem to be lacking in the amount of resources that is acceptable for the communities that I represent.

I would like to ask the Premier through the Community Empowerment Initiatives of this government and also looking at the possibility of accessing funds from this government, to develop a position for the Mackenzie Delta communities to promote and develop tourism business plans and look at the long term capital for the three communities so we can develop the tourism industry in the Mackenzie Delta. Is that a possibility? Thank you.

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Question 623-13(5): Support For Mackenzie Delta Tourism

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Premier .

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Question 623-13(5): Support For Mackenzie Delta Tourism

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

Don Morin

Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my understanding that there are groups in the western Arctic working with the Arctic Tourism Association or something similar to that. I do not understand the local level of tourism and how it works, where the funding comes from, but I will be pleased to take that question as notice and I will have the Minister respond to the Member directly as soon as possible. Thank you.

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Return To Question 623-13(5): Support For Mackenzie Delta Tourism

Question 623-13(5): Support For Mackenzie Delta Tourism

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. The question is taken as notice. Oral questions. Mr. Barnabas .

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Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

Levi Barnabas

High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question will be directed to the Minister of Education , the Honourable Charles Dent . I understand by combining payments to seniors that there will be a lump sum payment for the seniors. In the smaller communities, most of the seniors do not have bank accounts and I understand that the lump sum payment will be directly deposited into their accounts. How is the Minister going to pay the people who do not have a bank account in the smaller communities? Thank you.

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Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , Mr. Dent .

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Return To Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is understanding that in the smaller communities a combined cheque would go out, intended to provide direct deposit in those communities where available. Combined cheques will be an option so that the seniors will be able to receive a cheque which combines the benefits. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Barnabas .

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Supplementary To Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

Levi Barnabas

High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, why is there a lump sum payment to these seniors in the small communities? Because in small communities, a lump sum payment is not acceptable. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister make weekly payments to these seniors? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Dent .

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Further Return To Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Right now seniors have to wait for two separate cheques. They have to wait for old age security and the senior citizens' supplementary benefit. One benefit is a federal benefit. The other is a territorial government benefit. Today, both governments are sending out cheques on a monthly basis. One reason for combining the cheques is to reduce the stress on those seniors who would wonder when the second cheque was going to show up. Both payments would show up at the same time, if they choose a combined cheque.

If they choose direct deposit, they would appear in their bank account on the same day every month. Another reason, Mr. Speaker, is that we would save a considerable amount of money on postage, envelopes and handling. Instead of sending out two cheques to each recipient, we would only have to send out one. Obviously, the more we can keep down the costs of administration, the more money we have to put into other programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Barnabas .

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Supplementary To Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

Levi Barnabas

High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do have a concern on lump sum payments. Mr. Speaker, the lump sum payment is going to be a one time payment only to the seniors. Why not divide it into weekly payments because they are going to get one whole pay cheque? Why not divide it so that seniors will get cheques every week? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1582

Charles Dent

Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are delivering one cheque per month right now. We cannot afford to deliver four cheques each month. It would be too expensive. The extra cost would have to be taken from other programs in order to pay for the increased administration costs. Right now, seniors are receiving two cheques. Sometimes they arrive on the same day, so they get the same amount of money. What we are offering to do is to put the cheques together. By

the way, Mr. Speaker, we consulted with seniors across the north, and while some did express some of the concerns the Member has raised in this House, an overwhelming majority supported the idea of having their cheques combined and seeing one cheque combining both the territorial and federal benefits. Mr. Speaker, we are following the wishes of the large majority of seniors. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Further Return To Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Question 624-13(5): Lump Sum Payments For Seniors

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Picco .

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Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

Edward Picco

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in response to a written question I had asked on an update of the UNW negotiations to date between the UNW, the OIC and the GNWT and the status of the employees after division. I did not have a strong level of comfort from the response. I am wondering if the Minister could update this House on the current situation regarding the negotiations that have gone on between these three parties on the employees in Nunavut after division. My question would be for the Minister of FMBS. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Finance , Mr. Todd .

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Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wonder if my honourable colleague could clarify. Is he talking in relation to the current collective agreement and how we are going to bridge that after April 1, 1999 just so I can give him the clarity he has requested?

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Return To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Picco , supplementary.

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Supplementary To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

Edward Picco

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, Mr. Speaker, the Minister is correct. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Mr. Speaker, of course, we have to get through the first situation we have and that is to try to get the current collective agreement approved by the membership. I have said, I am sure to the point where all of you are perhaps tired of hearing, that I am hoping it will go to the membership and I am confident the membership will give it the kind of vote that is necessary.

My understanding of the situation is that whatever collective agreement is in place at the time is transferrable over to the new Nunavut government and that the conditions, et cetera, will stay the same until such time as the collective agreement expires and a new collective agreement is negotiated by a new government, a new finance minister and a new minister responsible for the FMBS. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco .

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Supplementary To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

Edward Picco

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the UNW has requested to participate by conference call on this matter between the parties, the OIC, the UNW and the GNWT. I am wondering if that conference call has actually taken place yet. Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

John Todd

Keewatin Central

I am not aware whether a conference call has taken place or not, Mr. Speaker, but I can assure my colleague that all parties, particularly the UNW, who has got a responsibility, an obligation, to represent the interests of the unionized members, or the civil service, will be intimately involved, as will the management team, as will the Interim Commissioner's office. It is certainly our desire to bring all parties to the table, if you want, to reach whatever steps are necessary to bridge the collective agreement so that, hopefully, will be in place now and bridge to the new government on April 1, 1999. I am fairly confident, Mr. Speaker, that will occur.

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Further Return To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco .

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Supplementary To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

Edward Picco

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I guess the concern from the UNW and the employees themselves has been their status after March 31, 1999, and the collective agreement is one part of that. I am wondering if the Minister of the FMBS can give assurance or a level of comfort to our employees who are currently working for the GNWT that, indeed, they will still be in place after March 31, 1999. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Can I ask the Member to rephrase his question, please?

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Supplementary To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

Edward Picco

Iqaluit

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the collective agreement, hopefully, that will be signed over the next few months, will give some assurance that the members of the bargaining unit and the employees working for the Government of the Northwest Territories would be covered under that collective agreement. I guess the concern is, within that collective agreement, is there any assurance that the Minister can give that those employees working today for the GNWT will be working for the new Nunavut government after April 1, 1999? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Supplementary To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1583

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Minister of Finance , Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is an old question that we have answered a number of times. The answer is yes, all employees who are currently under the collective agreement, and are not under the collective agreement, who are working in Nunavut on April 1, 1999, will be transferred to the new Nunavut government, period.

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Further Return To Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Question 625-13(5): Discussions Regarding Nunavut Civil Servants

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Erasmus .

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Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

Roy Erasmus

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Chairman of the Financial Management Board . Mr. Speaker, the UNW has said that it will be able to put the GNWT offer out to its membership when it is satisfied that the job evaluation system is gender neutral. It also says that it would be satisfied of this if the issue was put to a three-person panel of experts with the GNWT choosing one representative and the UNW choosing another representative. The Minister has made it clear that he does not intend to meet the UNW's request.

The Minister has said it is too late because the UNW has already conceded, in collective bargaining, that the system is gender neutral. My question for the Minister is, whether or not there have been any concessions so far, what does the Minister believe the government stands to lose if he agreed to put the job evaluation system before a panel of experts, as the UNW has suggested?

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Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Minister of Finance , Mr. Todd .

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Return To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

John Todd

Keewatin Central

I do no think it is a question of what anybody has got to lose. I think it is a question of people's rights. The management team has a right to put in place a job evaluation. That is our right. A job evaluation system, we think is fair and we think responds to the needs of our membership. We have done that, and I say categorically today, in the bargaining unit, they agreed that the Hay Plan was gender neutral. They are not denying that. I did not see any press release this morning saying they were denying that.

I see no need to go to a third party to determine if it is gender neutral if both parties have agreed it is gender neutral. What I see a need for is both parties to work through some of the problems that may be within the Hay Plan Evaluation. I see no need to move forward in that respect. We gave the UNW every opportunity, every opportunity to participate in this Hay Plan Evaluation System. They agreed to do that at one point by sending a memorandum. For whatever reasons, and I do not question them, they chose then not to participate. I see no point in going to a third party at this time, Mr. Speaker.

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Return To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus .

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Supplementary To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

Roy Erasmus

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe the UNW has not indicated that the Hay system is not gender neutral, but the way it is being proposed to be implemented here is not gender neutral. Be that as it may, would the Minister not agree that the important issue is not whether the UNW has already conceded that the Hay system is gender neutral, but that the more important issue is that this matter be resolved as quickly as possible?

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Supplementary To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

John Todd

Keewatin Central

I could not agree more, Mr. Speaker, that we need to move quickly to resolve it. That is why I have consistently said, let the people decide. Let them go through the democratic process of a vote for this collective agreement and this pay equity issue that has been long outstanding. At the end of the day, that is where we should be heading. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus .

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Supplementary To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

Roy Erasmus

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on May 12th, the Canadian Human Rights Act, was amended. I have had a look at the amendments. I believe this means that this issue will be going to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal which could take up to a year with its workload and with the UNW's proposal, I believe, it would take about two weeks to conclude as both parties would have 20 hours of representation being made. In this light, it seems as though the UNW's tribunal would be over in two weeks. Is it not more preferable to do it through the UNW's suggestion rather than the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Mr. Speaker, I am sorry, but my position is clear. I believe that we have an agreement that the Hay Plan Evaluation is gender neutral. What we have are some problems within it, where two parties should work it out. I am sorry I cannot respond in a positive way for my honourable colleague. My position stands at this time.

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Further Return To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Erasmus .

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Supplementary To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

Roy Erasmus

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Finance Minister agree that it is preferable to conclude this matter in the matter of a month rather than up to a year?

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Supplementary To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1584

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Gender Neutrality Issue

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Further Return To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1585

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am confident we can conclude this matter very quickly if we put it out to a vote to the membership, who are our constituents. I am reasonably confident we will get the response that we want. Thank you.

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Further Return To Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On

Question 626-13(5): GNWT Position On Gender Neutrality Issue

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1585

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mr. Roland .

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Question 627-13(5): Ardicom Contract Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1585

Floyd Roland

Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier, my colleague from Thebacha, questioned on the Ardicom contract. I would like to follow up on that. Concerns are being raised from within my community in the area of Ardicom and the work it is doing, especially when it comes to how different government departments are putting out tenders and the tenderers are lining up with the kind of equipment that Ardicom is putting forward. It is already making a decision that the local providers are not qualified or do not have the proper equipment. My question to the Minister of FMBS is, if this is the case, will he be looking at it and making sure that local providers are given an opportunity to take

part in the opportunities as they present themselves? Thank you.

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Question 627-13(5): Ardicom Contract Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1585

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

The Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board Secretariat , Mr. Todd .

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Return To Question 627-13(5): Ardicom Contract Concerns

Question 627-13(5): Ardicom Contract Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1585

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it was the intention of this government to put the overall, territorial-wide digital communications systems into place that was state of the art which would move us into the 21st Century and answer the concerns, the issues and the efficiencies of government, particularly at the small community level. There is no question there are some minor problems with respect to Fort Smith, Inuvik, and I think, Iqaluit. We will try to take those into consideration. I am not sure, to be very candid to my colleague, that we can be all things to all people in this initiative.

Certainly, we will make a considered effort, and as I said to an earlier question, I want a full update tomorrow morning. I am just getting a briefing note as we speak to determine, if, in fact, the concerns raised by colleagues have some validity and I do not mean that offensively, and if there is some substance to the concerns that have been raised. If there is, and if there is some way we can resolve it, we will. This digital communications system is not going to be without its glitches and it is not going to keep everybody happy, unfortunately. Thank you.

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Return To Question 627-13(5): Ardicom Contract Concerns

Question 627-13(5): Ardicom Contract Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1585

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Roland .

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Supplementary To Question 627-13(5): Ardicom Contract Concerns

Question 627-13(5): Ardicom Contract Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1585

Floyd Roland

Inuvik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister look at the program, then that this government offers? We see it in privatization initiatives, and in a number of other ways this government has dealt with contracts to establish private businesses in small communities. In this case, it looks like we are doing the reverse. We are helping to build a monopoly. If the concerns, once he looks at it, will he address those concerns to ensure that private, local providers will have an opportunity to take

part in the business that this government gets involved with? Thank you.

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Supplementary To Question 627-13(5): Ardicom Contract Concerns

Question 627-13(5): Ardicom Contract Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1585

The Speaker

Samuel Gargan

Mr. Todd .

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Further Return To Question 627-13(5): Ardicom Contract Concerns

Question 627-13(5): Ardicom Contract Concerns

Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1585

John Todd

Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes. I will do the best I can with respect to this initiative and see if, in fact, we can involve the three areas of concern and two specifically, Fort Smith and Inuvik. I am saying to my honourable colleague, I understand those concerns and it is certainly not our intent to develop monopolies, but the Ardicom bid was the successful bidder in a very important territorial-wide digital communication initiative. We will do the best we can, at the end of the day, hop